Healthy Beef Ramen Noodles Stir Fry
This quick and flavorful Healthy Beef Ramen Noodles Stir Fry is a family favorite that elevates instant ramen to a delicious, satisfying meal. With a generous amount of savory sauce, tender beef, and crisp vegetables, this 30-minute dish is perfect for busy weeknights and picky eaters alike.
Equipment
- Large skillet or wok
- Large pot
- Mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Colander
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb Ground beef [450g]
Produce
- 1 large Onion thinly sliced
- 1 Red bell pepper thinly sliced
- 2 cups Broccoli florets [180g]
- 3 cloves Garlic minced
- 2 Scallions thinly sliced, for garnish
Pasta & Grains
- 9 oz Ramen noodles 3 packets, seasoning discarded [255g]
Condiments
- 1/2 cup Soy sauce low-sodium preferred [120ml]
- 2 tbsp Brown sugar [30g]
- 2 tsp Sriracha sauce adjust to taste [10ml]
Oils & Vinegars
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil [30ml]
- 2 tbsp Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar [30ml]
- 1 tsp Sesame oil optional [5ml]
Instructions
Prepare the Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, vegetable oil, brown sugar, vinegar, sriracha, and sesame oil (if using). Set aside.
Cook the Noodles
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook ramen noodles for 2 minutes or until just tender. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Beef
- In a large skillet or wok, cook ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink (about 5-7 minutes).
- Remove excess fat if desired, but leave a little for flavor.
Cook the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add sliced onions and cook for 2 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add bell peppers, broccoli, and minced garlic. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
Combine and Finish
- Return beef to the skillet if removed.
- Add cooked ramen noodles and prepared sauce.
- Toss gently over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve
- Divide the stir fry among plates.
- Garnish with sliced scallions.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
– For a sweeter flavor, replace half the soy sauce with teriyaki sauce.
– Feel free to add more vegetables like carrots or snap peas.
– For a spicier dish, add more sriracha or serve with extra on the side.
– Let the dish sit for a couple of minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
– For meal prep, prepare components separately and combine just before serving.
– For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce.
– Feel free to add more vegetables like carrots or snap peas.
– For a spicier dish, add more sriracha or serve with extra on the side.
– Let the dish sit for a couple of minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
– For meal prep, prepare components separately and combine just before serving.
– For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce.
Notes
- Lighter Alternatives: Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef to reduce fat content. Replace half of the oil with a calorie-free cooking spray.
- Ingredient Substitutions: Swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option. Replace the brown sugar with honey or a sugar substitute for a lower sugar version. Use balsamic vinegar instead of rice vinegar for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Storage Instructions: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the stir fry (without the noodles) for up to 2 months.
- Reheating Tips: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to retain texture. Add a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce and prevent the noodles from drying out.
Quick Tips
- Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and add it to the sauce mixture before tossing with the noodles.
- Enhance Texture: For extra crispy vegetables, stir-fry them over high heat for a shorter period. Avoid overcooking the beef to maintain its tenderness.
- Boost Flavor: Add a splash of lime juice or a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving to enhance the dish’s flavor and add freshness.
Side Dish Suggestions
- Vegetables: Serve with a side of steamed edamame or stir-fried bok choy.
- Salads: Pair with a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil for a refreshing contrast.
- Carbs: Accompany with a side of jasmine rice or cauliflower rice to soak up the extra sauce.
Nutritional Benefits
- Protein: Ground beef provides a good source of protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
- Fiber: Vegetables like broccoli and bell peppers offer fiber to support digestive health.
- Vitamins: Broccoli and red bell pepper are rich in vitamins C and K, which support immune function and bone health.
- Healthy Fats: Sesame oil and the option to use lean meats contribute to healthy fat intake.
Serving Suggestions
- Portion Sizes: Serve this stir fry as a main dish, with about 1.5 cups per person.
- Presentation Tips: Garnish with freshly sliced scallions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve in a large bowl to showcase the vibrant colors of the vegetables.
- Beverages: Pair with green tea or a light beer to complement the savory and umami flavors. For a non-alcoholic option, serve with sparkling water infused with lime.
Meal Prep Tips
- Make Ahead: Cook the beef and prepare the sauce in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prepping Vegetables: Slice the onions, bell peppers, and broccoli florets ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Assemble Quickly: Keep cooked ramen noodles separate until just before serving to prevent them from becoming mushy.
Customization Ideas
- Vegetarian Option: Replace ground beef with tofu or a meat substitute. Increase the vegetable quantities for a heartier texture.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free ramen or rice noodles, and ensure soy sauce is tamari or a gluten-free alternative.
- Spicier Flavor: Add extra sriracha or a dash of chili flakes to the sauce for more heat.
- Add-Ins: Enhance the dish by adding mushrooms, baby corn, or snap peas. For a richer flavor, stir in a spoonful of peanut butter into the sauce.
