Quick Asian Beef Ramen Noodles Recipe

Introduction

This Quick Asian Beef Ramen Noodles recipe brings a savory, satisfying meal to your table in under 15 minutes. Combining tender beef with flavorful sauces and fresh vegetables, it’s a perfect choice for a delicious weeknight dinner that feels special yet effortless.

Ingredients

• 2 packets ramen or other instant noodles (discard seasoning)
• 1 tsp oil
• 2 tsp sesame oil (or more oil)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 onion, sliced
• 200g / 7oz beef mince (ground beef)
• 1 1/4 cups (315 ml) water, plus more as needed
• Big handful bean sprouts
• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce (or hoisin sauce)
• 2 tsp hoisin sauce (or more oyster sauce)
• 1 tbsp mirin
• Finely sliced green onion or shallots
• Sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Step 1: Mix the dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and mirin together in a small bowl to create the sauce.
2. Step 2: Heat the oil and sesame oil in a medium skillet over high heat. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic, cooking for about 1 1/2 minutes until they start to turn golden.
3. Step 3: Add the beef mince to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it changes color from pink to light brown.
4. Step 4: Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring, until the beef is well caramelized.
5. Step 5: Push the beef to one side of the skillet to create space. Pour in 1 1/4 cups of water and place the ramen noodles in the water.
6. Step 6: Let the noodles cook for 45 seconds, then turn them over. After 30 seconds more, loosen the noodles to untangle them, then toss everything together with the beef.
7. Step 7: Add the bean sprouts and toss for about 1 minute, or until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the noodles, and the noodles are fully cooked.
8. Step 8: Serve immediately, garnished with finely sliced green onions or shallots and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Tips & Variations

• If you prefer a spicier dish, add a dash of chili flakes or a drizzle of chili oil when adding the sauce.
• Substitute beef mince with ground chicken or pork for a different flavor profile.
• Use fresh ramen noodles if available for a more authentic texture.
• For a vegetarian version, replace beef with firm tofu and use mushroom soy sauce instead of oyster sauce.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the noodles seem dry. For best texture, enjoy freshly cooked.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of noodles?

Yes, you can use instant noodles, fresh ramen, or even spaghetti as a substitute. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking.

What is mirin and can I substitute it?

Mirin is a sweet Japanese rice wine used for cooking that adds depth and a subtle sweetness. If unavailable, you can substitute with a mix of rice vinegar and a small amount of sugar or honey.

Quick Asian Beef Ramen Noodles Recipe

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4.6 from 105 reviews

Quick Asian Beef Ramen Noodles combine savory ground beef with tender ramen noodles in a flavorful, caramelized sauce. This easy and fast stir-fry recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal, delivering rich umami notes with oyster and soy sauces, balanced by fragrant garlic, onions, and sesame oil. Garnished with fresh bean sprouts, green onions, and toasted sesame seeds for texture and freshness.

• Author: zara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Noodles and Sauce

• 2 packets ramen or other instant noodles (discard seasoning)
• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce (or hoisin sauce)
• 2 tsp hoisin sauce (or more oyster sauce)
• 1 tbsp mirin

Beef and Vegetables

• 200g / 7oz beef mince (ground beef)
• 1/2 onion, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Big handful bean sprouts
• Finely sliced green onion / shallots for garnish

Oils and Garnish

• 1 tsp neutral oil
• 2 tsp sesame oil (or more oil as needed)
• Sesame seeds for garnish
• 1 1/4 cups (315 ml) water, plus more as needed

Instructions

1. Mix Sauce. In a small bowl, combine the dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and mirin. Set aside for use later.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic. Heat both the neutral oil and sesame oil in a medium skillet over high heat. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic, cooking for about 1 1/2 minutes until they start turning golden and fragrant.
3. Cook Beef. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook until the meat changes color from pink to a light brown, ensuring even cooking.
4. Caramelize Beef. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef mixture. Allow it to cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and caramelizes nicely, coating the beef thoroughly.
5. Add Water and Noodles. Push the beef mixture to one side of the skillet to create space. Pour in the water, then place the ramen noodles into the water to start softening.
6. Cook Ramen. Let the noodles sit in the water for 45 seconds, then turn them over. After 30 seconds, untangle the noodles carefully, then toss them through the beef and sauce mixture to combine flavors.
7. Add Bean Sprouts and Toss. Add the bean sprouts to the pan and toss everything together for about 1 minute or until most of the sauce reduces. The noodles should be cooked through but still have a slight bite.
8. Serve. Plate the ramen immediately, garnishing with finely sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.

Notes

• Note 1: Discard the ramen seasoning packets as the sauce provides all necessary flavor.
• Note 2: Sesame oil adds a nutty aroma; adjust the quantity to your taste.
• Note 3: Ground beef works well, but you can substitute with ground pork or chicken.
• Note 4: Use dark soy sauce for richer color and deeper flavor.
• Note 5: Oyster and hoisin sauces can be swapped depending on sweetness and umami preference.
• Note 6: Mirin adds a subtle sweetness and depth; if unavailable, a splash of rice wine vinegar with a pinch of sugar can be used.
• Note 7: Be careful not to overcook the noodles to keep a pleasant texture.

Keywords: asian beef ramen, quick ramen recipe, beef noodles, easy weeknight dinner, stir-fry noodles, beef ramen stir-fry