Savory Almond Ramen Green Beans
This Savory Almond Ramen Green Beans recipe is a delightful fusion dish that combines the crispness of fresh green beans with the unique flavors of oriental seasoning from Top Ramen. The toasted almonds add a satisfying crunch, while the noodles bring a wonderful texture into every bite. This dish is not only easy to prepare but is a perfect accompaniment for festive meals, especially alongside ham during Christmas dinner. Packed with flavor and fresh ingredients, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your household.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh green beans
1.5 lbs (Trimmed and cut into 3-4 inch lengths)
Top Ramen noodles
2 packages (3 ounces each) (One packet crumbled; reserve the second for another use)
Vegetable oil
1/2 cup (For cooking)
Toasted almonds
1/3 cup (Chopped, for garnish)
Salt
to taste (For seasoning)
Black pepper
to taste (For seasoning)
Instructions
1
Wash the fresh green beans thoroughly, trim the ends, and cut them into 3-4 inch pieces.
2
Steam the green beans in a steamer basket over boiling water for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are just tender yet still crisp. Set aside.
3
In a large nonstick frying pan, combine the vegetable oil and the seasoning powder from both packets of Top Ramen. Use the Oriental flavor for the best results.
4
Mix the oil and seasoning powder gently without turning on the heat, to ensure the spices do not stick to the bottom of the pan.
5
Crumble one packet of Top Ramen noodles into small pieces and add them to the oil mixture, ensuring they are well-coated.
6
Reserve the second packet of noodles for another use, such as making soup.
7
Turn the heat to medium and stir the noodle mixture for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant and slightly toasted.
8
Add the steamed green beans to the pan, and toss gently to combine with the noodle and oil mixture.
9
Continue to stir occasionally for about 5-7 minutes, until the green beans are heated through.
10
Season with salt and black pepper to taste when the dish is halfway heated, then gently fold in the toasted almonds just before removing from heat.
11
Serve the dish immediately, garnished with additional almonds if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Almond Ramen Green Beans?
This is a fusion side dish that combines fresh steamed green beans with toasted Top Ramen noodles, oriental seasoning, and crunchy almonds.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include 1.5 lbs of fresh green beans, 2 packages of Top Ramen, vegetable oil, toasted almonds, salt, and black pepper.
Which flavor of Top Ramen should I use?
The Oriental flavor (often labeled as Soy Sauce flavor) is highly recommended for the best savory results.
How should I prepare the fresh green beans?
Wash them thoroughly, trim off the ends, and cut them into pieces approximately 3 to 4 inches long.
How long should I steam the green beans?
Steam them for 5-7 minutes until they are tender yet still maintain a crisp texture.
Do I use both packets of noodles from the ramen packages?
No, you only use one packet of noodles, crumbled into pieces. The second packet of noodles can be reserved for another use.
Do I use both seasoning packets from the ramen packages?
Yes, you use the seasoning powder from both packets to flavor the oil and noodle mixture.
Why do I mix the oil and seasoning before turning on the heat?
Mixing them cold ensures the spices are well-distributed and prevents the seasoning from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
What kind of oil is best for this recipe?
Vegetable oil is recommended for its neutral flavor and high smoke point.
How long do I toast the crumbled ramen noodles?
Stir the noodle mixture over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly toasted.
When do I add the green beans to the pan?
Add the steamed green beans once the ramen noodles are toasted and fragrant.
How long do I cook the beans with the noodles?
Continue to stir for 5-7 minutes until the green beans are completely heated through.
When should the toasted almonds be added?
Gently fold in the toasted almonds just before removing the dish from the heat to keep them crunchy.
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Fresh green beans are preferred for texture, but frozen beans can be used if they are thawed and patted dry before steaming.
Is this recipe good for holiday meals?
Yes, it is a perfect accompaniment for festive meals like Christmas dinner, especially when served alongside ham.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It is savory and nutty, with distinct oriental spice notes from the ramen seasoning and a rich toasted almond finish.
Can I use canned green beans?
Canned green beans are not recommended as they are often too soft and may become mushy in this recipe.
Should I add salt and pepper?
Yes, season with salt and black pepper to taste when the dish is halfway through the final heating process.
How do I serve this dish?
Serve immediately while hot, optionally garnished with additional toasted almonds for extra crunch.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
It depends on the ramen brand; Top Ramen brand Oriental flavor is famously vegetarian, but always check the label.
Can I substitute the almonds with other nuts?
Yes, walnuts or pecans would also provide a nice crunch, though almonds are traditional for this recipe.
What should I do with the extra package of noodles?
You can save them for making a quick soup or use them as a crunchy topping for salads.
How many packages of Top Ramen do I need to buy?
You need two 3-ounce packages so that you have two seasoning packets.
Is this dish easy for beginners?
Yes, it is considered an easy recipe that requires basic steaming and pan-frying skills.
Can I use olive oil?
You can, but vegetable oil is preferred as it doesn't compete with the oriental seasoning flavors.
How small should the ramen be crumbled?
Crumble them into small, bite-sized pieces so they distribute evenly among the green beans.
Can this be made ahead of time?
It is best served fresh; otherwise, the ramen noodles may lose their crunch if refrigerated and reheated.
Does this dish contain many calories?
The dish contains vegetable oil and ramen, making it a flavorful side, but specific calorie counts depend on your specific ingredient brands.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, sliced water chestnuts or red bell peppers would be excellent additions for more color and texture.
Is it better to use a frying pan or a wok?
A large nonstick frying pan works best to ensure the seasoning doesn't stick and the beans have room to heat evenly.