Simple, versatile dinner that is ready in no time and tastes like a million bucks. You could easily substitute chicken or pork and leftover meats would be great to use here. You can also sub in any frozen veggie mix.

Beef Ramen Bowl

4 servings
255 calories per serving

1 lb. beef sirloin cut into thin strips
2 c water
3 oz. Asian or Beef flavor ramen noodle mix
1 lb. fresh stir fry veggies (broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, red peppers)
¼ c soy sauce
Pam

Spray a skillet with Pam and cook beef 5 minutes or until browned then remove from skillet and keep warm. Boil stir in veggies and heat to boiling and continue to cook 4 minutes or until veggies are a bit tender. Stir in seasoning packet and broken up noodles and continue cooking 3 minutes. Finally add soy and then add beef and heat through.

Simple, low cal, nutritious and a nice change from your regular green salad!

Asian Garden Salad

6 servings
126 calories per serving

1/3 c thinly sliced scallions
4 T soy sauce
3 T water
2 c boiling water
1 ½ t sesame oil
¼ t garlic powder
¼ t red pepper flakes
1 3 oz. package low fat ramen noodle soup
2 c boiling water
2 c fresh pea pods, halved crosswise
1 c fresh bean sprouts
1 c sliced mushrooms
8 oz. can baby corn, drained and halved crosswise
1 red bell pepper cut into small strips
3 c shredded Chinese cabbage

Combine green onions, soy, water, oil, garlic powder and red pepper flakes and set aside. Break up ramen noodles and discard seasoning packet. Add peapods and pour 2 c boiling water over the mix and let stand 1 minute and then drain. Combine noodles, pea pods, bean sprouts, mushrooms, corn and peppers in a bowl. Shake dressing and toss with the noodle mix. Cover and chill 2 – 24 hours. Just before serving add cabbage.

Though the dish packs some calories, it is all good MUFA calories – olive oil, seeds, nuts. So I go ahead and eat it as a lunch instead of a side. The dressing is just superb – the soy added to the Italian dressing gives it such an Asian flair. And the added crunch from the ramen noodles make this a great salad !

Asian Salad

12 servings
260 calories per serving

1 envelope Good Seasons Italian Salad dressing mix
1/3 c sugar
2 T soy sauce
2 3 oz. Packages of ramen noodles
2 16 oz. bags of coleslaw blend
4 green onions, sliced
½ c roasted sunflowers
½ c sliced almonds

Prepare salad dressing mix according to package instructions. Stir in sugar and soy. Break noodles and discard seasoning packet. Add coleslaw, onions, seeds and nuts, Mix and add dressing and toss to coat well.

Spicy low cal soup really hits the spot – especially when you have beef chunks AND noodles ! This one really tides you over and it is so easy to do.

Beef and Noodle Soup

4 servings
210 calories per serving

½ lb. extra lean ground beef
3 ½ c water
14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
1 c frozen mixed vegetables
1 t beef bouillon flavoring
2.8 oz. package beef flavored ramen noodles

Brown beef and drain then add water, tomatoes, veggies, bouillon flavoring and flavoring packet from the ramen noodles and bring to a boil. Break up ramen noodles and add to soup and cook 3-5 minutes then serve.