Description
A savory and sweet dish featuring ground beef and noodles in a flavorful sauce, perfect for busy evenings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 oz fresh or dried noodles (egg noodles, spaghetti, or udon)
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup water or low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry)
- 2 cups shredded cabbage or sliced bok choy
- 3 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Optional: red pepper flakes to taste
Instructions
- Prep the noodles: Cook noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with a little oil so they don’t stick.
- Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon oil. Add the ground beef and cook until nicely browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if desired.
- Build the sauce: Push the beef to the side, add the remaining oil, then sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir together soy sauce, brown sugar, water (or broth), and rice vinegar, and pour into the pan.
- Thicken: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook until the sauce thickens and coats the beef.
- Add vegetables: Stir in the cabbage or bok choy and cook 2–3 minutes until just wilted. Add cooked noodles and toss until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
- Finish and serve: Stir in green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve hot and enjoy the cozy, caramelized flavors.
Notes
Use fresh ginger and garlic for the brightest flavor; powdered substitutes won’t have the same warmth. Don’t overcook the noodles for a better texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian