The Ground Beef Ramen Skillet is a fusion dish that combines the hearty flavors of ground beef with the comforting texture of ramen noodles, all brought together with a rich, savory sauce. This meal is not only delicious but also versatile and convenient, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or when you want a satisfying dish without too much fuss.
Choosing Ingredients
- Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef for a healthier choice. You can also substitute it with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
- Ramen Noodles: Regular instant ramen noodles work perfectly. For a healthier twist, you can use whole wheat or rice noodles.
- Vegetables: Fresh vegetables are key. Feel free to add or substitute with other favorites like snap peas, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Sauce Ingredients: Use low-sodium soy sauce and chicken broth to control the saltiness. If you’re avoiding soy, coconut aminos are a great alternative.
Cooking Tips
- Sautéing: Ensure the onions are well caramelized as they add a depth of flavor.
- Beef Cooking: Allowing the ground beef to sit undisturbed initially helps it to get a good sear and enhances its flavor.
- Vegetable Crunch: Don’t overcook the vegetables; they should be tender but still have a bit of crunch for texture contrast.
- Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can increase the amount of cornstarch slightly.
Variations and Substitutions
- Meat Alternatives: Vegetarians can substitute ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or tofu.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free ramen or noodles.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Sriracha sauce based on your heat preference.
- Cheese Addition: For an unconventional twist, sprinkle some grated cheese over the top before serving for a creamy, melty addition.
Ground Beef Ramen Skillet Recipe
Ingredients
- Vegetable Preparation
- Olive Oil: 4 tablespoons
- White Onion: 1/2 large, thinly sliced
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Ginger: 1-inch piece, grated
- Red Bell Pepper: 1, sliced thinly
- Broccoli Florets: 2 cups, diced
- Carrots: 3/4 cup, cut into matchsticks
- Protein and Base
- Lean Ground Beef: 1 lb
- Instant Ramen Noodles: 3 packages (seasoning discarded)
Sauce Ingredients
- Cornstarch: 2 teaspoons
- Light Soy Sauce: 3 tablespoons
- Chicken Broth: 1/3 cup
- Toasted Sesame Oil: 2 teaspoons
- Light Brown Sugar: 1 tablespoon
- Rice Vinegar: 1 tablespoon
- Hoisin Sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Sriracha Sauce: 2 teaspoons (adjust to taste)
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
Garnish
- Green Onion: Minced (for serving)
- Sesame Seeds (for serving)
Instructions
- Sauce Preparation: In a bowl, combine cornstarch, soy sauce, chicken broth, sesame oil, brown sugar, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, Sriracha, and black pepper. Whisk well and set aside.
- Sauté Onions: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add sliced onions and cook until they become soft, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Ginger: Lower the heat to medium, add minced garlic and grated ginger, and sauté briefly for about 15 seconds. Push them to the side of the skillet.
- Cook Ground Beef: Increase the heat to high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Allow it to cook undisturbed for 30 seconds, then break it apart and continue cooking until it’s no longer pink.
- Prepare Noodles: Meanwhile, boil water in a large pot. Add ramen noodles, cooking them for 1 1/2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain the noodles and toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Set aside.
- Vegetable Cooking: Adjust the skillet heat to medium-high and add bell pepper, broccoli, and carrots. Cook until they are crisp-tender, stirring occasionally, for about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine and Cook: Stir the sauce again and add it to the skillet along with the prepared ramen noodles. Toss everything together until the sauce thickens and coats all ingredients, approximately 2-4 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with minced green onion and sesame seeds before serving.
Enjoy this flavorful and easy-to-make skillet meal, perfect for a quick dinner or a delightful way to spice up your meal routine!