What are ramen noodles made of?

Ramen noodles are made primarily from wheat flour, water, and kansui, a type of alkaline mineral water that gives the noodles their unique texture and slight yellow color. Some variations may also include salt, and occasionally, small amounts of eggs or egg whites are added to enhance the texture.

Is instant ramen bad for you?

Instant ramen is convenient but low in nutrients and high in sodium, preservatives, and artificial flavors. It's fine for occasional consumption but should be balanced with nutrient-rich foods if eaten regularly to maintain a healthy diet.

Does instant ramen expire?

Yes, instant ramen does expire. It typically has a shelf life of around 2 years from the date of manufacture when stored properly. However, it's best to check the expiration date on the package for accuracy.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is not gluten-free as standard ramen noodles are made from wheat. However, you can make it gluten-free by substituting the noodles with a gluten-free variety and ensuring that all other ingredients, like soy sauce, are certified gluten-free.

Best Instant Ramen Recipe

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Here’s the best instant ramen recipe for busy weekdays or lazy weekends. This noodle dish is quick and easy to make with healthy vegetables and a delicious Thai-style stir-fry sauce!

Instant ramen stir-fry with vegetables and pork served in a bamboo dish.

Fried instant noodles are one of my favorite dishes for when I want to get something on the table quickly. After trying this stir-fried ramen recipe, be sure to check out my popular recipes for chicken ramen soup, peanut butter ramen, and drunken mama noodles!

In this recipe, I’ll give you plenty of tips on how to make instant ramen better. If you’d rather get straight to cooking, scroll right down to the instructions!

What are ramen noodles

Ramen noodles are thin, wheat-based noodles originating from Japan, typically served in a savory broth. These noodles are known for their chewy texture and are a staple in many Asian cuisines.

About this stir-fried noodles recipe

What you’ll love most about this easy recipe is how versatile it is – it’s a fantastic option for using up leftover vegetables and proteins from your fridge. Sometimes, cooking is all about making the most of what you have on hand, reducing waste while still putting a delicious meal on the table.

Plus, preparing this noodle stir-fry is super simple! Since everything cooks up in just a few minutes, you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal with family or friends.

Close-up of stir-fried ramen noodles with vegetables and pork.

The stir-fry sauce adds all the flavor you need, making everything savory and delicious. If you’re into spicy ramen stir-fry, feel free to throw in some fresh chilies or add a sprinkle of Thai chili flakes to heat things up.

On the hunt for authentic noodle dishes? Be sure to bookmark beef pad Thai, pad see ew shrimp, and pad kee mao for later!

And if you’re looking to mix things up with your fried ramen noodles, I’ve got plenty of customization options for you after the instructions for how to fry ramen noodles!

Ingredients

Ingredients can be sourced at Asian grocery stores and Asian markets.
The exact measurements are in the recipe card at the end of this post.

Ground pork – For the best flavor, opt for ground pork with a nice balance of fat and meat.
Noodles – When making stir-fried ramen, using store-bought instant ramen noodles without the seasoning sachets is preferred so you can control the flavors and seasonings yourself.
Garlic
Onion, carrot, green onions
White sesame seeds – Sesame seeds add a subtle nutty taste and crunch.
Light soy sauce – Light soy sauce, a staple in Thai cuisine, adds a salty flavor to the stir-fry sauce.
Dark soy sauce – Dark soy sauce has a rich, molasses-like sweetness and darkens the color of the ramen noodles.
Oyster sauce – Oyster sauce brings a savory flavor with a hint of sweetness.
White sugar – A sprinkle of sugar is essential for balancing the salty and optionally spicy flavors.
Oil – Make sure to use a neutral oil with high smoke point, like canola oil, sunflower oil, or vegetable oil.

How to make instant ramen stir-fry

Step 1: Begin by boiling your ramen noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside.

Step 2: In a large pan or wok, heat oil over medium heat. Add chopped garlic to the oil, sautéing until it is fragrant and golden.

Step 3: Add ground pork to the pan with the sautéed garlic. Break the meat apart with a spatula and cook until it’s no longer pink and starts to brown.

Pork and vegetables stir-fried in a pan.

Step 4: Once the pork is cooked, add sliced onions and carrots to the pan. Stir-fry the mixture until the vegetables are just tender to your liking.

Step 5: Add the previously cooked ramen noodles to the pan along with the stir-fry sauces and seasonings – white sugar, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Toss everything together to combine, ensuring that the noodles get well-coated with the cooking juices and sauces.

Step 6: Finish by sprinkling white sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions over the noodles. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Kitchenware

Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe using ramen noodles:

Measuring spoons and cups
Cutting board and a sharp knife
Saucepan (for boiling ramen noodles)
Large skillet or wok
Stirring spoon or spatula

How to improve instant ramen

Make instant ramen healthier: Add fresh stir-fry vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, bell peppers, or broccoli. Use lean proteins like chicken breast, beef, or tofu.
Ramen noodles with egg: Top your ramen with an egg – try it soft-boiled, poached, or fried.
Upgrade the noodles: Experiment with different noodles like udon, soba, or sen yai (wide rice noodles).
Spicy instant ramen: Add spicy ingredients like chopped fresh chili peppers, a spoonful of chili paste, or sprinkle your noodles with red pepper flakes.
Garnishes: Additions like roasted peanuts, fresh herbs (like cilantro or basil), or a squeeze of lime can enhance the taste and texture.

Serving suggestions

Serve your stir-fried ramen for lunch or dinner with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the flavors. For a Thai touch, a sprinkle of chopped peanuts and fresh lime wedges can improve the flavors.

Storing and reheating

Storing: Cool any leftovers to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to three days.

Reheating: To reheat, simply toss the noodles in a skillet over medium heat until warm.

Frequently asked questions

What are ramen noodles made of?

Ramen noodles are made primarily from wheat flour, water, and kansui, a type of alkaline mineral water that gives the noodles their unique texture and slight yellow color. Some variations may also include salt, and occasionally, small amounts of eggs or egg whites are added to enhance the texture.
Is instant ramen bad for you?

Instant ramen is convenient but low in nutrients and high in sodium, preservatives, and artificial flavors. It’s fine for occasional consumption but should be balanced with nutrient-rich foods if eaten regularly to maintain a healthy diet.
Does instant ramen expire?

Yes, instant ramen does expire. It typically has a shelf life of around 2 years from the date of manufacture when stored properly. However, it’s best to check the expiration date on the package for accuracy.
Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is not gluten-free as standard ramen noodles are made from wheat. However, you can make it gluten-free by substituting the noodles with a gluten-free variety and ensuring that all other ingredients, like soy sauce, are certified gluten-free.

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