Turn packaged instant noodles into a fancy meal on a budget by dressing them up with veggies, nuts, and protein. This easy, 30-minute vegetable ramen noodles stir fry features bell peppers, spinach, cashews, and ground beef. Homemade stir-fry sauce uses simple ingredients, such as sriracha sauce, soy sauce, fresh garlic, sesame oil, etc. It is cheaper, faster, and tastier than a take-out!
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Discard flavor packages. Add ramen noodles and cook according to the package instructions. Drain when cooked. I used 2 packages of gluten-free rice ramen (2.8 oz each) - Lotus Foods brand.
Tip: I like to bring a pot of water to boil, turn it off (or reduce heat to low) but wait until the rest of the ingredients are done, and only then add noodles to boiling water as they cook really fast (about 5 minutes). But do bring a pot of water to boil while you cook the rest of the recipe as that takes time.
Cook veggies and beef
Use a wok or a large, high-sided, heavy-bottomed skillet.
Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sliced bell peppers on medium-hot heat. Sprinkle salt and pepper on top. Cook until just softened, about 5 minutes. Remove them from the skillet.
Add ground beef and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same, now empty, skillet, and cook on medium heat, crumbling it as you cook it, for about 5 minutes or longer until completely cooked through, occasionally stirring. Drain any liquid and fat.
Add spinach to the skillet and cook until it wilts on medium heat.
Make stir-fry sauce
While you cook the veggies and the beef, combine all sauce ingredients in a small bowl in stir to combine.
Assembly
Add cooked bell peppers back to the skillet.
Add cooked ramen noodles.
Add the sauce and reheat on medium heat. Stir in toasted cashews.
Season with salt and pepper, if desired, or simply add 1 more tablespoon of tamari or soy sauce or more.
When serving, top with fresh basil, and toasted white and black sesame seeds.
Notes
How to toast sesame seeds and cashews Toasting sesame seeds is optional but highly recommended. When toasted they acquire a richer, nuttier flavor. Here is how to do it - this step can be done while you cook everything else.
Preheat the oven to 350 F. Spread the sesame seeds on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet in one layer.
Roast the sesame seeds for about 10 minutes until they turn nicely brown, roasted color.
If using raw cashews, I recommend roasting them in the preheated oven at 350 F for 10 or 15 minutes. If you purchased roasted cashews or salted cashews or flavored ones, you don't need to roast them in the oven.