IRRESISTIBLE ASIAN GROUND BEEF NOODLE SKILLET

Tired of the same old boring dinners and craving something packed with flavor that comes together in minutes? This Asian Ground Beef Noodle Skillet is your answer! Imagine savory ground beef mingling with perfectly cooked noodles, all coated in a luscious Asian-inspired sauce that’s both sweet and savory. Get ready to ditch the takeout menu because this one-pan wonder will become your new weeknight obsession!

Ingredients

For the Ground Beef:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For the Noodles:

• 8 ounces spaghetti noodles (or other long noodles of your choice)
• Water for cooking noodles

For the Vegetables:

• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup chopped green onions
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (for garnish)

For the Sauce (Optional):

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water

Let’s Talk Noodles: The Foundation of Our Skillet

Before we dive into the sizzling beef, let’s chat noodles. This Asian Ground Beef Noodle Skillet is incredibly versatile. While I personally love using spaghetti noodles – yes, you read that right! – feel free to experiment. This is a great way to explore ideas with spaghetti noodles beyond just traditional Italian sauces. You could use ramen noodles (cooked separately), udon noodles, or even linguine. The key is to cook them al dente so they hold their shape and texture in the skillet. We don’t want mushy noodles! Thinking outside the box is what makes cooking fun. So, while this dish is fantastic with regular spaghetti, don’t hesitate to explore other options. You might even find yourself creating new variations of pasta recipes asian!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Get Started: Cook the Noodles

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to package directions, until al dente.
3. Drain the noodles well and set aside. A little bit of olive oil after draining can prevent sticking.

Cook the Ground Beef

1. In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
3. Drain off any excess grease.
4. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Add the Flavor

1. Pour in the soy sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Stir to combine.
2. Add the red pepper flakes (if using) for a little heat.
3. Bring the sauce to a simmer.

Thicken (Optional)

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry.
2. Pour the slurry into the skillet and stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes. If you prefer a thinner sauce, skip this step.

Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked noodles, shredded carrots, and frozen peas to the skillet.
2. Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated in the sauce and the vegetables are heated through.

Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped green onions.
2. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Spice It Up: Variations and Additions

One of the things I love most about this Asian Ground Beef Noodle Skillet is how easily you can customize it to your taste. Feeling adventurous? Here are a few ideas to kick things up a notch.

• Add More Veggies: Bell peppers, broccoli florets, bean sprouts, and mushrooms would all be fantastic additions.
• Protein Power: Feel free to swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Sweet Heat: A drizzle of sriracha or a dash of your favorite hot sauce will add an extra layer of heat. You could even experiment with sweet chili spaghetti by adding a tablespoon or two of sweet chili sauce to the sauce mixture.
• Nutty Goodness: Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts on top for added texture and flavor.
• Egg-cellent Addition: Fry an egg and place it on top of each serving for a richer, more satisfying meal. The runny yolk adds a wonderful creaminess to the dish.

Making it Chinese Spaghetti Noodles

Want to lean even more into the Chinese-inspired flavors? Consider adding a splash of hoisin sauce to the ground beef mixture. You can also experiment with using Beef And Broccoli Lo Mein Noodles instead of spaghetti for a truly authentic experience. Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to do this, so have fun and experiment until you find your perfect combination of flavors. This recipe is a great base for exploring different Chinese spaghetti noodles and creating your own signature dish.

Essential Tips and Tricks for Skillet Success

Even though this recipe is incredibly easy, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure skillet success. First, don’t overcrowd the skillet. If you’re doubling the recipe, it’s best to cook the beef in batches to ensure even browning. Second, keep a close eye on the noodles as they cook. Overcooked noodles will become mushy and detract from the overall texture of the dish. Finally, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Everyone’s palate is different, so feel free to add more soy sauce, brown sugar, or red pepper flakes to suit your preferences. These simple tips will help you create a truly unforgettable Asian Ground Beef Noodle Skillet.

Why This Skillet Is Better Than Takeout

Let’s face it, takeout is tempting, especially on busy weeknights. But this Asian Ground Beef Noodle Skillet is not only faster to make than ordering takeout, but it’s also healthier and more affordable. You have complete control over the ingredients, so you can use high-quality ground beef, fresh vegetables, and skip the MSG. Plus, you can customize the flavors to your exact liking. So, ditch the delivery apps and whip up this delicious skillet instead. Your taste buds (and your wallet) will thank you!

Pairing Perfection: What to Serve With Your Skillet

While this Asian Ground Beef Noodle Skillet is a complete meal on its own, you can always add a side dish or two to round out the experience. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing contrast to the savory noodles. Or, for a more substantial meal, consider serving it with Egg Roll In A Bowl or some steamed edamame. For dessert, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a few fortune cookies are always a crowd-pleaser.

More Delicious Beef Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re a fan of easy beef recipes, you’re in luck! Here are a few more of my favorites that I think you’ll enjoy. For a classic Chinese dish, try Chinese Pepper Steak. Need a comforting pasta dish? Beef Pasta is always a winner. And if you’re craving something with a bit of a kick, Crispy Chilli Beef Rice will definitely hit the spot. Don’t forget the quick and easy Chinese Pepper Steak! You could also explore stir fry spaghetti noodles with any of these recipes.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftovers are a beautiful thing! This Asian Ground Beef Noodle Skillet keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave it for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent it from drying out. The noodles may become slightly softer upon reheating, but the flavor will still be amazing.

Conclusion: Your New Go-To Weeknight Meal

So, there you have it: a ridiculously easy, incredibly flavorful, and totally customizable Asian Ground Beef Noodle Skillet that’s guaranteed to become a weeknight staple. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Get ready for rave reviews and requests for seconds!

Irresistible Asian Ground Beef Noodle Skillet

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Asian Ground Beef Noodle Skillet is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. It features savory ground beef, tender noodles, and a delicious Asian-inspired sauce that’s both sweet and savory, making it a healthier and more customizable alternative to takeout.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot
• Large Skillet or Wok
• Spoon
• Small bowl
• Whisk
• Colander
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Grater
• Knife
• Cutting board

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• 8 ounces spaghetti noodles
• Water for cooking noodles
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup chopped green onions
• ½ cup frozen peas
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water

Instructions

 

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente.
• Drain the noodles well and set aside. Optionally, toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
• In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat.
• Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
• Drain off any excess grease.
• Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
• Pour in the soy sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Stir to combine.
• Add the red pepper flakes (if using) for a little heat.
• Bring the sauce to a simmer.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry.
• Pour the slurry into the skillet and stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly (1-2 minutes).
• Add the cooked noodles, shredded carrots, and frozen peas to the skillet.
• Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated in the sauce and the vegetables are heated through.
• Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped green onions.
• Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Add more veggies like bell peppers or broccoli. Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or tofu. Add sriracha or sweet chili sauce for extra heat. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts for added texture. Fry an egg and place it on top of each serving for a richer meal. To lean into Chinese flavors, add hoisin sauce or use lo mein noodles. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or skillet, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.