Japanese BBQ Ramen Stir-Fry is a delightful dish that marries the comforting essence of ramen noodles with the smokiness of BBQ sauce and the aromatic richness of sesame oil. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight meal or want to impress friends with a unique dinner, this recipe provides the perfect balance of savory and satisfying flavors.
This dish is not only easy to make but also offers a great opportunity to play with your ingredients. You can customize it based on your preferences—swap chicken for beef, add more vegetables, or switch the BBQ sauce for a different style. But no matter how you tweak it, the overall experience remains an irresistible, savory delight.
Ingredients with Quantities
To make the perfect Japanese BBQ Ramen Stir-Fry, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 packs of instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, sliced into thin strips
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp BBQ sauce (Japanese or your favorite brand)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 small carrot, julienned
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
Directions and Preparation Method
Step 1: Cooking the Noodles
Start by boiling the instant ramen noodles according to the package instructions. However, be sure to cook them slightly undercooked, as they will finish cooking in the skillet. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside. This gives you a head start for the stir-fry process.
Step 2: Preparing the Chicken
Next, heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced chicken to the pan. Stir-fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through and slightly golden. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. This will ensure that the chicken remains juicy while the flavors from the sauce will coat it perfectly later.
Step 3: Stir-Frying the Veggies
In the same skillet, add a little more sesame oil if necessary. Toss in the minced garlic, grated ginger, shredded cabbage, and julienned carrots. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften but still maintain some crunch. The garlic and ginger will add a lovely aroma to the vegetables, infusing them with deep flavors.
Step 4: Preparing the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce and BBQ sauce together. This combination brings a rich, savory, and slightly sweet flavor to the dish that complements the chicken and vegetables.
Step 5: Bringing it All Together
Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the veggies. Pour in the soy and BBQ sauce mixture and stir everything together, ensuring that the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce. Allow it to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, so the sauce soaks into the ingredients and brings all the flavors together.
Step 6: Adding the Noodles
Finally, toss the cooked ramen noodles into the skillet. Stir everything together, ensuring that the noodles are well coated with the sauce and mixed with the chicken and veggies. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, so the noodles can absorb some of the sauce and flavors, turning them rich and flavorful.
Step 7: Garnishing the Dish
Before serving, sprinkle the stir-fry with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an extra layer of flavor and texture. These garnishes add a slight crunch and a fresh burst of flavor to every bite.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of protein?
Yes! You can easily swap the chicken for beef, pork, shrimp, or even tofu. Each protein will bring a unique texture and flavor to the stir-fry, so feel free to experiment!
2. Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh, and use a vegan BBQ sauce and soy sauce. Just make sure the sesame oil is used for its distinct flavor, and you can enjoy a plant-based version of this stir-fry.
3. How can I make this dish spicier?
If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add a bit of chili garlic sauce, sriracha, or red pepper flakes to the sauce. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your heat preference.
4. What can I substitute for ramen noodles?
If you can’t find ramen noodles or prefer a different type, you can substitute them with any other Asian-style noodles like udon, soba, or even rice noodles. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of noodles you choose.
5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While this stir-fry is best served fresh, you can make it ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Just make sure to reheat it properly, adding a splash of water or extra soy sauce to keep it from drying out.
6. Can I freeze this dish?
It is not recommended to freeze stir-fried noodles, as the texture of the noodles may change when thawed. However, you can freeze the chicken and vegetable mixture and cook fresh noodles when you’re ready to eat.
7. Is this dish suitable for a low-carb diet?
If you’re following a low-carb diet, you may want to replace the ramen noodles with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles. These alternatives have a lower carb content but will still work well with the dish.
Conclusion
Japanese BBQ Ramen Stir-Fry is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines the best of Asian and BBQ influences into one satisfying meal. With its savory chicken, crunchy vegetables, and tender ramen noodles, it’s a versatile recipe that can be customized in various ways to suit your taste. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or serving it at a gathering, this stir-fry is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Not only is it easy to prepare, but it’s also a great way to explore the fusion of flavors that can be achieved by combining Asian BBQ sauce with ramen. The combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and BBQ sauce offers a unique depth of flavor, while the vegetables add freshness and texture.