Description
This Easy Ground Beef Ramen Noodles with Ginger recipe is a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner combining tender ground beef, fragrant ginger, and perfectly cooked ramen noodles. The homemade savory-sweet sauce brings an irresistible depth of flavor, enhanced with garlic, soy sauce, hoisin, and a touch of heat from hot sauce. Ready in just 15 minutes, it's a comforting and satisfying dish great for busy days.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef (90% lean)
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
- 3 (3 oz. pkg.) ramen noodles (discard the flavor packet)
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 Tablespoons Hoisin sauce
- 1 Tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 Tablespoon corn starch
- 2 teaspoons fresh ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
Garnish (Optional)
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small mixing bowl, combine the water, honey, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, hot sauce, fresh ground ginger, and corn starch. Whisk thoroughly until the corn starch is fully dissolved and there are no lumps. Set the sauce aside for later use.
- Cook the ground beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and the minced garlic. Cook together, stirring and breaking up the beef until it is fully browned. Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the dish leaner.
- Add and simmer the sauce: Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the browned ground beef in the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat. As it heats, the sauce will thicken. Once thickened, reduce the heat to low and keep warm.
- Prepare the noodles: While cooking the beef, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the ramen noodles (discarding the flavor packets). Cook the noodles for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Be careful not to overcook the noodles to maintain a tender but firm texture.
- Combine noodles and beef: Drain the cooked noodles and transfer them to the skillet with the beef and sauce. Using a pasta utensil or tongs, toss gently to combine so the noodles are evenly coated with the beef and sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally top with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and texture. Serve immediately while hot, pairing with your favorite steamed or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Discard the ramen flavor packets as they are not used in this recipe.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control sodium levels.
- Adjust hot sauce quantity to your preferred spice level.
- Drain excess fat from the beef to reduce greasiness and calories.
- Do not overcook the ramen noodles to avoid mushy texture.
- Serve with steamed broccoli, snap peas, or carrots to add nutrition and crunch.
