Ginger Ground Beef with Ramen Noodles
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If you’re looking for a fresh new way to cook up ground beef for dinner, this Ginger Ground Beef with Ramen Noodles is a fantastic choice. It’s quick, flavorful, and packed with a delicious blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger, creating the perfect combination of sweet and savory. This dish comes together in minutes, making it a great go-to meal for busy weeknights when you need something satisfying and simple.
To infuse rich, aromatic flavor into the beef, it is first sautéed in a small amount of sesame oil, creating a slightly nutty depth that enhances the dish. As the beef cooks, freshly minced garlic blends beautifully with the meat. This simple step builds a flavorful base, ensuring every bite is infused with warm, garlicky goodness. The combination of sesame oil and garlic not only adds complexity to the dish but also helps lock in moisture, keeping the beef tender and juicy.
Chopped green onions are also added to the sauce. Their mild, slightly sweet onion flavor perfectly complements the savory richness of the meat, adding a subtle but noticeable brightness. As the green onions soften in the pan, they release their natural aroma. Not only do they contribute to the delicious flavor, but they also bring a pop of color and texture, making the final dish more vibrant and appealing.
The savory beef mixture is served over ramen noodles, making it both fun and effortless to prepare. Simply buy several ramen packets, discard the flavor packets, and boil the noodles in water until tender. Ramen provides the perfect texture for soaking up the rich sauce, but if you’re looking for an alternative, feel free to swap in lo mein noodles, spaghetti, or even rice. Each option works beautifully and lets you customize the dish to your preference!
Ingredients for Ginger Ground Beef with Ramen Recipe
- RAMEN NOODLES
- SESAME OIL
- GARLIC
- LEAN GROUND BEEF
- GREEN ONIONS
- LOW SODIUM SOY SAUCE
- BROWN SUGAR
- GINGER PASTE
Instructions for Ginger Ground Beef with Ramen Noodles
Prepare the Ramen Noodles: Cook the ramen noodles according to the package directions, but discard the seasoning packets—you won’t need them for this recipe. Once cooked, drain the noodles in a strainer, but do not rinse them. This helps retain their texture and allows them to absorb the flavorful sauce later.
Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add sesame oil. Once hot, add the ground beef and cook until it’s fully browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. When done, drain any excess grease to keep the dish light and flavorful.
Infuse with Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and let it cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. This step adds depth to the dish and enhances the overall flavor.
Add the Seasonings: Next, mix in the chopped green onions, soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger. Stir everything together and cook for about 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to coat the beef and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Combine with Noodles: Add the cooked ramen noodles to the skillet and stir until they are fully coated in the sauce and evenly mixed with the beef. Let everything cook together for another minute or so, ensuring the noodles absorb all the delicious flavors.
Serve and Enjoy: Once combined, plate up this savory dish and serve hot! Garnish with extra green onions or sesame seeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of noodle instead of ramen?
Yes! While ramen noodles provide a slightly chewy texture that soaks up the sauce beautifully, you can also use lo mein noodles, udon, or thin spaghetti. I think rice noodles would be wonderful. If you prefer, you can even serve the beef mixture over steamed rice for a different twist.
How do I prevent the noodles from becoming mushy?
To avoid mushy noodles, cook them just until tender, then drain them without rinsing. Overcooking or rinsing can make them lose texture and prevent them from absorbing the sauce properly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the beef mixture ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat in a skillet and stir in freshly cooked noodles for the best texture.
What vegetables can I add to this recipe?
Some great add-ins include:
- Bell peppers for sweetness and crunch
- Snap peas for freshness
- Matchstick carrots for color and texture
- Broccoli or mushrooms for extra flavor
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes! If you love heat, try adding: Red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce, diced jalapeños for a fresh spicy kick, or chili garlic paste for bold heat and flavor.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or soy sauce to loosen up the noodles and refresh the flavors.
Can I freeze this dish?
It’s best to freeze just the beef mixture separately. Let it cool, store in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw, reheat, and toss with freshly cooked noodles.
What toppings work well with this dish?
Some great finishing touches include: chopped green onions for freshness, crushed peanuts for crunch, sesame seeds for extra flavor, or a drizzle of chili oil for spice.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
- Ramen Noodle Chicken Salad
- Quick Asian Beef Ramen Noodles
- Chicken Vegetable Ramen Noodles
- Grilled Chicken Sesame Noodle Bowls
Ginger Ground Beef with Ramen Noodles
Real Mom Kitchen
Ingredients
- 9 oz ramen noodles ( three 3 oz pkgs ramen noodles – discard the seasoning packet)
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 green onions thinly sliced
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp ginger paste
Instructions
- Cook the ramen noodles without the seasoning pkg according to the package directions. Drain the ramen noodles in a strainer but do not rinse them.
- In a large skillet, over medium-high heat, brown the beef with the sesame oil until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease from the pan. Add in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add in the green onions, soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger. Cook for 2 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Stir the ramen noodles into the ground beef mixture until combined. Serve!
Nutrition
This recipe is adapted from Together As Family.
