Beef Ramen Stir Fry: A Flavorful and Quick Meal

Beef Ramen Stir Fry is a delicious, hearty meal that’s full of savory flavors and packed with colorful vegetables. The combination of lean ground beef, ramen noodles, and a flavorful sauce makes this dish a perfect weeknight dinner that can be prepared in just 30 minutes. This recipe is not only quick but also customizable with various vegetables and optional spicy elements like sriracha. Whether you’re a busy professional or a home cook, this meal is sure to satisfy your cravings for something tasty and filling.

For more stir-fry inspiration, check out this stir fry recipe collection on Delish, or get creative with your own sauces using tips from Bon Appétit’s stir-fry guide. These articles offer a range of stir-fry ideas for everyone!

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Making Beef Ramen Stir Fry is simple and straightforward. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

Beef Ramen Stir Fry Recipe – Quick & Flavorful Weeknight Meal

Author: Jennifer Mitchell
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Beef Ramen Stir Fry is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish that combines lean ground beef with vegetables and ramen noodles. The savory sauce, made with soy sauce, brown sugar, and a hint of sriracha, ties everything together. The stir-fried veggies add crunch and freshness, making this a one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Stir Fry:

1 pound lean ground beef
6 ounces ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets, use 2 packages)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 pound broccoli, cut into florets
1 cup shredded carrots

For the Sauce:

1/3 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 teaspoons sriracha (optional, for heat)
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon minced ginger
1 tablespoon corn starch
2 tablespoons water

Garnish:

Sliced green onions
Sesame seeds

Instructions

Cook the Ramen Noodles:
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the ramen noodles and cook according to package instructions (usually about 3–4 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sriracha (if using), garlic, ginger, cornstarch, and water until smooth. Set aside.
Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove any excess grease from the pan.
Stir Fry the Vegetables:
Add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, broccoli florets, and shredded carrots to the skillet with the beef. Stir fry for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Combine the Noodles and Sauce:
Add the cooked ramen noodles to the skillet with the beef and vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture and toss everything together until evenly coated. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and coat all the ingredients.
Serve:
Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Notes

You can customize the vegetables based on what you have available, such as adding mushrooms, snap peas, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.

Adjust the level of spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of sriracha.

For a richer flavor, try adding a splash of oyster sauce or hoisin sauce to the stir fry sauce.

This dish is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish, Asian-inspired
Method: Stir-frying
Cuisine: Asian, American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 1,200mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: Beef Ramen Stir Fry Recipe

Instructions:

Cook the Ramen Noodles: Begin by cooking the ramen noodles according to the package instructions. Be sure to discard the seasoning packets, as you’ll be using your own sauce. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sriracha (if using), garlic, ginger, corn starch, and water. Whisk until the corn starch is fully dissolved, and set aside.
Cook the Ground Beef: Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Once cooked, remove any excess fat from the skillet.
Add the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, broccoli florets, and shredded carrots to the skillet. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 5-6 minutes, or until they begin to soften but remain crisp-tender.
Combine the Noodles and Sauce: Add the cooked ramen noodles to the skillet along with the prepared sauce. Toss everything together to ensure the noodles and vegetables are coated with the sauce and heated through.
Serve and Garnish: Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the stir fry to serving plates. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
Enjoy: Serve immediately, and enjoy this delicious and flavorful Beef Ramen Stir Fry with family or friends!

Advanced Techniques for Perfect Beef Ramen Stir Fry

While the basic recipe is already delicious, there are some advanced techniques you can try to take this dish to the next level.

Use Fresh Noodles for Extra Flavor

Instead of using instant ramen, try fresh ramen noodles for a richer, chewier texture. Fresh ramen noodles absorb sauces better and will add an authentic touch to your stir fry.

Customize the Vegetables

This recipe is highly adaptable to your favorite vegetables. You can add snap peas, mushrooms, bok choy, or cabbage for different textures and flavors. Just ensure the vegetables are cut into even pieces to cook evenly.

Add a Protein Boost

For a more filling meal, consider adding extra protein such as scrambled eggs, shrimp, or tofu. These ingredients will pair nicely with the ground beef and add more depth to the stir fry.

Balance the Sauce

For a richer flavor, you can experiment with the sauce. Add a tablespoon of rice vinegar for a bit of tang, or a dash of sesame oil to deepen the nutty flavor. Adjust the sriracha based on your spice tolerance, or omit it entirely for a milder dish.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

To keep your Beef Ramen Stir Fry fresh and ready to enjoy at any time, here are some tips for storing and maintaining the dish:

Storing Leftovers

Once you’ve finished your meal, store any leftover stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 3 days. Be sure to refrigerate the dish as soon as it cools down to avoid bacterial growth.

Reheating the Stir Fry

To reheat your Beef Ramen Stir Fry, place it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to prevent the noodles from becoming too dry. You can also microwave it in a covered dish, stirring halfway through the process to ensure even heating.

Freezing the Stir Fry

If you have extra servings and want to store them for a longer period, freezing the stir fry is a good option. Place the stir fry in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

This Beef Ramen Stir Fry is versatile and can be adapted to meet various dietary needs:

Gluten-Free Version

To make this dish gluten-free, replace the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. You can also use gluten-free ramen noodles, which are available in most grocery stores or specialty markets.

Low-Carb Version

For a low-carb or keto-friendly version, replace the ramen noodles with zucchini noodles (zoodles) or shirataki noodles. These alternatives will keep the dish light while still providing the texture of noodles.

Vegetarian or Vegan Version

To make this dish vegetarian or vegan, substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat, like lentils, mushrooms, or a vegan meat substitute. For a richer flavor, consider adding tofu or tempeh as a protein source.

Dairy-Free Option

This recipe is already dairy-free, but if you’re serving it with any side dishes or garnishes that contain dairy, ensure they are also dairy-free to keep the meal suitable for those with lactose intolerance.

FAQs About The Recipe

Can I use instant ramen noodles in this recipe?

Yes, you can use instant ramen noodles, but be sure to discard the seasoning packets. Instant noodles are convenient and quick, but for a more authentic taste and texture, try using fresh ramen noodles.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance. Simply mix all the sauce ingredients and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to use, just add the sauce to the stir-fry.

What can I substitute for sesame oil?

If you don’t have sesame oil, you can substitute it with vegetable or canola oil. However, sesame oil adds a unique nutty flavor to the dish, so if you can, try to use it for the best results.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, if you prefer more heat, you can increase the amount of sriracha in the sauce. You can also add red pepper flakes or fresh chopped chilies to the stir fry to add extra spice.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Beef Ramen Stir Fry is a quick, delicious, and customizable meal that combines tender ground beef, crisp vegetables, and flavorful ramen noodles in a savory sauce. It’s a fantastic dish for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers, and with the option to modify it for different dietary needs, everyone can enjoy a bowl. Whether you’re adding extra veggies, customizing the spice level, or even swapping out proteins, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.

Enjoy your Beef Ramen Stir Fry, and don’t forget to experiment with different variations to make it your own!