Ground beef, ramen noodles, soy sauce, bell pepper, broccoli, and garlic come together for a savory and satisfying skillet meal.
There’s something deeply comforting about a dish that combines the simplicity of instant ramen with the rich flavors of a hearty stir-fry. The “Savory Beef Noodle Skillet” recipe holds a special place in my heart as it reminds me of my college days. Back then, ramen was a staple in my diet, not just because of its convenience but because it was a canvas for creativity. I remember one late night, fueled by a mixture of hunger and inspiration, I decided to elevate my humble ramen packet. With a bit of ground beef, fresh veggies, and a dash of my favorite sauces, the result was a deliciously satisfying meal that has since become a beloved dish in my family. Now, every time I make it, I’m transported back to those days of youthful experimentation, where simple ingredients turned into culinary adventures.
What makes this Savory Beef Noodle Skillet special ?
The “Savory Beef Noodle Skillet” stands out for its incredible blend of convenience and flavor. First, it’s a one-pan wonder, making cleanup a breeze. The recipe cleverly repurposes instant ramen noodles, transforming them into a gourmet experience that’s far removed from the typical college dorm fare. The combination of lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a perfectly balanced sauce ensures a hearty and nutritious meal. The sauce itself is a star, melding soy sauce, hoisin, and a touch of Sriracha for a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and spicy notes. Plus, the dish is customizable, allowing you to adjust the heat or swap in your favorite vegetables. It’s a quick, versatile, and utterly delicious dinner option.
What do you need to make this Savory Beef Noodle Skillet special:
This recipe is a fantastic example of how simple, everyday ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. Here are some insights into the key components:
- Olive Oil: Used to sauté the vegetables and beef, it adds a subtle flavor and ensures a smooth cooking process.
- White Onion: Provides a sweet and mild base flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Garlic and Ginger: These aromatics bring a depth of flavor and a slight kick that elevates the dish.
- Lean Ground Beef: A hearty protein that cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors of the sauce beautifully.
- Bell Pepper, Broccoli, and Carrots: Fresh vegetables that add color, texture, and nutritional value to the dish.
- Instant Ramen Noodles: The base of the dish, these noodles cook quickly and soak up the savory sauce perfectly.
- Sauce Ingredients: A combination of soy sauce, chicken broth, sesame oil, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, Sriracha, and black pepper creates a well-balanced and flavorful sauce.
Steps to make this Savory Beef Noodle Skillet
Creating this “Savory Beef Noodle Skillet” is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these steps for a perfect meal:
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, soy sauce, chicken broth, sesame oil, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, Sriracha, and black pepper. This mixture will be the key to your dish’s flavor, balancing sweet, savory, and spicy elements.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the diced white onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the grated ginger and minced garlic. Cook briefly, about 15 seconds, to release their aromas, then push them to the side of the skillet.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Increase the heat to high and add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Let it sit undisturbed for 30 seconds to develop a bit of a crust, then use a wooden spoon or spatula to break apart the meat. Cook until the beef is no longer pink.
- Prepare the Ramen Noodles: While the beef is cooking, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the ramen noodles and cook them for 1 1/2 minutes less than the package directions indicate. Drain the noodles and toss them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: Reduce the skillet heat to medium-high and add the sliced red bell pepper, broccoli florets, and matchstick-cut carrots. Cook until the vegetables are crisp-tender, about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Combine and Finish: Give the sauce another stir, then add it to the skillet along with the cooked ramen noodles. Use tongs to toss everything together, ensuring the sauce thickens and coats all the ingredients evenly. Cook for another 2-4 minutes.
- Serve: To serve, sprinkle the minced green onion and sesame seeds over the top. This adds a fresh and slightly crunchy element to your dish. Enjoy your flavorful and comforting “Savory Beef Noodle Skillet”!
Savory Beef Noodle Skillet
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 large white onion thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1- inch piece of ginger grated
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets diced
- 3/4 cup carrots cut into matchsticks
- 3 packages instant ramen noodles seasoning packets discarded
- For the sauce:
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 1/3 cup chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 teaspoons Sriracha sauce or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- For serving:
- Green onion minced
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, thoroughly whisk together the cornstarch, light soy sauce, chicken broth, toasted sesame oil, light brown sugar, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, Sriracha sauce, and black pepper. Set the sauce mixture aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the thinly sliced white onion. Cook the onion until it becomes soft and translucent, approximately 4-5 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir for about 15 seconds until fragrant, then push the aromatics to the side of the skillet.
- Cook Ground Beef: Increase the heat to high and add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Allow the beef to cook undisturbed for 30 seconds to develop a crust, then use a wooden spoon or spatula to break apart the meat. Continue cooking until the beef is no longer pink.
- Prepare Ramen Noodles: While the beef is cooking, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the ramen noodles and cook them for 1 1/2 minutes less than the package instructions indicate. Drain the noodles and toss them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Cook Vegetables: Reduce the skillet heat to medium-high and add the thinly sliced red bell pepper, diced broccoli florets, and matchstick-cut carrots. Cook the vegetables until they are crisp-tender, approximately 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir the prepared sauce mixture one more time and add it to the skillet along with the cooked ramen noodles. Use tongs to toss everything together, ensuring that the sauce thickens and evenly coats all ingredients. Cook for an additional 2-4 minutes until the dish is well-combined and heated through.
- Serve: To serve, sprinkle the minced green onion and sesame seeds over the top of the dish. Enjoy your flavorful and comforting "Savory Beef Noodle Skillet"!