Description
A fast, flavorful skillet dinner with tender noodles, savory beef, and a glossy sweet-and-salty sauce, perfect for busy family nights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz dry spaghetti or lo mein noodles
- 1 lb 85% lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp cold water
- 1 cup chopped green onions, divided
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce by whisking together the soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, and beef broth in a medium bowl until most sugar dissolves; set aside.
- Make the slurry by stirring cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water in a separate bowl until smooth; set aside.
- Cook the noodles in boiling water according to package directions until just al dente, usually 7 to 10 minutes; drain and set aside.
- Brown the beef in sesame oil over medium-high heat for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking into small crumbles until no pink remains; drain excess fat if needed.
- Add ginger, garlic, and optional red pepper flakes to the beef; cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour the prepared soy sauce mixture into the skillet, stir, and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce; cook for 2 to 3 minutes until glossy and thickened.
- Add drained noodles and 3/4 cup green onions; toss to coat noodles evenly and heat through.
- Finish by dividing among bowls and garnishing with remaining green onions, sesame seeds, and optional cilantro.
Notes
For extra heat, increase red pepper flakes. Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 75g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Mongolian beef, noodles, quick family dinner, skillet recipe, Asian inspired