Introduction
Ramen noodles are a beloved staple in many households, known for their versatility and ease of preparation. In this recipe, we take instant ramen noodles and elevate them with savory ingredients to create a satisfying and hearty meal. With a blend of tender ground beef, fragrant spices, and a rich sauce, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
2 (3.5-ounce) packages instant ramen noodles, flavor packets discarded
⅓ cup beef stock
¼ cup oyster sauce
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Sriracha, or more, to taste
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
1 pound lean ground beef
1 cup diced sweet onion
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
2 green onions, thinly sliced
½ teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
This recipe is straightforward and quick, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a hearty lunch. The combination of flavors from the beef and sauce makes each bite incredible, and the garnish of green onions and sesame seeds adds a delightful crunch. Enjoy this delicious fusion of flavors that will leave you craving more!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Ramen Noodles
In a large pot of boiling water, cook the instant ramen noodles until tender, which takes about 3-4 minutes. Once cooked, rinse the noodles with cold water and drain them well to stop the cooking process.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce Mix
In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef stock, oyster sauce, rice wine vinegar, and Sriracha until fully combined. Set the sauce mix aside for later use.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef and Onion
Heat the toasted sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the lean ground beef and diced sweet onion to the skillet. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Make sure to crumble the beef as it cooks. After browning, drain any excess fat.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Ginger
Stir in the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger into the skillet. Cook them together until fragrant, about 1 minute, stirring continuously to avoid burning.
Step 5: Combine with Sauce Mix
Pour the prepared beef stock mixture into the skillet, stirring well. Use a spatula to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet, as they add flavor to the dish.
Step 6: Mix in Ramen Noodles
Add the cooked ramen noodles to the skillet. Stir gently to combine the noodles with the beef mixture until everything is heated through and evenly coated, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Serve the beef and ramen mixture immediately. If desired, garnish with thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
Note 1: Adjusting Spice Level
Feel free to adjust the amount of Sriracha based on your preferred spice level. You can add more for extra heat.
Note 2: Protein Alternatives
This recipe works well with other proteins as well. You can substitute lean ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a different taste.
Note 3: Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to the skillet to loosen the mixture, and heat over medium heat until warmed through.
Note 4: Ingredient Variations
You can customize this dish by adding vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas during the cooking process for added nutrition and color.
Cook techniques
Boiling Noodles
In a large pot of boiling water, cook the ramen noodles until they are tender. Typically, this takes about 3-4 minutes. Once cooked, rinse them under cold water and drain well to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch.
Whisking Sauces
In a medium bowl, combine the beef stock, oyster sauce, rice wine vinegar, and Sriracha. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly to create a cohesive sauce that will enhance the flavor of the dish.
Stir-Frying Meat
Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the lean ground beef and diced sweet onion, cooking until the beef is browned. During this process, crumble the beef to ensure even cooking and texture. Drain any excess fat after cooking.
Sauteing Aromatics
After the beef has browned, stir in minced garlic and freshly grated ginger. Cook these ingredients for about one minute until fragrant, adding depth to the flavor profile.
Deglazing the Skillet
Pour the prepared beef stock mixture into the skillet, scraping the bottom to incorporate any browned bits. This step adds rich flavor to your dish as you deglaze the skillet.
Combining Ingredients
Add the cooked ramen noodles to the skillet and stir until they are thoroughly heated and evenly coated with the sauce, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
Garnishing
Serve the dish immediately, garnished with thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground chicken, turkey, or tofu for the lean ground beef if you prefer a different protein source.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can replace the beef stock with vegetable stock and use plant-based ground meat or tofu to make it vegetarian.
How spicy is this dish with the Sriracha?
The amount of Sriracha can be adjusted based on your spice preference. Start with one teaspoon and add more to taste after the dish is fully cooked.
Can I store the leftovers?
Yes, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.
What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a side salad to balance the flavors and textures.
Conclusion
This delicious ramen dish combines the rich flavors of beef and umami-packed sauces, creating a satisfying meal that’s quick and easy to prepare. Whether enjoyed on its own or customized with additional toppings, it’s a comforting option for any night of the week.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetable Stir-Fried Ramen
Add a variety of colorful vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli to stir-fry with the ground beef for a nutritious twist.
Shrimp and Garlic Ramen
Replace ground beef with shrimp and increase the garlic for a seafood-inspired ramen dish, enhancing it with a splash of lemon juice.
Spicy Tofu Ramen
Use crumbled tofu instead of beef and add more Sriracha for a plant-based spicy ramen option, perfect for vegetarians.
Kimchi Ramen
Incorporate kimchi to the ramen for an added kick and tangy flavor, garnishing with a soft-boiled egg for richness.
Curry Beef Ramen
Stir in a tablespoon of curry powder to the beef mixture before adding the noodles for a unique curry flavor with familiar ramen elements.
