After a busy day, a steaming bowl of ramen can instantly dispel the chill. This chicken and vegetable ramen combines tender chicken pieces, colorful vegetables, and a rich sauce, all cooked in a single pot and ready in 30 minutes. Nutritionally balanced with layers of flavor, it far surpasses greasy takeout fast food.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
Main Ingredients:
- 2 packs of ramen noodles (approx. 300g, discard seasoning packet)
- 400g chicken breast or thigh meat, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 carrots, shredded or thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, shredded
- 200g mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (optional)
Sauce Seasoning:
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth or water
- 2 tablespoons oil (used in batches)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Shredded green onions, sesame seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Steps: One-Step Instructions
Step 1: Quickly Stir-fry the Chicken Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Pan-fry chicken pieces until golden brown (about 5 minutes), then season with salt and pepper. Remove and set aside, reserving the oil in the pot for added aroma.
Step Two: Vegetables in the Hot Pot
Add another 1 tablespoon of oil and sauté ginger and garlic for 30 seconds. Add carrots and bell peppers and sauté for 2 minutes until slightly softened. Add mushrooms and sauté for 4 minutes, until the mushrooms are slightly browned and the vegetables are crisp. When fragrant, return the chicken pieces to the pot and stir well.
Step Three: Sauce with Noodles
Pour in soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, and broth. Bring to a boil over high heat. Add ramen noodles and the reserved broth (about 1/2 cup). Simmer over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes, until the noodles are soft and coated with the sauce. Taste before removing from heat, garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, and serve.
Flavor Upgrades and Practical Tips
- Customize Spice Level: Add 1 teaspoon of chili oil or hot sauce for extra spiciness.
- Vegetable Variations: Substitute with cabbage, broccoli, or spinach for added fiber without sacrificing crispness. Chicken can be replaced with shrimp or tofu.
- Storage Tips: Refrigerate for up to 2 days. To reheat, add a little water to prevent the noodles from absorbing too much sauce. Freezing in portions is also acceptable.
- Time Saving: Keep the pot handy throughout the process, halving your dishwashing burden.
Recommended Serving Pairings
- Basic Version: Enjoy a simple bowl of ramen—warm and filling.
- Upgrade with Toppings: Top with a soft-boiled egg or shredded seaweed for a Japanese ramen restaurant experience.
- Light Companion: Serve with cucumber salad or miso soup for a complete dinner.
This bowl of ramen isn’t just for a quick meal; it’s a comforting, home-cooked meal made with care. Served on the table, its steaming heat carries the satisfaction of a simple life; whoever tastes it will yearn for it.
