Savory Beef and Cabbage Ramen Stir-Fry
This hearty and delicious Savory Beef and Cabbage Ramen Stir-Fry is a delightful dish featuring tender ground beef, crispy bacon, and a colorful array of fresh vegetables, all tossed together with ramen noodles in a savory sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this stir-fry is not only quick to prepare but also reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers. With its crunchy cabbage, sweet bell pepper, and vibrant bean sprouts, you’ll enjoy every satisfying bite. Experience the rich flavors and textures that come together in this comforting Asian-inspired dish!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground beef
1 lb (cooked and drained on paper towels)
bacon
6 slices (cooked and torn into bite-size pieces)
ramen noodles
2 (3 ounce) packages (broken into 3 sections)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
red onion
1 medium (diced (about 1 1/4 cup))
cabbage
1 medium (chopped (about 8-10 cups))
carrots
3 (cut into thin 1 inch strips)
red bell pepper
1 (cut into bite-sized pieces)
light soy sauce
2-4 tablespoons (to taste)
bean sprouts (Mung bean)
3 cups
crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 to 1 tsp ((optional))
Instructions
1
In a large skillet or wok, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up with a spatula until fully cooked. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
2
In the same skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels, reserving 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the skillet.
3
Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions are soft and fragrant.
4
Stir in 2 to 4 tablespoons of light soy sauce, adjusting to your desired flavor.
5
Add the carrot strips to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to soften.
6
Incorporate the chopped cabbage and red bell pepper, stir-frying on medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
7
Meanwhile, prepare the ramen noodles according to the package directions, drain, and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Do not add the seasoning packets from the ramen.
8
Return the cooked ground beef and torn bacon to the skillet, adding crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Cook for 2-3 minutes, ensuring all ingredients are heated through.
9
Finally, add the bean sprouts and prepared ramen noodles to the skillet, and stir-fry everything together for an additional 2-3 minutes, mixing well.
10
Serve hot, offering extra soy sauce on the side for those who want more flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Beef and Cabbage Ramen Stir-Fry?
It is a hearty dish featuring tender ground beef, crispy bacon, and fresh vegetables tossed with ramen noodles in a savory soy-based sauce.
How do I prepare the ground beef for this recipe?
Brown 1 lb of lean ground beef in a large skillet, breaking it up as it cooks, then drain on paper towels and set aside.
What should I do with the bacon?
Cook 6 slices of bacon until crispy, then remove and tear into bite-size pieces, reserving 2 tablespoons of the fat.
Why do I need to reserve the bacon fat?
The reserved bacon fat is used to sauté the onions and garlic, adding a rich, smoky flavor to the base of the stir-fry.
How long should I sauté the onions and garlic?
Sauté the diced red onion and minced garlic in the bacon fat for 3 to 4 minutes until they become soft and fragrant.
When do I add the soy sauce?
Stir in 2 to 4 tablespoons of light soy sauce after the onions and garlic have softened but before adding the vegetables.
How should the carrots be prepared and cooked?
Cut 3 carrots into thin 1-inch strips and cook them in the skillet for 2 to 3 minutes to allow them to soften slightly.
How long do I cook the cabbage and bell peppers?
Stir-fry the chopped cabbage and red bell pepper on medium-high heat for 5 to 6 minutes until they reach a crisp-tender consistency.
How do I cook the ramen noodles for this stir-fry?
Prepare the noodles according to package directions but discard the seasoning packets, then drain and toss with olive oil.
Should I use the ramen seasoning packets?
No, do not use the seasoning packets; the flavor comes from the soy sauce, bacon fat, beef, and fresh vegetables.
How do I prevent the ramen noodles from sticking together?
After draining the cooked noodles, toss them with a little olive oil to keep them separated until they are added to the stir-fry.
When should the meat be added back into the skillet?
Return the cooked ground beef and torn bacon to the skillet after the vegetables are stir-fried, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes to reheat.
Is this recipe spicy?
It can be if you include the optional 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes during the meat reheating step.
When do I add the bean sprouts?
Add the 3 cups of bean sprouts at the very end along with the prepared ramen noodles.
How long is the final stir-fry step?
Once the noodles and sprouts are in the pan, stir-fry everything together for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to mix well.
What type of cabbage is recommended?
The recipe calls for one medium cabbage, chopped, which should yield approximately 8 to 10 cups.
How much onion is used in this recipe?
Use one medium red onion, diced, which equates to roughly 1 1/4 cups.
Can I substitute the ground beef?
While lean ground beef is specified, you could potentially substitute ground pork or turkey, though the flavor profile will change.
How many packages of ramen are needed?
The recipe requires two 3-ounce packages of ramen noodles.
Should I break the ramen noodles before cooking?
Yes, the recipe suggests breaking the ramen blocks into 3 sections for easier handling and eating.
Can I use regular soy sauce instead of light soy sauce?
Yes, but you may want to start with less and adjust to taste, as regular soy sauce is often saltier than light soy sauce.
Is this dish suitable for leftovers?
Yes, this stir-fry reheats beautifully, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or next-day lunches.
What kind of bean sprouts are used?
The recipe specifically calls for 3 cups of Mung bean sprouts.
How should I serve this stir-fry?
Serve it hot, optionally offering extra soy sauce on the side for those who prefer more seasoning.
What equipment is best for making this?
A large skillet or a wok is best to ensure there is enough room to toss the large volume of cabbage and noodles.
How should the carrots be cut?
The carrots should be cut into thin 1-inch strips, similar to a matchstick or julienne cut.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, stir-fries are versatile; you could add snap peas, broccoli, or mushrooms, though cooking times may vary.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe calls for 3 minced garlic cloves to be sautéed with the onions.
How should the red bell pepper be prepared?
One red bell pepper should be cut into bite-sized pieces before being added to the stir-fry.
Is any oil besides bacon fat used for cooking?
The bacon fat is the primary cooking fat, though olive oil is used to coat the noodles after boiling.