This recipe is always on standby at our house for when we are tired of the usual or want something that feels special, without the time special normally takes.
It is simple, quick and always a pleaser because everyone can build their bowl exactly as they please. It’s a recipe that takes your every day I stand noodle pack and makes it a little more bougie. ;)
Here’s what you need to get started:
(serves 4 as is)
•4 packages of Instant Ramen Noodles (any flavor will do because you won’t be using the seasoning packet)
•48 oz. beef broth
•2 cups water
•1 lb. chicken breasts or thighs, sliced into strips (we prefer the garlic herb pre seasoned breasts from Walmart)
•4 eggs, boiled and peeled (we LOVE using our Instant Pot to “boil” ours while I work on the rest of the recipe
•2 cups chopped Kale
•3 tbl. Soy sauce to taste
•2 tbl. Chopped garlic (or more to taste)
•1 tbl. Grated fresh ginger (a must! Don’t skip this step! It really adds so much goodness!)
Additional ingredients we like to add in to customize our bowls:
Sliced mushrooms
Limes, quartered
Green onions, sliced
Kimchi (found in the refrigerated produce section at your grocery store- just try it!)
Sriracha or red chili flakes for spice
To begin, use a non-stick, deep pan or pot to cook your chicken. You’ll use the same pot/pan to make your broth, so you want it at least a few inches deep.
If using pre-seasoned garlic herb chicken, cook as is. If not, season with salt, pepper and garlic powder, cook until done and then set aside.
In the same pan, on medium heat, sauté your garlic in a tbl. of olive oil until fragrant. Add soy sauce and stir. Pour in beef broth and water and stir to combine. Bring to a rolling boil and then add the noodles only from your instant ramen packages. (Save the seasoning packets for another day).
As your noodles cook in your broth, chop your mushrooms, kale, limes, and green onions and set aside. I will put all the add ins, boiled eggs included, on a plate for presentation or, if I’m wanting to keep things simple, it all stays on the cutting mat. I’ll also set our soy sauce (Because my husband always wants extra) and the kimchi. If you’ve never tried kimchi, give it whirl. I didn’t for years and regret all that lost time with this probiotic powerhouse. Our whole family loves it for a crunchy, slightly spicy, zesty addition.
Once noodles are almost done, add in the kale and simmer on low until tender. Hate kale? Skip this step or throw another leafy green in it's place. It's a great boost of vitamins and texture.
Grate in fresh ginger (seriously, it makes all the difference- grab a small piece in the produce section, peel the skin off and grate the inside “meat”)
Now you’re ready to serve! I totally failed you here by not taking a picture of our bowls all together and prettied up with a slew of toppings, but.... we dove in too fast to snap one. 😂
I spoon broth and the noodles into a bowl and pass off to my fam for them to build the rest as they please! Each person gets to create their bowl exactly as they’d like which means no complaints to the chef, because they are the chef! 😉 Your family can add exactly what they want from your chopping board to their bowl and create their own masterpiece.
If you give our recipe a try, we’d love to hear what you added to yours and what your fam thought! Happy eating!
