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 and quick to make. It’s all cooked in one pan – no need to boil the noodles separately!
Also see: Chicken Vegetable Ramen Noodles and Asian Mushroom Ramen Noodles!
Caramelised Asian Beef Ramen Noodles recipe
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 pan!
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!
Cook the beef with the sauce first – get it real nicely caramelised because it’s key to the flavour in this recipe;
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;
After 45 seconds, turn the noodles, then 30 seconds later, they will be loose enough to toss through the sauce and beef;
Add a big handful of beansprouts (great no-chop veggie option!), toss more then serve;
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 else can I add to these 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.
Use ramen 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
PS I put together a handy ground beef / beef mince recipe collection, for everybody who, like me, pops beef mince in their shopping cart every week!
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.
- Sauté onion and garlic – Heat oils in a medium skillet over high heat. Add onion and garlic, cook for 1 1/2 minutes until starting to go golden.
- Cook beef – Add beef and cook, breaking it up as you go, until it changes from pink to light brown.
- Caramelise beef – Add Sauce and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until well caramelised (see video).
- Add water and noodles – Push beef to the side to make enough space for the noodles. Add water, place noodles in water.
- Cook ramen – 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 or 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:
More noodle recipes
Chow Mein – reader fave!
Pad Thai and Pad See Ew – reader faves! 😂
Char Kway Teow – epic street hawker food
And the Ramen Noodle recipe collection
Caramelised Asian Mushroom Ramen Noodles – caramelised mushrooms tossed through ramen noodles in a sweet savoury Asian sauce
One Pot Chicken and Vegetable Ramen Noodles – loads of hidden veggies!
12 Minute Thai Chicken Peanut Noodles – super quick, using ground meat
Ramen Noodle Salad with Creamy Sesame Peanut Dressing – terrific for work lunchboxes
Chow Mein Ramen Noodles – the faster way to make Chow Mein
Life of Dozer
I’ve been trying to move him onto a paleo diet ie no commercial dog food. Currently experimenting to see what he will and won’t eat.
Raw sardines falls into the Won’t Eat bucket. 🙄
Every week I try a new recipe tin recipe and last night it was this baby. Hubby suggested takeaway and I said that I’d whip up something that was tastier and way cheaper in no time at all. SO TASTY! Have bookmarked recipe and it will become my go to easy meal. Thanks Nagi ❤️
We LOVE this at our house. It’s one of 3 meals my teens (14 &17) both like!
I do add one red bell pepper thinly sliced and sautéd with the onion and after ground beef is done I add 2 crowns of Broccoli (chopped into tiny florets that have been par cooked in micro -just for texture preference). Otherwise I follow recipe exactly! So very yummy!
Thank you so much for such a fast and good recipe!!!
Sounds perfect Michelle!! N x
I am in love with this recipe!!! So fast and easy!!! Will definitely make this one my go to dish! By the way Dozer I have a dog just like you!
I’m so glad you love it Debbie!! Give your pup a big belly rub from me 🙂 N x
This was just great! Easy and so flavorful!!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it Margene! N x
Typically when I make an Asian-style meal for my family they are less than impressed – they are asking that I make this once a week at least. Love it. And now I’m going to browse your site for more tasty meals.
Wahoo! That’s great to hear Anna! N x
Love to try your recipe
I hope you do and love it Ethelene! N x
I made this 2/15 and it was awesome!!!
Great Brenda!!! N x
Do you think I can substitute hoisin with plum sauce?
My husband and I loved the recipe! I substituted the soy sauce for coconut liquid aminos it was delicious!
Hi Ewa, you can, although plum sauce is quite sweet so I’d just add it and taste – N x
don’t toss those flavor packets that come with the noodles, use those later in other dressing.
You sure can Karen! N x
Love this recipe. A regular in our family. Such a quick go-to.
Yes it’s one of my quick emergency meals – I’m so glad you enjoy it too Gillian! N x
Your re pies look amazing. Can I ask which Hoisin sauce you use and I’ve been using Chang’s sesame oil but dosnt say toasted on the jar. I’m in Australia and shop coles n woolies. I can’t seem to find toasted sesame oil.
Hi Tracey, I use Tung Chun Hoisin – and regular sesame oil will do if you can’t find toasted 🙂 N x
Can I sub Cooking Sake for Mirin? I am concerned about the sugar content of Mirin. I don’t have any Mirin in the pantry so can’t evaluate until I get to Coles/Woolies next.
Hi Ken, the subs are listed in the recipe notes 🙂
Another winner. I love love love your recipes, always guaranteed a meal that all the family enjoy. Thanks heaps Nagi 💕
Wahoo, thanks so much for letting me know Nicky
Hi Nagi,
My teen son loves this meal with a fried egg and hot sauce on top. Thanks for the recipe!
YUUM!!! Perfection Sonya!
EVERY RECIPE OF YOURS I’ve tried IS EXCELLENT! I need no other cookbook or recipe website — use only yours now (well except possible for some Thanksgiving basics). I thank you for making my dinners fun. Xo
Thanks so much Nancy!!
We really loved this recipe and will definitely be making it again. I made it with chicken mince. Thanks Nagi for another awesome recipe.
That’s great to hear Jen!
My youngest loved this recipe so much, he asked if I could make it every week! You are my go to website for recipes, thank you.
Wahoo, winner winner Jenelle! – N x
What a great recipe!! All family members loved it. I just added more vegies and used Wokka Thin Hokkien noodles. Yummmy. Keep up your great receipes Nagi!!
Winner winner Naomi, that’s awesome to hear!
OMGOODNESS, my husband & I just tried the Beef Ramen Noodles & we are ecstatic. They were sensational. We followed the recipe to the letter & it worked perfectly. Thank you 🙏 Nagi. 😍
WOOT! Thanks for letting me know Colleen!
I have tried several asian noodles recipes and this is the best one, hands down.
Oh thanks Lisa, I’m so happy you enjoyed it!