Craving a comforting, flavor-packed meal that’s ready in a flash? Look no further than our Ultimate Quick Sesame Garlic Ramen Noodles with Chicken! This dish is a symphony of textures and tastes, with tender chicken, slurp-worthy noodles, and a savory-sweet sesame garlic sauce that will have you dreaming of restaurant-quality ramen from the comfort of your own home.
In just a few simple steps, you can transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of Tokyo, where the aroma of sizzling garlic and toasted sesame fills the air. This recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights, offering a healthy, satisfying meal that’s sure to impress even the pickiest eaters. So, grab your chopsticks and get ready to embark on a flavor adventure like no other!
Whether you’re a ramen aficionado or a novice in the kitchen, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite. With its bold, umami-packed flavors and easy-to-follow instructions, it’s the ultimate solution for those nights when you crave something truly special but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. So, let’s dive in and discover the magic of Sesame Garlic Ramen Noodles with Chicken!
🍜 Why This Dish Deserves a Spot in Your Menu ?
This Sesame Garlic Ramen Noodles with Chicken recipe is a true standout for several reasons. Firstly, the flavor profile is an absolute knockout – the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and nutty notes that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance. The silky smooth sesame garlic sauce coats the springy ramen noodles and tender chicken, creating a truly mouthwatering experience.
But it’s not just the flavors that make this dish a winner – the texture is equally impressive. The chicken is cooked to juicy perfection, while the noodles maintain their delightful chew, even after being tossed in the sauce. And let’s not forget the crunchy, toasted sesame seeds that add a delightful crunch to every bite.
What really sets this recipe apart, though, is how incredibly quick and easy it is to prepare. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a few minutes of active cooking time, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in no time. This makes it the perfect solution for those busy weeknights when you want something truly special but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Ingredients
• 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) sesame oil, divided
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) toasted sesame seeds, plus more for garnish
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
The star ingredients in this recipe are the ramen noodles and the sesame garlic sauce. The ramen noodles provide the perfect base, with their springy, chewy texture that’s an absolute delight to slurp up. As for the sauce, the combination of toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar creates a flavor profile that is both complex and incredibly addictive.
The addition of chicken adds a satisfying protein boost, making this dish a complete and balanced meal. And the garnishes, like the toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions, not only add visual appeal but also contribute crunchy and fresh elements that take the overall dish to new heights.
Instructions
- Prepare the Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the ramen noodles and cook according to the package instructions, typically 2-3 minutes. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Make the Sesame Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet or wok, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can quickly turn bitter. Add the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk the ingredients together until the sugar has dissolved, about 1-2 minutes.
- Toss and Serve: Add the cooked ramen noodles and the sautéed chicken to the sesame garlic sauce. Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce. Remove from heat and stir in the toasted sesame seeds. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish the dish with the sliced green onions and additional toasted sesame seeds.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cook time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
🍽️ Nutritional Information
Nutritional information is an estimate per serving, based on 4 servings.
• Protein: 32 g
• Sodium: 685 mg
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fat: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
🌱 Diet-Friendly Swaps and Modifications
• To Make it Vegan: Replace the chicken with extra-firm tofu or your favorite plant-based protein. Use a vegan-friendly brown sugar substitute and replace the soy sauce with a gluten-free, vegan-friendly tamari sauce.
• To Add a Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the sauce, or add a few slices of fresh chili peppers, such as jalapeño or Serrano, during the garlic cooking step.
🍲 Creative Serving Ideas for This Recipe
• Garnish Suggestions: Garnish the dish with additional toasted sesame seeds, thinly sliced green onions, and a drizzle of toasted sesame oil for a beautiful presentation and extra flavor.
• Beverage Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp, cold beer or a refreshing iced green tea for a truly authentic Asian-inspired dining experience.
🔍 How to Get It Right Every Time ?
• Mistake 2 – Using Cold Ingredients: For the best texture and flavor, it’s important to use room-temperature ingredients. Cold chicken or ramen noodles can lead to an uneven cooking process and a less cohesive final dish. Allow the ingredients to come to room temperature before starting the recipe.
• Mistake 3 – Not Tasting and Adjusting: Taste the sesame garlic sauce before adding the noodles and chicken, and adjust the seasoning as needed. The perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy is crucial for this dish, so don’t be afraid to add a little more soy sauce, brown sugar, or rice vinegar to achieve your desired flavor profile.
📦 A Guide to Storing for Later
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow the noodles and chicken to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. When ready to reheat, thaw the dish in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the noodles and chicken in a skillet or wok and heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until heated through, about 5-7 minutes. You can also reheat the dish in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds, until hot.
❓ FAQs
Can I use a different type of noodle besides ramen?
Absolutely! While ramen noodles are the traditional choice for this dish, you can certainly substitute with other types of noodles, such as udon, soba, or even linguine or spaghetti. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, as different noodle types may have varying cooking times.
How can I make this dish more meal-prep friendly?
To make this dish even more prep-ahead friendly, you can cook the chicken and prepare the sesame garlic sauce in advance. Store the cooked chicken and sauce separately in the refrigerator, then simply reheat and toss with the cooked ramen noodles when ready to serve.
Can I use a different protein besides chicken?
Definitely! This dish is incredibly versatile and works well with a variety of proteins. Try substituting the chicken with shrimp, tofu, or even sliced flank steak. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed for the protein you choose.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add a spicy kick to your Sesame Garlic Ramen Noodles, try increasing the amount of red pepper flakes in the sauce. You can also add a few slices of fresh chili peppers, such as jalapeño or Serrano, during the garlic cooking step. For an even bolder flavor, consider using a spicy chili oil or Sriracha in the sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While you can certainly prepare the individual components (cooked chicken and sauce) in advance, it’s best to wait to toss everything together until just before serving. The noodles tend to absorb the sauce quickly, so assembling the dish right before eating will ensure the best texture and flavor.
🍜 The Final Sprinkle of Inspiration
There you have it – the ultimate, quick-and-easy Sesame Garlic Ramen Noodles with Chicken that’s sure to become a new family favorite. With its bold, umami-packed flavors and satisfying texture, this dish is a true culinary masterpiece that will transport your taste buds to the heart of Tokyo, all from the comfort of your own kitchen.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your chopsticks, fire up the stove, and get ready to experience the magic of this incredible recipe. Whether you’re serving it as a main course, a side dish, or a delightful weeknight meal, the Sesame Garlic Ramen Noodles with Chicken is sure to leave a lasting impression on everyone who tries it. Bon appétit!
The Ultimate Quick Sesame Garlic Ramen Noodles with Chicken
⏱️ Timing Overview
🥘 Ingredients
📝 Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the ramen noodles and cook according to the package instructions, typically 2-3 minutes. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet or wok, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can quickly turn bitter. Add the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk the ingredients together until the sugar has dissolved, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the cooked ramen noodles and the sautéed chicken to the sesame garlic sauce. Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce. Remove from heat and stir in the toasted sesame seeds. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish the dish with the sliced green onions and additional toasted sesame seeds.
