Pork Ramen Stir Fry: Your New Favorite Quick & Flavorful Weeknight Meal

Dive into the ultimate comfort food with this incredibly satisfying Pork Ramen Stir Fry! Brimming with tender ground pork, vibrant crisp-tender vegetables, and coated in a truly irresistible homemade stir-fry sauce, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. It’s so delicious and versatile, even the pickiest eaters will ask for seconds!

Looking for more delightful ramen variations? Explore our other family favorites like General Tso Ramen, Ground Beef Ramen, or Chicken Ramen for more quick and tasty meal ideas that are perfect for busy schedules.

From Pantry Staples to a Family Favorite: The Story Behind This Irresistible Pork Ramen Stir Fry

Every great recipe often has an unexpected origin, and this Pork Ramen Stir Fry is no exception. It all began on a busy weeknight when I planned to whip up my kids’ beloved Udon Stir Fry. However, a quick check of the fridge and pantry revealed I was completely out of ground turkey and udon noodles. Instead of giving up on stir fry night, I embraced the challenge and decided to pivot! With some trusty ground pork in the fridge and a few packets of instant ramen noodles readily available, an idea sparked.

Necessity truly is the mother of invention, and what emerged was this fantastic Pork Ramen Stir Fry. Initially, there was a tiny bit of disappointment from the kids about not having their usual udon. But that quickly vanished after their very first bite of these savory ramen noodles, perfectly coated in a rich, flavorful sauce, and mixed with tender pork and vibrant vegetables. This dish instantly became a new family favorite, earning its place in our regular meal rotation.

This easy pork stir-fry with ramen noodles is more than just a quick meal; it’s a testament to how simple, affordable ingredients can transform into something extraordinary with minimal effort. It’s the ideal solution for a simple, satisfying weeknight dinner – enthusiastically approved by picky eaters, children, and adults alike. Get ready to add this deliciously easy recipe to your culinary repertoire!

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Easy Pork Ramen Stir Fry

This isn’t just another stir fry recipe; it’s a culinary triumph designed for modern life. Here’s why this Pork Ramen Stir Fry will quickly become a household staple:

• Lightning Fast Prep and Cook Time: From start to finish, this dish comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it an absolute lifesaver for those hectic weeknights when you need a delicious and hearty meal on the table in a flash.
• Incredibly Flavorful Profile: The star of the show is undeniably the homemade stir-fry sauce. It’s a masterful blend that balances savory soy, sweet brown sugar, aromatic sesame oil, and a touch of Sriracha heat, creating a rich, glossy coating that makes every bite irresistible.
• Kid and Picky-Eater Approved: With familiar and comforting ingredients like ground pork and tender ramen noodles, combined with vibrant, mildly sweet vegetables, even the most discerning palates will eagerly dig into this dish. It’s a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies!
• Budget-Friendly & Economical: Utilizing affordable staples like ground pork and instant ramen noodles, this recipe allows you to create a gourmet-tasting meal without breaking the bank. It’s proof that delicious food doesn’t have to be expensive.
• Versatile & Highly Customizable: Don’t have pork? Swap it for ground turkey or beef. Want more veggies? Toss in broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas. Adjust the spice level to your family’s preference. This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to what you have on hand.

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Pork Ramen Stir Fry

Crafting a truly memorable Pork Ramen Stir Fry begins with understanding the role of each ingredient. Here’s a breakdown of the key components that bring this dish to life:

• Ground Pork: The star protein in this recipe, ground pork offers a rich, savory flavor and tender texture that pairs beautifully with the robust stir-fry sauce. Its slight fat content also adds to the dish’s overall richness. If you’re looking for variations, ground turkey provides a leaner option, while ground beef offers a heartier flavor. Feel free to experiment with what you prefer!
• Green Onions: These delicate onions provide a fresh, mild oniony bite that brightens the entire dish. They’re incorporated into the stir-fry to infuse flavor and also used as a vibrant garnish, adding a touch of color and freshness just before serving.
• Garlic & Ginger: The aromatic backbone of nearly every great Asian-inspired stir-fry. Freshly minced garlic and grated ginger deliver the most potent and authentic flavor. However, for ultimate convenience, pre-minced jars, ginger paste, or even Dorot’s® frozen garlic and ginger cubes are fantastic time-savers that ensure you get that essential flavor without the fuss of chopping.
• Frozen Veggies (Edamame & Corn): This is one of the brilliant shortcuts that makes this recipe so quick! Frozen shelled edamame and corn can be added directly from the freezer without any prior thawing or chopping, drastically cutting down on prep time. They contribute a lovely sweetness, satisfying texture, and a healthy boost of nutrients. Feel free to customize with other quick-cooking frozen vegetables like peas, diced carrots, or bell pepper strips.
• Ramen Noodles: The humble instant ramen noodles are transformed from a simple dorm-room meal into a gourmet experience in this stir fry. We only utilize the noodles themselves, so be sure to discard the seasoning packets (or save them for a different, perhaps more adventurous, culinary endeavor!). For those who enjoy a different noodle texture, chow mein noodles can also be a fantastic alternative.

Crafting the Irresistible Homemade Stir-Fry Sauce: The Secret to Amazing Flavor

The sauce is truly what elevates this Pork Ramen Stir Fry from good to absolutely incredible. It’s a perfectly balanced blend of savory, sweet, and a touch of heat, creating a glossy, flavorful coating for every strand of noodle and piece of pork. The best part? It’s incredibly simple to prepare with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

• Cornstarch: This essential ingredient acts as our thickening agent. When added to the liquid, it creates a beautiful, silky consistency that perfectly clings to the noodles and pork, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor without being watery or thin.
• Reduced-Sodium Soy Sauce: The cornerstone of most Asian sauces, providing deep umami and essential saltiness. We highly recommend using reduced or low-sodium soy sauce. This gives you more precise control over the overall saltiness of the dish, allowing you to season to taste at the end without worrying about it being overly salty from the start.
• Chicken Broth: While water can certainly work in a pinch, chicken broth infuses the sauce with an extra layer of savory depth and richness, significantly enriching the overall flavor profile. If you’re opting for a vegetarian version, vegetable broth is an excellent substitute.
• Toasted Sesame Oil: A little goes a very long way with this ingredient! Toasted sesame oil adds a distinct, nutty aroma and flavor that is characteristic of many beloved Asian dishes. Ensure you’re using *toasted* sesame oil for that authentic, robust taste – it’s typically found alongside other Asian ingredients in the international aisle of your grocery store.
• Light Brown Sugar: This provides a crucial sweetness that beautifully balances out the savory and spicy notes present in the sauce. Both light or dark brown sugar work equally well, adding a subtle caramel note. If you prefer, honey can be used as a substitute, but you might want to slightly reduce the amount as honey is often sweeter and has a stronger flavor than brown sugar.
• Sriracha Sauce: For a delightful kick of heat and an extra layer of complexity, Sriracha is key. The amount you add is completely adjustable to your personal preference – add more for a spicier stir fry, or omit it entirely if you prefer a milder dish suitable for all family members.

Smart Shortcuts for a Quicker & Easier Pork Ramen Stir Fry

Life gets busy, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice delicious, homemade meals. This Pork Ramen Stir Fry recipe is already designed for speed, but these smart shortcuts make it even faster and more convenient, ensuring you can enjoy a fantastic dinner with minimal stress:

• Embrace Frozen Vegetables: Our recipe specifically calls for frozen edamame and corn, which are absolute heroes in terms of convenience. They require no chopping, no washing, and can be added directly from the freezer to the hot pan, warming through quickly. This significantly cuts down on valuable prep time. You can also explore other frozen veggie mixes designed for stir-fries.
• Buy Pre-Chopped or Pre-Minced Ingredients: Take full advantage of kitchen convenience by purchasing pre-minced garlic, ginger paste (or grated ginger in a tube), or pre-chopped green onions available at most grocery stores. This eliminates virtually all knife work and gets you cooking even faster. The less chopping, the quicker you eat!
• Prep the Sauce Ahead of Time: Whisking together the sauce ingredients takes just a few minutes, but doing it even hours or a day in advance can streamline your dinner assembly on a busy night. Simply store the prepared sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to cook, give it a quick whisk again to re-incorporate the cornstarch before adding it to the pan.
• Multi-Tasking in the Kitchen: Maximize your efficiency! While your ground pork is browning and cooking in one pan, get a separate pot of water boiling for the ramen noodles. As soon as the pork is cooked, you can seamlessly transition to cooking the noodles, minimizing any downtime between steps.

Step-by-Step: How to Make the Best Pork Ramen Stir Fry

Get ready to create a mouthwatering meal with this straightforward guide. Making Pork Ramen Stir Fry is incredibly simple and rewarding, perfect for beginner cooks and seasoned chefs alike!

1. Prepare Your Sauce: In a small bowl or liquid measuring cup, combine the cornstarch with 4 tablespoons of reduced-sodium soy sauce. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth, ensuring no lumps of cornstarch remain. Then, add the Sriracha, light brown sugar, chicken broth, and 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame oil. If you like, stir in about 1/4 teaspoon of ground white or black pepper. Give the entire sauce mixture another good whisk to ensure everything is well combined and set it aside, ready for action.
2. Cook the Ground Pork: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the ground pork, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula. Sear and cook the pork, crumbling it as it browns, until it is fully cooked through and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease from the pan to prevent the stir-fry from becoming oily. Then, add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce to the cooked pork and continue to cook, stirring, until the soy sauce has evaporated and absorbed into the meat, infusing it with an extra layer of savory umami.
3. Add Aromatics and Veggies: To the pan with the cooked pork, add 1/2 cup of the thinly sliced green onions, the finely minced garlic, and the grated ginger. Sauté these aromatics for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until they become wonderfully fragrant and slightly softened. Next, stir in the frozen shelled edamame and frozen corn. Continue to sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp and thoroughly warmed through.
4. Cook the Ramen Noodles: While the pork and veggies are cooking, ensure your separate medium pot of water is at a rolling boil. Add the instant ramen noodles (remember to discard the seasoning packets!) to the boiling water and cook for only 2 minutes. It is crucial not to overcook them at this stage, as they will continue to cook slightly when added to the hot stir-fry pan. Immediately drain the noodles thoroughly in a colander and give them a quick shake to remove any excess water.
5. Combine and Thicken: Add the drained, cooked ramen noodles directly into the pan with the flavorful pork and vegetables. Give your prepared sauce one final quick whisk to ensure the cornstarch is fully incorporated, then pour the entire sauce mixture evenly over the noodles and stir-fry ingredients. Toss everything together vigorously and continuously using tongs or two spatulas. Continue tossing until the sauce thickens and beautifully coats every single noodle, piece of pork, and vegetable in the pan. This process should only take a minute or two. Once the sauce has achieved a glossy, thick consistency, remove the pan from the heat immediately.
6. Garnish and Serve: Carefully transfer your delicious Pork Ramen Stir Fry to individual serving bowls. For an extra flourish and added flavor, garnish generously with sesame seeds (if using), a sprinkle of additional ground white or black pepper, and the remaining thinly sliced green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish. Before serving, taste and adjust any seasonings if needed – perhaps a dash more soy sauce, a hint more Sriracha, or a pinch of salt. Serve immediately and enjoy every last savory bite!

Expert Tips for a Flawless Pork Ramen Stir Fry

Achieving stir-fry perfection is easier than you think with these professional tips:

• High Heat is Crucial: Stir-frying thrives on high heat. Ensure your large pan or wok is properly preheated over medium-high to high heat before adding the pork. This intense heat helps achieve a desirable sear on the meat and vegetables, preventing them from steaming and becoming soggy.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: For best results, cook the ground pork in a single layer if possible, allowing it to brown evenly. If you’re making a larger batch or your pan isn’t huge, consider cooking the pork in two smaller batches. Overcrowding can significantly lower the pan’s temperature, leading to steaming instead of searing, which impacts flavor and texture.
• Perfectly Cooked Noodles are Key: Ramen noodles cook very quickly. Watch them carefully and only boil them for the specified 2 minutes to ensure they remain al dente. Overcooked noodles will become mushy and lose their desirable texture when tossed with the sauce in the hot pan.
• Always Whisk the Sauce Before Adding: Cornstarch has a tendency to settle at the bottom of liquids. To ensure even thickening and a smooth, lump-free sauce, always give the sauce mixture a final quick whisk right before pouring it into the pan.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Before serving, always taste your stir fry. This is your chance to fine-tune the flavors. You might find it needs a splash more soy sauce for saltiness, a pinch more brown sugar for sweetness, or extra Sriracha for an additional kick of heat. Your palate is the best judge!

Delicious Side Dishes to Complement Your Pork Ramen Stir Fry

While this Pork Ramen Stir Fry is incredibly satisfying and a complete meal on its own, pairing it with a simple side dish can elevate the dining experience and add variety. Here are some fantastic options:

• Crispy Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls: These offer a delightful crunch and a classic Asian takeout feel. You can find excellent ready-to-bake or fry options in the freezer aisle of most grocery stores for a quick and easy addition.
• Refreshing Asian Slaw: A vibrant mix of thinly shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy sesame-ginger dressing provides a fresh, bright, and crunchy contrast to the savory stir fry. It’s a great way to add more raw vegetables.
• Light Cucumber Salad: Crisp cucumbers, often combined with creamy avocado or a sprinkle of sesame seeds, tossed in a light, zesty dressing (like lemon-soy or rice vinegar-based) can be a wonderfully refreshing palate cleanser.
• Savory Dumplings or Potstickers: Whether steamed, pan-fried, or deep-fried, pork, chicken, or vegetable dumplings make a fun, delicious, and satisfying accompaniment. Serve with a simple dipping sauce.
• Simple Steamed Edamame: If you’re a big fan of edamame, a bowl of lightly steamed edamame pods, sprinkled with sea salt, makes a healthy, protein-rich, and easy appetizer or side dish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Pork Ramen Stir Fry

Have questions about making this delicious stir fry? Here are answers to some common inquiries:

• Can I use different noodles for this stir fry? Yes, absolutely! While ramen noodles are fantastic for their quick cooking time and texture, you can easily substitute them with other similar noodles. Udon noodles offer a chewier bite, lo mein noodles are a classic stir-fry choice, and even thin spaghetti or linguine can work in a pinch for a similar texture. Adjust cooking times according to the package directions for your chosen noodle type.
• How can I make this stir fry vegetarian or vegan? To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the ground pork and use a plant-based ground meat alternative. Alternatively, you can increase the amount and variety of vegetables such as sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, shredded carrots, broccoli florets, or bok choy. For a vegan version, ensure you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and verify that your ramen noodles do not contain any animal products (most instant ramen noodles are vegan).
• What other vegetables can I add to this recipe? Feel free to customize this stir fry with your favorite quick-cooking vegetables! Excellent additions include sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), shredded carrots, crisp broccoli florets, tender snap peas, sliced mushrooms, baby corn, or chopped bok choy. Add them with the edamame and corn, adjusting cooking time as needed to ensure they are tender-crisp.
• Is this recipe spicy? The Sriracha sauce adds a mild to medium heat level to the stir fry, depending on how much you incorporate. You have full control over the spice! You can easily adjust it by adding less Sriracha for a milder dish, or more for an extra fiery kick. For absolutely no heat, simply omit the Sriracha entirely.
• Can I use fresh ramen noodles instead of instant? Absolutely! If you can find fresh ramen noodles (often available in the refrigerated section of Asian markets or larger grocery stores), they will work wonderfully and offer an even more authentic texture. Cook them according to package directions, which typically involves boiling for just a minute or two.

More Quick and Easy Stir Fry Recipes to Try

If you loved this Pork Ramen Stir Fry and are looking for more delicious and simple meal ideas, you’re in for a treat! Here are more fantastic stir-fry recipes to add to your collection, perfect for any night of the week when you need a flavorful meal fast:

• Garlic Beef and Veggie Ramen: A robust and deeply flavorful ramen stir fry featuring tender slices of beef, crisp snap peas, and vibrant red bell peppers, all coated in a savory garlic sauce.
• Classic Chicken Stir Fry: A timeless and universally loved dish loaded with succulent chicken pieces, crunchy carrots, and savory onion, all tossed in a delectable, balanced stir-fry sauce.
• Ground Turkey Stir Fry with Cabbage: A lighter and incredibly satisfying option featuring lean ground turkey with hearty cabbage and naturally sweet carrots for a nutritious and flavorful meal.
• Rotisserie Chicken Stir-Fry: The ultimate weeknight cheat meal! This recipe leverages the convenience of pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and a frozen stir-fry mix for minimal effort and maximum, quick flavor.
• Quick Pork Stir Fry with Green Beans and Zucchini: A delicious and simple pork stir fry recipe featuring fresh, vibrant green beans and tender zucchini, making for a wholesome and satisfying weeknight meal.

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5 out of 5 stars from 8 votes

Best Pork Ramen Stir Fry

By Chelsea Lords

Pork Ramen Stir Fry is loaded with veggies, noodles, and a flavorful sauce—kid and picky eater approved!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 2 servings

Video Guide

A video demonstration for this recipe is available on the original website.

Equipment

• Medium pot
• Large pan or wok

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 5 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce, divided
• 2 teaspoons Sriracha
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
• 1/3 cup chicken broth or water
• 3 tablespoons toasted sesame oil, divided

For the Stir Fry:

• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 bunch thinly sliced green onions, divided
• 2 teaspoons finely minced garlic (approximately 2 to 3 cloves)
• 2 teaspoons grated ginger (from a 1-inch piece)
• 1-1/3 cup frozen, shelled edamame (or peas, see note 1)
• 1-1/3 cup frozen corn
• 9 ounces instant ramen noodles (3 packets, seasoning discarded, see note 2)
• Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
• Ground white pepper or black pepper (optional, for seasoning and garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare Sauce: Bring a pot of water to a boil for the ramen. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with 4 tablespoons soy sauce until smooth. Stir in Sriracha, brown sugar, chicken broth, and 2 tablespoons sesame oil. Add 1/4 teaspoon ground white or black pepper (if using). Set the sauce aside.
2. Cook Pork: Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a large pan or wok over high heat. Add ground pork, breaking it apart. Sear and crumble the pork until it is thoroughly browned and cooked through. Add 1 tablespoon soy sauce and cook, stirring, until evaporated. Stir in 1/2 cup of the thinly sliced green onions, the minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add Vegetables: Add the frozen edamame and frozen corn to the pan. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp and heated through.
4. Cook Noodles: While vegetables are cooking, add ramen noodles (discarding seasoning packets) to the boiling water. Cook for only 2 minutes. Drain the noodles thoroughly and shake off any excess water.
5. Combine & Thicken: Add the drained ramen noodles to the pan with the pork and vegetables. Give the prepared sauce another quick whisk, then pour it evenly over the noodles and stir-fry. Toss everything together vigorously until the sauce thickens and beautifully coats all ingredients. Remove from heat immediately.
6. Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds (if using), additional ground pepper, and the remaining thinly sliced green onions. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve your delicious Pork Ramen Stir Fry immediately and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Frozen shelled edamame works best and requires no thawing. If unavailable, frozen peas make a suitable substitute.

Note 2: This recipe uses only the ramen noodles from the instant ramen packets. Discard the seasoning packets. We recommend 9 ounces of noodles, typically found in 3 standard packets. Chow mein noodles can also be substituted if preferred.

Storage: Store any leftover Pork Ramen Stir Fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Freezing is not recommended for this dish, as the noodles tend to become mushy upon thawing.

Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving)

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 705 kcal | Carbohydrates: 58.1g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 38.3g | Cholesterol: 82.2mg | Sodium: 2136.8mg | Fiber: 4.7g | Sugar: 7.5g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.

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