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Chicken Teriyaki Ramen Stir Fry - Quick, Flavorful, and Weeknight-Friendly

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Ramen noodles: 2 standard bricks (about 6 ounces total), seasoning packets discarded.
  • Chicken thighs: 1 pound, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces. (Chicken breast works too.)
  • Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons, or use canola/avocado oil for high heat.
  • Broccoli florets: 2 cups, small bite-size pieces.
  • Carrot: 1 large, peeled and thinly sliced into matchsticks or coins.
  • Red bell pepper: 1, thinly sliced.
  • Green onions: 4, sliced (whites and greens separated).
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, minced.
  • Ginger: 1 tablespoon fresh, minced or grated.
  • Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon, for finishing.
  • Sesame seeds: 1 tablespoon, for garnish.
  • Optional heat: Red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
  • Soy sauce: 1/3 cup (use low-sodium if you prefer).
  • Mirin: 3 tablespoons (or use a mix of 2 tbsp rice vinegar + 1 tbsp honey if needed).
  • Brown sugar: 2 tablespoons.
  • Honey: 1 tablespoon.
  • Cornstarch: 2 teaspoons.
  • Water: 1/3 cup.

Method
 

  1. Prep the sauce: In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, honey, cornstarch, and water until smooth. Set aside. This lets the cornstarch hydrate so the sauce thickens evenly.
  2. Cook the ramen: Boil the noodles in salted water for 1 to 2 minutes less than package directions. You want them slightly undercooked. Drain, rinse briefly under cool water, and toss with a splash of oil to prevent sticking.
  3. Heat the pan: Set a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and let it get hot until shimmering.
  4. Cook the chicken: Pat chicken dry and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Add to the hot pan in an even layer. Cook without moving for 2 to 3 minutes to get some color, then stir-fry until cooked through, about 4 to 5 more minutes. Transfer to a plate.
  5. Stir-fry the veggies: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the same pan. Toss in broccoli, carrot, bell pepper, and the white parts of the green onions. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until crisp-tender. If needed, add a tablespoon of water and cover for 30 seconds to steam the broccoli.
  6. Add aromatics: Push veggies to the sides. Add garlic and ginger to the center. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant, then mix everything together.
  7. Bring it together: Return chicken and any juices to the pan. Add the drained ramen noodles and pour in the teriyaki sauce. Toss with tongs for 1 to 2 minutes over medium-high heat until the sauce thickens and coats everything.
  8. Finish and serve: Turn off the heat. Drizzle in sesame oil, toss, and taste. Adjust with a splash of soy for salt, a pinch of sugar for sweetness, or a squeeze of lime for brightness. Top with green onion greens and sesame seeds. Add heat if you like.