We all know and acknowledge that instant ramen is a staple food for people on a budget. Especially tight budgets. But just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you can’t make your ramen absolutely outstanding.
This version is treated like a stir-fry instead of a soup. Better still, it’s served in a peanut butter based sauce reminiscent of a Thai peanut sauce. Not quite authentic, but it does the job in a pinch and it’s pretty tasty. Best of all, it’s very flexible. Use whatever veggies you like and have on hand. Cabbage, mushrooms, and even a frozen stir-fry blend can all work fantastic with this recipe.
Topping the ramen with some sliced green onion adds a pop of freshness to the dish, and a fried egg makes it that much more satisfying and filling.
Best of all, if you’re using up items you have in your house, including soy packets and the last smidge of peanut butter, this recipe can be one of the most cost-effective meals in your arsenal.
Leave a comment and let me know which veggies you like best in your stir-fry!
And don’t forget to pick up your FREE copy of my 30 Best Foods on a Budget. Ramen, peanut butter, and eggs all make the list!
Eat well, Momma
Ramen Stir-Fry in Peanut Sauce
Course: PastaCuisine: FusionDifficulty: Easy2
servings5
minutes5
minutesA quick use-it-up recipe, this stir fry sauce is built up with peanut butter and soy sauce. Topped with a fried egg, it’s a great way to improve on instant ramen noodles.
Ingredients
1/2 T cooking oil (high smoke point)
12 oz. frozen peppers and onions
1 tsp garlic paste
1 tsp ginger paste
2 T peanut butter
1/2-1 T soy sauce
1 package instant ramen
1 egg (optional)
1-2 green onions, sliced (optional)
Directions
- Heat oil in skillet.
- Add peppers and onions and saute until tender crisp.
- Add ginger and garlic and cook 1 minute.
- Add peanut butter and soy to skillet to build peanut sauce.
- While vegetables are cooking, bring water to a boil and cook ramen to package directions.
- Add some starch water (2-4 Tablespoons) from cooked ramen to thin sauce to desired consistency.
- Cook for an additional minute, or until stir-fry reaches desired consistency.
- Top with fried egg and green onions, if desired.
Notes
- Fresh or dried ginger and garlic can be used in place of pastes.
- A drizzle of sesame oil makes a delicious garnish, if available.
- If using less soy sauce in the peanut sauce, salt might be needed. Optionally, salt the ramen cooking water.
- Save the unused ramen flavor packet for cooking rice or as a replacement for bullion in other recipes.
