These Spicy Ramen Noodles have shaken me out of my post holiday coma. It’s the one productive thing I’ve gotten done since we got an Apple TV.
You guys, it’s life changing. But don’t go out and get one unless you don’t want to see the light of day ever again.
Since the holidays, I’ve been lounging on the couch under my heated throw, quickly darting my eyes back and forth to see if anyone notices I’m about to watch my 4TH CONSECUTIVE HOUR of Orange is the New Black. That itsy bitsy Apple remote is part of my DNA now. We’re like one. [kisses remote]
Yeahhhh…I’m addicted.
Long after I turn off the TV, I’m still thinking about the characters: Is Pippy going find the chicken? And in awe…What a resourceful woman…grinding jalapeno peppers in her mouth on an empty stomach for Red’s capsicum lotion!
I look for any excuse to turn on Netflix. Hey, a person needs horizontal rest after doing the dishes.
They make it so easy. You don’t have to hurt your precious little fingers pressing a single button to queue up the next episode. We all know that pushing buttons is HARD.
What’s weird about binge watching TV shows is that you start to feel like the main character. Maybe it’s just me?
After watching:
- Breaking Bad – I feel sort of badass, sick, and completely disgusted with myself at the same time. Making the finest crystal meth in town, murdering someone, and disposing of the body will do that to a person. This show is so dark, I need a shower immediately after the show before snuggling with my blankie and watching an episode of Sesame Street. Save me, Big Bird.
- Orange is the New Black – I feel like I’m starting to get the hang of prison. Maybe this place isn’t so bad? Yes, it is. Wait, no, I’m fine. Am I going crazy?
- Broad City – I feel completely irresponsible and lost, yet I’m having the greatest time of my life.
- Game of Thrones – I’m only 1 episode in but I really feel the need to braid my hair.
- House of Cards – I hate politics. Why am I watching this? Oh right, it’s Netflix. It’s required, dude.
So, these spicy ramen noodles saved me. Because I got up off the couch [hold your applause] and cooked something. 3 times. Yes, it took 3 tries to get this recipe just perfect. Or am I just addicted to eating them?
First, it was my addiction to sugar. Now I’m addicted to Apple TV and Spicy Ramen Noodles? Oh, who’s counting. Fire up that TV and eat up!
Speaking of fire…these Spicy Ramen Noodles are hot enough to feel like your lips are tingling after eating them. The best part is the sweet onions that give you some relief. Oh hold me, sweet onions.
Sinus problems or a cold bringing you down? No problem! Eat these spicy noodles and you’ll feel healed.
If you do feel under the weather, you probably should lie down and rest watch TV.
Spicy Ramen Noodles
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 4 tablespoons sambal oelek*
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 4 teaspoons seasoned rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 4 teaspoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons peeled fresh minced ginger
- 1 large sweet onion, thinly sliced into approximately 2-3 inch long pieces
- 1 cup thinly sliced and seeded red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup fresh chopped cilantro leaves
- 2 large bunches green onions. Cut dark green parts into 2 inch pieces and finely chop thicker, light green part. (Once you get to the white part, stop slicing) Keep separated.
- 12 oz ramen noodles (I used four 3 oz packs of Top Ramen and threw out the seasoning packs. You could use only 3 packs if you wanted it a little more saucy.)
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- salt for seasoning
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine first 8 ingredients (soy sauce through ginger) and whisk until well combined. Set aside.
- Fill a large pot with water and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Bring water to boil. Once boiling, add ramen noodles and cook according to package directions (make sure to throw out any seasoning packets that come with the noodles). Drain noodles when finished.
- While the water is heating up, heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once skillet is preheated, add onions and lightly season with salt and toss. Add red peppers and saute for approximately 7-8 minutes or until onions and peppers are soft and flexible, stirring occasionally. Add another tablespoon of oil to pan and add dark green onions and saute for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Clear an area in the center of the skillet and add sauce mixture to pan. Stir and cook for about 15-30 seconds. Remove from heat.
- Add noodles to pan and stir immediately. Make sure all the noodles are coated with the sauce (tongs work best for this). Add the cilantro and lightly toss.
- Sprinkle the finely chopped light green onions over the top and serve.
Notes
*Samal oelek is ground fresh chili paste. It comes in a jar and you can usually find it in your grocer’s international/Asian section or at specialty food markets.
More great recipes at www.thekitchensnob.com
Crispy Flaky Butterfinger Treats
These look INCREDIBLE. I am such a sucker for good ramen, and anything spicy. Eee, I can’t wait to make it!
Yippie! Thanks for commenting, Erika. I just checked out your blog and really like it. You’ve got a new follower! 🙂
This looks so delicious!
Thanks, Claire! I was looking at your desserts – they are sooo beautiful!
This looks so good- totally making this soon! Glad I found you through the BlogHer group, I just had to add you to my Feedly Food blogs list 🙂
Thanks, Amanda! Glad I found your blog, too!
This looks so freaking good!! Cannot wait to try it. Wish I had all the ingredients at my house right now!! And I laughed out loud at what you said about the shows. Totally agree with you about Broad City…so irresponsible and lost…but happy. Thanks for sharing this recipe!!
Thanks, Tedi. I hope you like it – let me know how it turns out!
What a simple, beautiful and delicious dish! Love ramen noodles and can’t wait to try it! Pinned and shared 🙂
Thanks, Mira!
I could eat so many plates of these. SO MANY. Also we watch the same stuff!
Thanks for the comment, Nick. LOVE your blog name and I am very interested in checking out your book! I need help in organizing my meals and getting the most out of my leftovers.
Aw man, I know that feeling. The “I want to watch another episode but I really shouldn’t…oh wait, the next episode just started. Crap! There goes the rest of my day!”
Anyway, these noodles+ Netflix= Win.
-Kelsey
http://WWW.ALITTLEROSEMARYANDTIME.COM
Netflix makes it so easy to burn hours on the couch 🙂
This sounds so good! I haven’t had ramen in AGES. Scheduled this to share on FB, Tumblr, and Twitter. Thanks!
Thanks, Chelsey!
I have watched all of those shows except “Broad City” — maybe I should add that to my list! Also recently became addicted to “Scandal” (I know I’m about four years late on this). I’m definitely bookmarking this recipe! Although I’m 10 years out of college, I still love Ramen. But this is a bit more sophisticated.
Broad City is pretty silly. But we have laughed out loud quite a bit. And I never quite got over loving Ramen either!
Mnn, I’m craving ramen now
Haha I totally feel you about binge watching TV shows and characters
Thanks for your comment, Natalie. I just got addicted to another one – Togetherness on HBO. I really need an intervention. 😉
Hahaha, I love that you mentioned your new show obsession. What a hoot.
I’m totally feeling these noodles though, maybe for dinner tonight? While watching The Good Life. 😉
The Good Life – is that one I should be watching, too? No – don’t tell me! 🙂