A one-pan dinner that’s quick, comforting and full of flavour!
If you haven’t ever tried cooking your ramen noodles in your stir-fry, rather than separately, I am here to tell you it is definitely something you need to try. I know bringing a pot of water to the boil and cooking noodles isn’t difficult, but when you’ve had a busy day and you need a delicious dinner in a hurry, throwing everything into the one pan is the ultimate time and sanity saver.

One-pan Beef Ramen Noodles is a very simple recipe that is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something fast, satisfying and family-friendly – and of course, full of flavour! Juicy minced (ground) beef, the most delicious hoisin-based sauce, vegetables and ramen noodles come together in one pan for the ultimate easy and economical dinner. I love to finish the dish with sesame seeds, sliced spring onion (scallion) and chilli oil crisp for extra texture and flavour, and I highly recommend these extra touches (the adults can just add the chilli to their portions, if you have sensitive little eaters around).
The best part of this dish (as with many other stir-fries), is that it is endlessly customisable – use whatever veggies you have on hand in the crisper drawer! I have suggested tons of options below, so check them out. If there are any leftovers, they keep for up to 3 days in the fridge, and make an absolutely gorgeous lunch option. I love this recipe so much that I included it in my new cookbook Simple Dinners Every Day.
For more speedy one-pan dinners like this, check out my 30+ Easy Dinner Ideas – minimal effort, maximum flavour.

What other vegetables can I add to this stir-fry?
This recipe is super versatile, and you can use whatever veggies you have on hand. The key is to consider the cooking time of each vegetable. Harder veggies like carrots or broccoli need a bit more time, while delicate greens cook quickly and should be added last. Here are some great options:
- Carrot, capsicum (bell pepper), zucchini (courgette), wombok cabbage, sugar snap peas or snow peas (mangetout) – Slice finely or julienne (think matchsticks) and add at the same time as the bok choy so the vegetables retain their crunch.
- Mushrooms – Slice finely. Add to the pan just after the garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes before adding the minced (ground) beef. To keep with the Japanese theme, try shiitake, enoki or oyster mushrooms.
- Broccoli or cauliflower – Chop into small florets. Steam or microwave for 2–3 minutes first, then toss them in with the bok choy.
- Kale or baby spinach – Shred into bite-sized pieces. Add at the very end, tossing until just wilted.

What kind of noodles are used for ramen?
Ramen uses springy, Chinese-style wheat noodles. They differ from other Asian noodles as they are made with “kansui” or lye water, giving them a unique chewy texture. It’s best to use purpose-made ramen noodles, as if you substitute other noodles they won’t have the same texture. However, you can use other instant noodles if that’s all you have on hand.
Watch how to make One-pan Beef Ramen Noodles
If you loved One-pan Beef Ramen Noodles, I think you’ll enjoy:
Stir-fried Beef with Flat Rice Noodles Recipe
Chicken and Thai Basil Stir-fry with Noodles Recipe
Filipino Stir-fried Noodles and Chicken Recipe
Quick Chicken Chow Mein Recipe
Sticky Pork Noodles Recipe

One-pan Beef Ramen Noodles
“This was absolutely delicious!! I was looking for something quick and easy, but still full of flavour and this dish ticked all of the boxes.” Share Pin Recipe PrintIngredients
- 60 ml (¼ cup) tamari or all-purpose soy sauce
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 60 ml (¼ cup) hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (optional, for colour)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or a neutral oil
- 2 tsp freshly minced garlic
- 500 g (1 lb) minced (ground) beef
- 3 x 85 g (3 oz) ramen noodle packets, or any other instant noodle packets, flavouring sachets discarded)
- 500 ml (2 cups) water
- 1 bunch baby bok choy, finely sliced
- 270 g (2½ cups) bean sprouts
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- Chilli oil crisp (optional)
- 1 spring onion (scallion), finely sliced
Instructions
- Make the sauce – In a small bowl, combine the sauce ingredients.
- Stir-fry the beef – Heat the oil in a large, deep, heavy-based pan over medium–high heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds.
- Add the minced (ground) beef. Cook, stirring, for 3–4 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula or wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through.
- Combine the sauce and beef – Add the sauce, stir to combine and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Push the beef to the outside of the pan, creating a space in the middle of the pan.
- Add the noodles – Place the noodles in the centre of the pan. Add the water. The noodles will not be completely submerged – they will be half-submerged, and that is okay.
- Place the lid on and cook the noodles for 1 minute.
- Remove the lid, turn the noodles with tongs, cover and cook for a further 1 minute or until the noodles are just pliable (they will continue cooking when the vegetables are added).
- Add the veggies – Remove the lid and toss in the bok choy and bean sprouts. Use tongs to toss the noodles, beef and vegetables until they are well combined. Cook, tossing, for 1 minute until the vegetables have slightly softened to your liking and the noodles have cooked through.
- Serve – Serve immediately topped with sesame seeds, chilli oil crisp (if using) and sliced spring onion.
Nutrition information
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Sue says:
I calculated calories to be 680 per serve. Can you break down only 345?
Nicole says:
Hi Sue, thanks so much for your comment! You’re right that the calories can come out higher depending on the brands you’re using – things like the ramen noodles, the fat content of the mince, and how much of the seasoning packet goes in can really shift the total. The figure on the recipe card is based on the specific ingredients I used. If you’re tracking closely, plugging your exact brands into a nutrition app will give you the most accurate count. Hope that helps! 😊
Nancy says:
Way too much sodium. I guess you do not watch your sodium intake? Sodium
1660 mg.
Stephanie says:
The whole family loves this recipe and I love that it’s super easy. I tossed in half a bag of shredded coleslaw mix and some edamame! So delicious!
Melanie says:
Is it 2 or 3 packets? Video shows only 2
Nicole says:
Hey Melanie, my bundles in the video are a little bigger than a standard bundle (most are 85 g each). You need around 250 g in total. ❤️
Janet Clancy says:
In the beef ramen recipe you have 3
Packets of noodles in the video you only use two? Is it two or three? Are they just the 2 minute noodles ?
Nicole says:
Hi Janet, thanks so much for your comment! The recipe calls for 3 x 85 g (3 oz) packets of ramen noodles. Some brands have bigger packets, so as long as the total weight comes to around 255 g it doesn’t matter how many packets you use – just discard the seasoning sachets and use the noodles only. Hope that clears it up! Nic x
Annelene says:
Good day, how much is a serving size? Cup or grams please.
Nicole says:
Hi Annelene, thanks so much for your comment! The serving size is based on the number of servings listed in the recipe card. If you scroll down to the recipe card, you’ll see the serving info there. You can also use the slider to adjust the number of servings and the ingredient quantities will update automatically. Nic x
Marianna says:
This was a total hit in our house!! The chilli oil just finishes it off nicely. It’s going on the dinner rotation, thank you 🙂
Nicole says:
Thank you for taking the time to comment, Marianna! So glad it’s a hit in your house! The chilli oil really does take it to the next level, doesn’t it? Love that it’s made it onto the dinner rotation. Nic x
Mel says:
Hello what is the 5th ingredient in the sauce (on the video-red bottle)
Thanks
Judy says:
I wish I didn’t have to translate the amounts. I like your recipes, but this discourages me.
Nicole says:
Hi Judy, thanks so much for your comment! I completely understand — all my recipes are in metric measurements (I’m based in Australia!). A free conversion app or a quick Google search for ‘grams to cups’ or ‘grams to ounces’ should help with any recipe you’re making. I hope that makes it a little easier! Nic x
Vera says:
This was so easy in every aspect. Easy prep, quick cook, and barley anything to clean. Love the sauce as well. I added a mix of Asian mushrooms with the garlic as well to sneak in more veggies!!
Nicole says:
Hi Vera, thanks so much for your comment! The mushrooms with garlic is a brilliant addition. Love that you’re sneaking in extra veggies! So glad you enjoyed it. Nic x
Angela says:
This was a hit with my family and is a new potluck favorite
Nicole says:
Wonderful to hear, Angela! Thanks for the rating. 😊 Nic x
Gill says:
Greetings from Ireland 🇮🇪 Love your recipes and this one particularly was a huge hit ! You need to come to Dublin !
Nicole says:
Hi Gill, I’d definitely love to go to Dublin one day!! Thanks for your lovely comments and for the rating. 🥰 Nic x