Crispy Sesame Ramen Crunch Salad: Easy Weeknight Meal
Experience a vibrant and satisfying salad that combines fresh vegetables with the addictive crunch of toasted ramen noodles and a flavorful sesame dressing. Perfect for a light lunch, side dish, or potluck contribution!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Toasting and Mixing
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- Uncooked ramen noodles
- Green cabbage
- Red cabbage
- Napa cabbage
- Cooked beef (thinly sliced or shredded)
- Shredded carrots
- Thinly sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange)
- Green onions (thinly sliced)
- Fresh cilantro (chopped)
- Soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- Rice vinegar
- Toasted sesame oil
- Honey or maple syrup
- Fresh grated ginger
- Minced garlic
- Toasted sesame seeds (white and black mix)
- Chopped peanuts or cashews
Instructions
- Prepare the Ramen Crunch: Crush uncooked ramen noodle blocks in a Ziploc bag or kitchen towel into small pieces. Toast the crushed noodles in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until golden brown, or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. Set aside a quarter of the toasted ramen for garnish.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Finely shred the cabbage and shred the carrots. Thinly slice the bell peppers and green onions, and chop the cilantro. Place all the vegetables in a large mixing bowl.
- Prepare the Beef: Shred or thinly slice the cooked beef and add it to the bowl with the vegetables.
- Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, honey or maple syrup, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Whisk until well combined and the sweetener has dissolved.
- Assemble the Salad: Pour two-thirds of the dressing over the vegetables, beef, and most of the toasted ramen crunch. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the salad immediately, sprinkling the reserved toasted ramen crunch, toasted sesame seeds, and chopped peanuts or cashews on top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: For maximum crunch, add toasted ramen and dressing just before serving. Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a spicy kick.