Ground Beef Ramen Noodle Stir Fry

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ground Beef Ramen Noodle Stir Fry is a quick, easy, and satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor and texture. This dish combines savory ground beef with the beloved ramen noodles, all tossed in a savory stir-fry sauce, and loaded with colorful vegetables. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a comforting, budget-friendly meal. With just a few ingredients and minimal cooking time, this stir fry is both delicious and incredibly versatile!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef

• 3 packs of instant ramen noodles (discard the seasoning packet)

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• 1 small onion, diced

• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 1 carrot, julienned or thinly sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

• Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the ramen noodles: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions, usually about 3 minutes. Drain the noodles and set them aside.

2. Cook the ground beef: While the noodles are cooking, heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat.

3. Stir-fry the vegetables: Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and carrot to the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but still crisp. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.

4. Add the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour this sauce over the beef and vegetables in the skillet, stirring well to coat everything evenly.

5. Combine with the noodles: Add the cooked ramen noodles to the skillet, tossing them gently to combine with the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes to allow the noodles to absorb the flavors of the sauce and heat through.

6. Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds (if desired). Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Preparation time: 10 minutes

• Cooking time: 15-20 minutes

• Total time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

• Add More Veggies: You can add other vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, zucchini, or mushrooms to the stir fry for more variety and nutrition.

• Spicy Version: For a spicier dish, add a tablespoon of sriracha sauce or a few extra red pepper flakes to the sauce.

• Protein Swap: If you prefer a different protein, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu as a substitute for the ground beef.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and gluten-free ramen noodles for a gluten-free version of this dish.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the stir fry in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce to prevent it from drying out. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular noodles instead of ramen noodles?

Yes, you can use any type of noodles, like udon, soba, or rice noodles, instead of ramen for a different texture.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stir fry and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s a great make-ahead meal for meal prep!

3. Can I add more sauce?

Yes, if you prefer a saucier dish, feel free to increase the amount of soy sauce, oyster sauce, or hoisin sauce to taste.

4. Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?

Yes, you can substitute low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the overall salt content of the dish.

5. How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?

To prevent the noodles from sticking, rinse them under cold water after draining to stop the cooking process. Also, be sure to stir the noodles well in the stir fry to keep them separated.

6. Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the stir fry. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly when ready to eat.

7. Can I add eggs to this dish?

Yes, you can add scrambled eggs to this stir fry. Simply beat an egg, scramble it in the skillet before adding the vegetables, and then continue with the recipe as directed.

8. Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is not inherently gluten-free due to the ramen noodles and soy sauce. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free ramen noodles and soy sauce.

9. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can make this dish vegetarian by using tofu or tempeh instead of ground beef and omitting any non-vegetarian sauces, such as oyster sauce.

10. How can I make this dish more flavorful?

To enhance the flavor, you can add a splash of fish sauce, a squeeze of lime, or a pinch of brown sugar to the sauce to balance out the salty and sweet flavors.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Ramen Noodle Stir Fry is a quick and delicious meal that’s full of flavor and perfect for busy days. With savory beef, tender veggies, and the satisfying texture of ramen noodles, this stir fry is a winner for anyone looking for a comforting, weeknight dinner. Whether you’re making it for yourself or feeding a family, it’s a simple yet tasty dish that’s sure to please! Plus, it’s so customizable – feel free to add your favorite veggies or proteins for a dish that’s uniquely yours.

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