Get your chopsticks ready!! With caramelised beef, a tangle of noodles, and a sweet savoury 4 ingredient sauce, these Asian Beef Ramen Noodles are totally slurp-worthy!
A terrific economical beef mince recipe, prepare to be amazed at how quick and easy this flavour packed ramen noodle recipe is! Are you ready??
Now available: Chicken Vegetable Ramen Noodles!
ASIAN BEEF RAMEN NOODLES recipe – spin on a reader favourite!
I’ve previously shared stories where Dozer has been randomly recognised on the streets by readers (ah, it makes me proud!) and the odd occasion when I’ve been recognised. Always in a state of disarray. I am waiting for the time it happens when I just happen to be dolled up for an evening out.🤞🏼
Well, when 3 total strangers within the space of 2 weeks tell you that these Asian Beef Bowls are one of their favourites because it’s so tasty yet quick ‘n easy, it triggered a thought – why not do a ramen noodle version??
So the thought came to life.
That caramelised ground beef / mince is just da bomb! I just want to pick it all out!!! (Seriously, who talks like that at my age??🙄)
I hinted at a cheeky little tip that makes this ramen noodles recipe even quicker than you’d expect – and here it is:
How to make Ramen Noodles – in ONE POT!
Yes that’s right, these Asian Beef Ramen Noodles are made in ONE POT!!! Sure it saves on washing up an extra pot to cook the noodles separately, but for this recipe, the more important factor is that the starch in the noodles acts as the thickener for the sauce (which has no cornflour/cornstarch or other thickener).
So here’s how this recipe goes down – 4 minutes for the onion and beef, 2 to 3 minutes for the noodles, MAX!
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Cook the beef with the sauce first – get it real nicely caramelised because it’s key to the flavour in this recipe;
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Make a well in the centre, add water, plonk uncooked instant or ramen noodles in the water. This serves two purposes – making room for the noodles to sit in the water AND protects the beef from losing their caramelisation by boiling in the water;
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After 45 seconds, turn the noodles, then 30 seconds later, they will be loose enough to toss through the sauce and beef;
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Add a big handful of beansprouts (great no-chop veggie option!), toss more then serve;
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By the time the ramen noodles are cooked, the liquid is absorbed / evaporated, leaving behind a nice coating of sauce on the perfectly cooked noodles.
The beauty of this technique is that it HAS to be a super quick recipe because the noodles are cooked in 2 to 3 minutes. Any longer and they become too soft!
WHAT CAN I ADD TO RAMEN NOODLES?
This is a very adaptable recipe. I’ve used onion, garlic, ground beef (mince) and beansprouts because it requires minimal chopping. Finely sliced cabbage would be an ideal substitute for the bean sprouts, otherwise carrots cut into matchsticks, baby spinach or even normal spinach, or even finely sliced kale. Toss these in when the bean sprouts are added, just to wilt.
If using other vegetables that need to be cooked for longer that leach water when cooked, such as peppers, zucchini or mushroom, cook these first then remove from the pan (otherwise they leach too much liquid when the noodles cook so you end up with too much water). Proceed with recipe then toss them in at the end.
Ramen Noodles OR Instant Noodles
I don’t know if you’ve got a hang up about instant noodles – whether from excess consumption in your uni days or because of health concerns – but let’s just say this recipe is a far cry from the plonk-in-water-add-veg that you probably overdosed on.
What I’m making the most of here in this recipe is the quick-cook noodles and the shape of the noodles cakes (flat) so they can be cooked in a shallow skillet.
Any instant noodles or ramen noodles will work just fine because we discard the soup seasoning mix. You can also buy just the noodle cakes (no seasoning) in larger packs of 5+.
If you don’t have instant noodles (or you really can’t get past your dorm days), these Asian Beef Ramen Noodles will work just fine with any other type of noodles. Dried or fresh, rice or wheat / egg noodles.
But honestly, I ask you – does this look like any instant ramen noodles you had in your dorm days?? 😉 – Nagi x
Got beef mince? You can do better than Spag Bol.
See all ground beef / beef mince recipes (yes, Spag Bol is there….)
More noodles
-
Chow Mein – reader fave!
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Pad Thai and Pad See Ew – reader faves! 😂
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Char Kway Teow – epic street hawker food
And the Ramen Noodle recipe collection
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Caramelised Asian Mushroom Ramen Noodles – caramelised mushrooms tossed through ramen noodles in a sweet savoury Asian sauce
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One Pot Chicken and Vegetable Ramen Noodles – loads of hidden veggies!
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12 Minute Thai Chicken Peanut Noodles – super quick, using ground meat
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Ramen Noodle Salad with Creamy Sesame Peanut Dressing – terrific for work lunchboxes
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Chow Mein Ramen Noodles – the faster way to make Chow Mein
QUICK ASIAN GROUND BEEF RAMEN NOODLES
WATCH HOW TO MAKE IT
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Quick Asian Beef Ramen Noodles
Ingredients
- 2 packets ramen or other instant noodles , discard seasoning (Note 1)
- 1 tsp oil
- 2 tsp sesame oil (or more oil) (Note 2)
- 2 garlic cloves , minced
- 1/2 onion , sliced
- 200g / 7oz beef mince (ground beef) (Note 3)
- 1 1/4 cups (315 ml) water, plus more as needed
- Big handful bean sprouts
Sauce:
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (Note 4)
- 1 tbsp Oyster sauce (or Hoisin, Note 5)
- 2 tsp Hoisin sauce (or more Oyster sauce)
- 1 tbsp mirin (Note 6)
Garnishes (optional):
- Finely sliced green onion / shallots
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Mix Sauce.
- Heat oils in a medium skillet over high heat. Add onion and garlic, cook for 1 1/2 minutes until starting to go golden.
- Add beef and cook, breaking it up as you go, until it changes from pink to light brown.
- Add Sauce and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until well caramelised (see video).
- Push beef to the side to make enough space for the noodles. Add water, place noodles in water.
- Leave for 45 seconds then turn.
- Leave for 30 seconds, then untangle the noodles, then toss through the beef.
- Add beansprouts, toss for 1 minute until sauce reduces to coat the noodles and the noodles are cooked. (Note 7)
- Serve immediately, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition Information:
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Janice Bendixen says
I’m repeatingmyself: this recipe was super-fast and beyond satisfying! I will make it again and again and again ….
Janice Bendixen says
Nagi! This recipe is the BOMB! I’m making myself wait 10 minutes while it sits in the pan but — based on my QC checks — this is going to be one of my fava-faves, 🙂
Janice Bendixen says
BTW, I had spinach that was on it’s way to the rabbit patch so I added it. D E V I N E !!!
Ev says
Yes! I agree, Nagi. This noodle recipe is “da bomb”!!! I chopped up leftover cabbage and broccoli because that was all I had in the fridge… So tasty and satisfying! Adding this to our meal rotation!
Jeanette says
Greetings Nagi, we love your recipes and thank you for sharing your delicious food delights with us. I couldn’t believe how easy your recipes are to follow and the attached videos are great. I’ve recommended your website and recipes to family and friends. You’ve opened up a new world of cooking for us all, especially in this day and age where money is tight but you have more than proved we can eat delicious food on a tighter budget. Also thank you for the subs /alternative ingredients.
Nicole Erlandson says
Hi Nagi. I love your recipes. They are so tasty, budget friendly and easy to follow. The new website is also easy to follow. Thanks!
Kathy says
LOVE the new website! I am so in love with Dozer that I have been flipping through all the recipes…scrolling to the bottom…just to see Dozers pics/your comments 😂🤣😂
Jane says
I do that too!
Musette says
Love the new website but just an fyi – keystrokes lag (I thought it was me but it’s only happening on your site). I’ve been meaning to tell you how much I appreciate all your recipes – your slow cooker potato soup is inheavy rotation!
Stephen says
Love the new website and since I have been using your recipes the family has been loving it.
Keep it up but also if there is a no meat alternative, please put that in as I do not eat meat but do eat seafood.
Robyn says
Another great recipe Nagi. I purchased the packets of instant noodles the other day in order to try this recipe when I was time poor, & yesterday was the day. I didn’t have enough beef on hand, so used a combo of beef & pork & it was absolutely fantastic & ridiculously quick to make.
One question Nagi. I love bean sprouts, but I do often have to throw them away as they don’t last long. Have you ever frozen them, & if so, do you blanch them first or are there any secrets to keeping them fresh & crisp?
Thanks heaps. I adore your site. The only one I have ever joined up with & left comments. I look forward every day to see what else you have added.
Dianne Boatswain says
Hi Nagi, unfortunately I can’t make this recipe with the noodles you suggested because a member of my family is gluten intolerant and those noodles are made from wheat. I would appreciate in the future if you could suggest a gluten free alternative as I find your recipes amazing and (do you know what?)….they turn out exactly like what your photos look like…….many thanks. and keep up the great recipes..Di
Elizabeth Kelly says
You can buy rice noodles though you may need to search for them. I have some – they’re Thai Rice noodles for using in Pad Thai but the preparation is similar. I’ve seen other ones too named ‘glass noodles’. If you are in Australia check out the Pandaroo range
Anne Hall says
tried the Asian noodles,so easy and simply delicious
Janelle says
Love the new website. I’m going to make the Quick Asian beef and noodles tonight. I love your recipes so quick and easy. I love the Cow Mein one. It’s a favourite.
Carole Shaw says
Hello Nagi,
I made this recipe last night for dinner. And I must say, it was so easy to put together, and it was a very delish! I added a tiny bit more oyster sauce…I loved it!.I plan on the Rice with mushrooms recipe for tonights dinner. ..
I have been using several of your recipes of late, as an introduction to Asian food and I have enjoyed each and everyone one. I save your recipes on Pinterest.
I receive your newsletters,and I love the way you write! Thanking you very much!
Taz says
Made this today. It was so good hubby and I are fighting who gets to take what little of what is left for lunch tomorrow.
Kerry King says
Hi Nagi,
Being retired means we can have our main meal for lunch and a snack for dinner.. Today we had Quick Asian Beef and Noodles and as with all your other recipes , it was really delicious. The only little error I made was adding the incorrect amount of Hoisin Sauce. Didn’t read recipe correctly, added 2 Tbsp instead 2 tsps.
Just wondering when you’re typing the ingredients, could you put Tbsp in lieu tbsp, as the capital T stands out more.
At my age, I need all the help I can get.
The noodles still tasted yummy, hubby gave the tick of approval, so like other recipes that I have made from your site, this also will become a regular, but next time will add the right amount of Hoisin.
Love the new layout.
Mari says
Ooh yes I second the capital T on Tbsp if at all possible 🙂
At my age (young busy mum), I need all the help I can get too!
Lynn Gray says
Such a quick dinner and I love that your recipes are for 2. I thoroughly enjoy most of your tips as well as they are so handy. Keep up the good work on your new website.
Seana says
One of those days when I don’t have time to run to the market and had to work with what I had on hand – which included a ribeye in the freezer, Asian seasons, and ramen (which is a huge lifesaver when you’re looking for a quick fix dinner. I had saved this last week and wanted to try it. I made the substitutions based on what I had on hand – ribeye sliced thin, half a red pepper bell pepper that I wanted to use before it went to waste, no bean sprouts. I also doubled the sauce to make up for the slightly larger portion of beef. Daughter and I tried to decide at the end of the meal if it would be wrong to eat my Husband’s portion before he got home from the office. It was that good. Going into the regular rotation (though I will have to double it). Thank you!
Lynda says
Hi Nagi, the new website looks great. Can’t wait to try more of your great recipes 👍
Phil says
I noticed your new website page..love it👍
Your beef noodles were great I added some chilli oil and soy sauce… delicious!!
Have a great day Nagi
Phil.
Cath says
This is a very quick, easy and tasty dish … thoroughly recommended.