Ah, the comfort of a steaming bowl of noodles—it’s like a warm hug in a bowl! This Easy Beef Ramen Noodles recipe is my go-to for those nights when time seems to slip away like a Sunday afternoon nap. Picture this: tender beef mingling with springy noodles, all swimming in a savory broth that could very well be the culinary equivalent of your favorite playlist.
Steps
- Heat some oil in a skillet over high heat and sauté sliced onion and minced garlic for about 1.5 minutes until they start turning golden.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks, until it changes from pink to light brown.
- Pour in the sauce mixture and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the beef to caramelise and enhance its flavour.
- Push the beef to the side of the skillet, pour in water, and place uncooked ramen noodles into the water, ensuring they sit nicely in the pan.
- After about 45 seconds, turn the noodles. After another 30 seconds, they will be soft enough to toss with the beef and sauce.
- Add a generous handful of bean sprouts, toss the mixture for about a minute until the sauce reduces and coats the noodles, and they are perfectly cooked.
- Serve immediately, optionally garnished with finely sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added flavour.
Ingredients
- 2 packets of ramen or instant noodles (discard the seasoning)
- 1 teaspoon oil
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil (toasted or untoasted)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 onion, sliced
- 200g (7oz) ground beef (mince)
- 1 1/4 cups (315 ml) water, with additional as needed
- A large handful of bean sprouts
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or substitute with hoisin sauce)
- 2 teaspoons hoisin sauce (or use more oyster sauce)
- 1 tablespoon mirin (or substitute with Chinese cooking wine or dry sherry)
- Finely sliced green onion or shallots
- Sesame seeds
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1252cal | Carbohydrates: 116g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 54g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 142mg | Sodium: 2400mg | Potassium: 812mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin C: 19.6mg | Calcium: 74mg | Iron: 5.2mg
FAQ
- Can I use other types of noodles instead of instant ramen?
- Yes, you can substitute instant ramen with any type of noodles, such as fresh or dried rice, wheat, or egg noodles. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time as per the noodle package instructions.
- What vegetables can I add to this dish?
- This recipe is versatile and allows for various vegetables. You can use finely sliced cabbage, carrots cut into matchsticks, baby spinach, or even kale. If using veggies that release a lot of water, like zucchini or mushrooms, cook them separately first to avoid excess liquid.
- Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
- Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with any other ground meat of your choice, such as chicken, turkey, pork, or even lamb.
- What is the purpose of cooking the noodles in the same pan as the beef?
- Cooking the noodles with the beef allows the starch from the noodles to thicken the sauce naturally without the need for additional thickeners. It also saves time and reduces washing up.
- Can this recipe be made with reduced sodium?
- Yes, you can reduce the sodium content by using low-sodium soy sauce and adjusting the sauce ingredients to taste.
Tips
- Ensure the beef is thoroughly caramelised before proceeding as this step is crucial for enhancing the dish’s flavor. Don’t rush it!
- When adding the noodles, make a well in the center of the pan to protect the beef’s caramelisation and allow the noodles to cook properly in the water.
- To keep the recipe adaptable and quick, consider using no-chop vegetables like beansprouts, or add finely sliced cabbage, carrots, or spinach when you add the bean sprouts to wilt them slightly.
- Use any type of instant or ramen noodles you prefer, and remember to discard the seasoning packets. If you’re using larger noodle cakes that don’t fit, feel free to break them to fit in your pan.
Equipment
- Medium skillet or large frying pan – A versatile cooking tool for sautéing and cooking all ingredients in one pan.
- Chopsticks – Useful for serving and eating the ramen noodles authentically.
- Instant-read thermometer – Helpful for ensuring ground beef is cooked to a safe temperature.
- Mandoline slicer (optional) – Useful for slicing vegetables like onions and cabbage finely and quickly.
