This Spicy Stir-Fried Ramen Noodles recipe brings a delightful combination of flavors and textures, featuring savory, spicy, and slightly sweet notes from ingredients like doubanjiang, soy sauce, and maple syrup. With the crunch of toasted peanuts and sesame seeds, these noodles are both satisfying and addictive. A perfect dish for when you’re craving something quick, flavorful, and packed with umami, this stir-fried ramen is a great option for dinner or even a late-night snack.
Preparation, Cook, and Total Times
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Servings: 2 servings
Cuisine
This recipe is inspired by Chinese cuisine, with flavors influenced by Sichuan cuisine, where doubanjiang (fermented bean paste) and Sichuan peppercorns are often used to add depth and spiciness to dishes. The noodles, peanuts, and sesame seeds give the dish a crunchy texture and rich flavors, making it a perfect comfort food for noodle lovers.
Full List of Ingredients
- 4 pieces garlic, minced
- Small piece ginger, minced
- 5 sticks green onion, chopped (white and green parts separated)
- 1 tbsp doubanjiang (fermented bean paste)
- 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tsp black vinegar
- Splash of toasted sesame oil
- 1/2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/4 cup peanuts, toasted
- 1 tsp white sesame seeds
- 140g dry ramen noodles
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 tsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 tsp crushed chili flakes
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
1. Boil Water for the Noodles:
Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil for cooking the ramen noodles. While the water is heating up, move on to the next steps of preparation.
2. Prepare the Garlic, Ginger, and Green Onions:
Finely chop the garlic and ginger. Set them aside in separate bowls. For the green onions, chop them and separate the white parts from the green parts, as they will be added to the stir-fry at different times.
3. Make the Stir-Fry Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the doubanjiang, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, black vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and maple syrup. Stir until the mixture is well combined. This sauce will be the flavorful base for your noodles.
4. Toast the Peanuts and Sesame Seeds:
Heat up a nonstick pan over medium heat. Add the peanuts and white sesame seeds to the pan. Toast them for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden and fragrant. Remove from the pan and set them aside for later.
5. Cook the Noodles:
Once the water is boiling, add the ramen noodles and cook them for about half the time recommended on the package. For this recipe, cook the noodles for 2 minutes, then use chopsticks to gently loosen them from the pot.
6. Sauté Garlic, Ginger, and Green Onion:
Return the pan to medium heat and add the avocado oil. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the green onions. Sauté for about 1 minute, allowing the aromatics to release their fragrance.
7. Add the Spices:
Add the gochugaru and crushed chili flakes to the pan, stirring them in with the garlic, ginger, and green onion. Sauté for another minute to allow the spices to infuse the oil.
8. Combine the Noodles and Sauce:
Once the noodles are cooked, strain them and add them to the pan with the garlic and spices. Pour the stir-fry sauce over the noodles and toss everything together, making sure the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce.
9. Add the Toasted Peanuts and Sesame Seeds:
Toss in the toasted peanuts, sesame seeds, and the green parts of the green onions. Stir everything well to combine, saving a little bit of peanuts, sesame seeds, and green onions for garnishing.
10. Serve:
Plate the noodles and garnish with the remaining peanuts, sesame seeds, and green onions. Serve hot, and enjoy your flavorful and spicy stir-fried ramen noodles!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 13 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugars: 7 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
Stir-fried noodles are a classic dish in many Asian cuisines, particularly Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. The use of doubanjiang, a fermented bean paste, adds a unique depth of flavor and spiciness that is a hallmark of Sichuan cooking. The addition of gochugaru and chili flakes gives this dish a hint of heat that can be adjusted according to your spice tolerance. This recipe is a fusion of flavors that brings together various Asian culinary elements into a simple yet tasty dish that is perfect for anyone craving bold, savory flavors.
Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a quick snack.
- Flavorful: The combination of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors creates a well-balanced and satisfying dish.
- Customizable: Adjust the level of spice, add your favorite vegetables, or try different types of noodles to suit your taste.
- Healthy and Nutritious: The dish contains a good balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats from peanuts, avocado oil, and sesame seeds.
Health Benefits
- Good Source of Protein: Tuna is a great source of lean protein, which supports muscle growth and repair.
- Packed with Fiber: The vegetables and noodles provide fiber, which helps with digestion and keeping you full longer.
- Healthy Fats: The peanuts, sesame seeds, and avocado oil provide healthy fats, which support brain health and help regulate hormones.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Gochugaru and chili flakes are packed with antioxidants that help protect the body from free radicals.
Serving Suggestions
- With a Side Salad: Serve the noodles with a refreshing cucumber or mixed greens salad to balance the richness of the dish.
- Top with Protein: Add a boiled egg, grilled chicken, or tofu for extra protein and texture.
- Pair with Soup: These noodles are great paired with a light vegetable or miso soup for a complete meal.
Cooking Tips
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of chili flakes and gochugaru. You can also skip the chili flakes entirely if you’re not a fan of spice.
- Use Fresh Noodles: For the best texture and flavor, use fresh ramen noodles if possible. They’ll soak up the sauce better than dry noodles.
- Toast the Peanuts and Sesame Seeds: Toasting these ingredients helps to release their natural oils and enhances their flavor, so don’t skip this step.
Variations to Try
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the tuna and add more vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the dish for a vegetarian option.
- Add More Vegetables: Try adding steamed broccoli, bok choy, or carrots for added nutrition and texture.
- Sweet and Spicy: Add a bit of honey or sugar to the sauce for a sweet contrast to the heat from the chili flakes.
Conclusion
This Spicy Stir-Fried Ramen Noodles with Peanuts and Sesame Seeds is a flavorful, satisfying dish that brings together bold, spicy, and savory flavors. It’s quick and easy to make, making it a perfect weeknight meal or a late-night snack. With the crunch of toasted peanuts and the richness of the sauce, it’s a noodle dish that will keep you coming back for more.
10 Comprehensive FAQ Section
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh, but you can make the sauce and prepare the peanuts and sesame seeds in advance. Just store them separately and toss everything together when you’re ready to eat.
2. Can I use other types of noodles?
Yes, you can use udon, soba, or any other type of noodle you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of noodle you use.
3. How do I make this dish less spicy?
To reduce the spice, use less gochugaru and chili flakes. You can also omit the chili flakes altogether for a milder version.
4. Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Yes, feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added flavor and nutrition.
5. Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, to make this dish vegan, omit the tuna and use a plant-based protein like tofu. Substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan version.
6. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free noodles, such as rice noodles or gluten-free ramen, and ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free.
7. Can I make this dish without sesame oil?
Yes, you can substitute sesame oil with another type of oil, such as vegetable oil, although you will lose some of the distinct flavor.
8. Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
Yes, fresh garlic is used in the recipe and is preferable for added flavor.
9. How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to prevent drying out.
10. Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger?
Yes, fresh ginger is preferable for its aromatic flavor. Use the same amount as specified in the recipe for ground ginger.