Chewy ramen noodles stir-fried in a light, savory garlic sauce with a hint of sweetness and spice. This easy stir-fried ramen recipe is ready in just 5 minutes using pantry ingredients. I briefly boil the noodles until loosened so they finish cooking in the sauce without becoming soggy.
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Stir-fried ramen is a quick noodle dish made with instant ramen noodles tossed in a savory sauce instead of the usual soup broth. My version uses a simple garlic soy sauce with honey, mirin, and a little sriracha for a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavor.
I created this recipe because I love eating ramen while watching Korean dramas, but sometimes I don't want a bowl of soup that might splash while I'm eating on the couch!
When I make this for lunch or dinner, I like using thicker instant ramen noodles, such as Jin Ramen or Nongshim Shin Ramyun, because they hold their chewy texture better when tossed in the sauce.
Ingredients & Substitutes
Exact ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card at the bottom of this page.
- Instant Ramen Noodles: Use any instant ramen noodles you enjoy, preferably thicker varieties like Jin Ramen or Nongshim Shin Ramyun for their chewy texture. The seasoning packet isn't needed.
- Water: For boiling the ramen noodles.
- Green Onions
- Toasted Sesame Seeds: Add a light crunch and nutty flavor to the finished noodles. Black sesame seeds also work.
- Vegetable Oil: Or use any neutral cooking oil with a high smoke point, such as canola, refined avocado, or peanut oil.
Noodle Sauce
- Regular Soy Sauce: Forms the savory base of the noodle sauce. Light soy sauce also works. For a less salty sauce, use low-sodium soy sauce.
- Honey: Adds sweetness to balance the salty soy sauce. Maple syrup or white granulated sugar also works.
- Garlic: Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor, but jarred minced garlic also works.
- Mirin: A sweet Japanese rice wine that adds mild sweetness to the savory sauce.
- Ginger Powder: I prefer using this over fresh ginger because it's milder and distributes evenly throughout the sauce.
- Toasted Sesame Oil: Adds a rich, nutty flavor to the garlic soy sauce.
- Melted Butter: Adds richness and a buttery flavor to the sauce. I prefer using unsalted butter.
- Sriracha Sauce: Optional for a spicy kick. I prefer Huy Fong Sriracha for its garlicky flavor.
Note: Asian ingredients are typically available at most Asian grocery stores or online.
Expert Tips
- Don't overcook the noodles because they'll continue softening during stir-frying and can become soggy.
- Drain the noodles thoroughly so excess water doesn't dilute the sauce and weaken its flavor.
- Reserve the starchy noodle water because the starch helps the sauce cling to the noodles.
- Prepare the sauce before cooking so you can toss the noodles quickly without overcooking them.
- Keep the heat low when stir-frying because the sugars in the sauce can scorch over high heat.
Instructions
Below are step-by-step instructions on how to make stir-fried ramen:
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, combine all the noodle sauce ingredients until the honey has fully dissolved. Set aside.
- Boil the noodles: Add the measured water to a small pot and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the instant ramen noodles and boil for 1.5 minutes until loosened but still firm. Reserve 1 tablespoon of hot noodle water, then drain the noodles well.
- Cook the green onions: Dry the drained pot and return it to the stove over low heat, making sure no excess water remains. Add the vegetable oil and chopped green onions. Stir-fry for 10 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the noodles and sauce: Add the drained noodles, reserved noodle water, and prepared sauce to the pot.
- Stir-fry and serve: Toss the noodles for 1 minute until evenly coated in the sauce and heated through. Immediately transfer to a serving bowl. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and enjoy!
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The noodles will soften over time, so they're best enjoyed fresh.
- Freezer: I don't recommend freezing these noodles because they can become mushy after thawing and reheating.
- Reheating: Microwave for 1-2 minutes until hot, or reheat in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water for 1-2 minutes, tossing until heated through.
Variations
- Add Protein: Top with a fried egg, scrambled eggs, boiled eggs, cooked chicken, shrimp, beef, or crispy tofu for a more filling meal.
- Add Vegetables: Mix in cooked bok choy, Chinese broccoli, spinach, or carrots for extra vegetables.
- Make It Spicier: Add more sriracha or drizzle with chili oil for extra heat.
Pairing Suggestions
Serve stir-fried ramen with:
- Bulgogi: Savory Korean BBQ beef adds protein for a more filling meal.
- Korean Cucumber Salad: Crisp, tangy cucumbers balance the savory noodles.
- Dumplings: Steamed or pan-fried dumplings make a satisfying appetizer.
📖 Recipe
Easy 5-min. Stir Fried Ramen
Chewy ramen noodles stir-fried in a light, savory garlic sauce with a hint of sweetness and spice. This easy stir-fried ramen recipe is ready in just 5 minutes using pantry ingredients. I briefly boil the noodles until loosened so they finish cooking in the sauce without becoming soggy.
Ingredients
- 1 packet instant ramen
- 2 cups water
- 1 green onion finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon vegetable oil or any neutral oil
- ¼ teaspoon sesame seeds toasted kind
Noodle Sauce
- 2 tablespoon regular soy sauce or light soy sauce
- 2 tsp honey
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil toasted kind
- ½ tsp unsalted butter melted
- ½ teaspoon mirin
- ⅛ teaspoon ginger powder
- ¼ teaspoon sriracha
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine all the noodle sauce ingredients until the honey has fully dissolved. Set aside.
- Bring measured water to a boil in a small pot over medium-high heat. Add the instant ramen noodles and boil for 1.5 minutes until loosened but still firm. Reserve 1 tablespoon of hot noodle water, then drain the noodles well.
- Dry the drained pot and return it to the stove over low heat, making sure no excess water remains. Add the vegetable oil and chopped green onions. Stir-fry for 10 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the drained noodles, reserved noodle water, and prepared sauce to the pot.
- Toss the noodles for 1 minute until evenly coated in the sauce and heated through. Immediately transfer to a serving bowl. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and enjoy!
Enjoyed my recipe?Please leave a 5 star review (be kind)! Tag me on social media @christieathome as I'd love to see your creations!
Suggested Equipment & Products
Nutrition
Calories: 617kcal | Carbohydrates: 97g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 0.3mg | Sodium: 4066mg | Potassium: 389mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 126IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 75mg | Iron: 4mg
Fred
It was really easy to make, delicious and filling. I messed up and it was cold when I was eating it but then I realised it can me a meal-prep idea! I recommend this recipe for everyone who is learning how to cook.
PS: I added teriyaki-fried tofu and sesame as toppings
Christie Lai
Thank you so much for making my recipe and so glad you enjoyed it with some teriyaki tofu and sesame seeds!
Evelyn Sanchez
This was Amazing. I've never had anything like it. It was like heaven in noodles. Thank you so much Christie.
Christie Lai
Thank you so much for making my recipe and so glad you found it to be heavenly!
Heidi Miller
Bring on the flavor! You've created the perfect balance of both sweet and savory with this dish!!
Sharon
I made this today and your recipe is OUTSTANDING!!!!! Easy sub for mirin was rice wine vinegar, I used regular butter and arugula for greens since that's what I had. This recipe is killer! Thank you.
christieathome
Thank you so much Sharon! This is the kindest review I’ve ever received! I am so happy you enjoyed it and thank you so much for sharing your substitute!
Preethi
Perfect and easiest indulgence made at the convenience of home.! I modified a bit to my likings and I’m going to be making this many many times. Inspire more Christie!
Ivanka
This ramen stir fry method/sauce was AMAZING! I made a few tiny substitutions based on what I had - e.g. used rice vinegar instead of Mirin, olive oil instead of avocado oil & added some chili flakes. The vegan butter gave them the most perfect buttery flavour/texture. Such a delicious recipe - thank you Christie!
christieathome
Aww thank you so Ivanka! I am so happy you enjoyed it. Great substitutions as well!! Also happy to hear you enjoyed the butter trick. Have a great day Ivanka!!
Rebecca Dillon
Ramen is that perfect indulgence. This sounds especially amazing. I can't wait to give this recipe a try! Thanks so much, Christie!
Tasia ~ two sugar bugs
This ramen noodle recipe looks so darn delicious! I definitely need to make this one for my family and I need to get my hands on some of the Lotus Foods Ramen. Thanks for sharing Christie!