Asian Ground Beef Noodles are a quick and yummy meal! With tender noodles, juicy ground beef, and a mix of colorful veggies, it’s a feast on a plate.
Trust me, the sauce is the star here—it’s sweet, salty, and just right! I whip this up when I need dinner in a flash. It’s tasty and always a hit!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: I recommend using spaghetti or thin Asian noodles. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, rice noodles work great too. Just be sure to follow the cooking instructions as they can differ.
Ground Beef: For a leaner choice, you can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. This will reduce the fat content but still provide a good protein source.
Soy Sauce: This ingredient adds saltiness and umami to the dish. If you’re watching your sodium, low-sodium soy sauce is a perfect alternative. For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead.
Oyster Sauce: If you’re vegetarian or vegan, consider using mushroom sauce as a substitute for a similar flavor profile. It adds depth to the dish without using seafood.
Chili Flakes: Adjust the spice level according to your preference. If you love heat, go for more flakes; if you prefer mild, just a pinch does the trick. Alternatively, you could use fresh chili for a different flavor.
How Do I Cook Ground Beef Without It Being Greasy?
Draining excess fat can keep your dish light. To achieve perfectly browned ground beef, start with a hot skillet and break the meat apart. Cook over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink, stirring occasionally. This method helps render out excess fat.
- Use a leaner beef option (like 90/10) to reduce greasiness.
- After cooking, drain any excess fat before adding sauces.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; this helps the beef brown instead of steam.
How to Make Asian Ground Beef Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz spaghetti or thin noodles
For the Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- 1-2 tsp chili flakes (adjust for spice level)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 10 minutes boiling the noodles and a further 10 minutes cooking the beef and mixing everything together. A quick and delicious meal ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Begin by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti or thin noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside.
2. Sauté Garlic and Ginger:
In a large skillet or wok, add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and heat it over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté these ingredients for about 30 seconds until they are fragrant and start to turn golden. This will give your dish a wonderful aroma!
3. Cook the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break the meat apart as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is nicely browned and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure it’s all fully cooked to enjoy a safe and tasty meal!
4. Add Sauces and Spice:
Once the beef is cooked, stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chili flakes. Mix everything well until the beef is coated in the sauce. This will enhance the flavors and bring everything together beautifully!
5. Combine with Noodles:
Add the drained noodles to the skillet with the beef mixture. Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated in the delicious sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Take the skillet off the heat and sprinkle the chopped green onions over the top as a fresh garnish. Serve your Asian Ground Beef Noodles warm and enjoy this flavorful dish with family and friends!
Can I Use Another Type of Noodle?
Absolutely! If you don’t have spaghetti, you can use rice noodles, udon, or even whole wheat noodles as alternatives. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of noodle you choose, as some may require less time to cook.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance! Cook everything according to the instructions, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stove or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen it up.
How to Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftover Asian Ground Beef Noodles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. You can add a little soy sauce or broth to help maintain moisture if it seems dry.
