Craving a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal? Look no further! This Chow Mein Ramen recipe perfectly blends the best of both worlds – the comforting warmth of ramen and the satisfying textures of chow mein. It’s a delicious dish perfect for busy weeknights, a fun weekend lunch, or even a satisfying late-night snack. This easy recipe is packed with flavor and requires minimal cooking time, making it ideal for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs seeking a quick and healthy meal. Get ready to elevate your noodle game!
Ingredients:
- 2 packages (3 oz each) ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced (or shrimp, tofu, or beef)
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional, adds richness)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Prep the Noodles: Cook ramen noodles according to package directions. Drain well and set aside. Try to avoid overcooking to maintain a nice texture.
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Stir-fry the Protein & Veggies: Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken (or your chosen protein) and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from the wok and set aside.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Add onion and carrots to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened. Add broccoli and peas and continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
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Combine and Simmer: Return the chicken to the wok. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
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Noodle Fusion: Add the cooked ramen noodles to the wok and toss gently to coat them evenly with the sauce.
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Serve & Garnish: Divide the chow mein ramen into bowls. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chow Mein Ramen:
- Don't overcook the noodles: Overcooked noodles will become mushy. Follow package directions carefully and drain well.
- Use fresh vegetables: Fresh vegetables will provide better flavor and texture.
- Adjust the seasoning: Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and red pepper flakes to your taste.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Chow Mein Ramen: Omit the chicken and substitute with firm tofu for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Spicy Chow Mein Ramen: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha for extra heat.
- Shrimp Chow Mein Ramen: Substitute the chicken with shrimp for a lighter and quicker cooking option.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. A general estimate using chicken would be approximately 350-400 calories, with moderate protein and a good source of vegetables. For a more precise nutritional breakdown, consider using an online nutritional calculator with the specific brands of ingredients used in your recipe.
This Chow Mein Ramen recipe is a delicious and versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. It's a perfect example of how simple homemade cooking can result in delicious and healthy meals. Enjoy!