Are you ready for a quick, delicious meal? Spicy Sesame Chicken Ramen offers bold flavors with simple steps. This dish combines tender chicken, spicy sriracha, and fresh veggies—all in one bowl! Whether you're a busy parent or a first-time cook, this recipe is easy to follow. Let’s dive into the ingredients and cook up something special that will warm your belly and excite your taste buds!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Bold Flavors: This recipe combines the rich flavors of sesame oil, garlic, and ginger, creating a deliciously fragrant broth that elevates the ramen experience.
- Customizable Spice Level: The addition of sriracha allows you to adjust the heat level to your preference, making it perfect for everyone.
- Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is ideal for a weeknight dinner without sacrificing taste.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken and nutrients from bok choy and carrots, this ramen is a wholesome option for any meal.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust for spice preference)
- 200g ramen noodles
- 1 cup bok choy, chopped
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Gather these ingredients to make your spicy sesame chicken ramen. Each item adds flavor and texture. You can find most of them in your local grocery store.
Chicken thighs give a rich taste. Sesame oil adds a nutty flavor. Garlic and ginger bring warmth and spice. Chicken broth forms the base of the soup. Soy sauce adds depth, while sriracha gives it a kick.
Ramen noodles are chewy and soak up the broth. Bok choy adds crunch, and carrots add sweetness. Top with green onions for brightness. Finally, sesame seeds and cilantro give a lovely finish.
These ingredients work well together. They create a quick meal that warms you up and fills you up. Don't hesitate to adjust the spice to fit your taste. Enjoy cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking Preparation
1. Start by heating 2 tablespoons of sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1 inch of grated ginger. Sauté for about 1 minute until they smell good.
3. Next, place 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs in the pot. Brown them for 4 to 5 minutes on both sides.
Cooking the Ramen
1. Now, pour in 4 cups of chicken broth, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, and 2 tablespoons of sriracha. Stir it well and bring it to a boil.
2. Once boiling, reduce the heat. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Final Assembly
1. Take the chicken out of the pot. Use two forks to shred it and set it aside.
2. Add 200g of ramen noodles to the pot. Cook them as per the package instructions, which will be around 3 to 4 minutes.
3. In the last minute, stir in 1 cup of chopped bok choy and 1 julienned carrot. Combine everything well.
4. Serve the ramen in bowls. Top it with the shredded chicken, sliced green onions, and a sprinkle of 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds. Don't forget fresh cilantro for garnish!
Tips & Tricks
Best Practices for Cooking
- Timing for perfect noodles: Cook ramen noodles for 3-4 minutes. This keeps them tender and chewy.
- Ensuring chicken is tender: Brown chicken thighs for about 4-5 minutes. This step adds flavor and keeps the meat juicy.
Presentation Tips
- Serving in deep bowls: Use deep bowls to hold the broth and keep the meal warm.
- Garnishing with cilantro and sesame seeds: Top with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. This adds color and texture.
Adjusting Spice Levels
- Tips for customizing heat: Start with 2 tablespoons of sriracha. Taste and add more if you like it spicier.
- Adding extra sriracha for garnish: Drizzle a little sriracha on top for a bold look. It also gives extra heat!
Pro Tips
- Adjust the Spice: Feel free to tweak the amount of sriracha based on your spice tolerance. Start with a smaller amount and add more if needed.
- Chicken Thighs vs. Breasts: Using chicken thighs adds more flavor and tenderness compared to chicken breasts, making your ramen richer.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: For the best flavor, use fresh garlic, ginger, and bok choy. They greatly enhance the dish's overall taste.
- Ramen Noodle Cooking Time: Pay attention to the cooking time of your ramen noodles; overcooking can lead to a mushy texture.
Variations
Alternative Proteins
If you want to switch up the protein, try shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice, sweet flavor. Just add them to the pot when the broth is simmering. Cook until they're pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes. Tofu is a great choice for a vegetarian option. Use firm tofu and cut it into cubes. Sauté it in the sesame oil until golden brown before adding it to the broth. Both options give you tasty, healthy protein without losing the dish’s essence.
Vegetable Substitutes
You can use many vegetables in this ramen. Instead of bok choy, try spinach or kale. Both add nutrients and flavor. You can also toss in mushrooms for umami or snap peas for crunch. Bell peppers or zucchini can work too. Just slice them thinly so they cook quickly. Adding a mix of colorful veggies makes your ramen even more fun and healthy.
Broth Alternatives
Homemade broth can elevate your ramen. It’s easy to make and tastes richer. Use bones, veggies, and your favorite herbs. Simmer them for several hours to get all the flavors out. If you don't have time, low-sodium store-bought broth works well too. Just be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning. Adding a splash of soy sauce or a bit more sriracha can boost the flavor.
Storage Info
Refrigeration Tips
Keep your spicy sesame chicken ramen fresh by storing it in airtight containers. This will help maintain its flavor and texture. Place the ramen in the fridge within two hours of cooking. It will stay fresh for up to three days. Make sure the broth cools down before sealing the container. This prevents steam from building up inside.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze the ramen for later enjoyment. To do this, let it cool completely. Then, place the ramen and broth in freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can stay good for about three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat the ramen in a pot over medium heat until hot. Add a splash of broth if needed.
Best Practices for Leftovers
To keep the flavor and texture intact, store the broth and noodles separately. This prevents the noodles from soaking up too much liquid and becoming mushy. When ready to eat, combine them in a pot and reheat. Add fresh veggies, like bok choy or carrots, to enhance the dish. This will give your leftovers a fresh taste.
FAQs
How long does it take to make Spicy Sesame Chicken Ramen?
Making Spicy Sesame Chicken Ramen takes about 30 minutes. You need 10 minutes to prep. The cooking time is around 20 minutes. This quick meal is perfect for busy days.
Can I make Spicy Sesame Chicken Ramen without chicken?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian or vegan version. Use tofu instead of chicken. You can also add more vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers. For a protein boost, try chickpeas or edamame.
What can I serve with Ramen?
Ramen pairs well with simple side dishes. Here are some ideas:
- Steamed dumplings
- A fresh cucumber salad
- Vegetable spring rolls
- Crispy tempura vegetables
These sides will make your meal more filling and tasty.
This blog post covered how to make Spicy Sesame Chicken Ramen from start to finish. We discussed the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips. You learned about variations and storage options as well.
Now you can enjoy a tasty, comforting bowl of ramen made with your choices. Whether you change up the protein or spice level, this dish can be yours. Try it out and share your experience!
