Ground Beef Ramen Skillet

Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 large white onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, grated
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 cups broccoli florets, diced
• 3/4 cup carrots, cut into matchsticks
• 3 packages instant ramen noodles, seasoning packets discarded

FOR THE SAUCE:

• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons light soy sauce
• 1/3 cup chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 teaspoons Sriracha sauce, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

FOR SERVING:

• Green onion, minced
• Sesame seeds

PREPARATION:

1. Begin by whisking together the sauce ingredients in a small bowl: cornstarch, soy sauce, chicken broth, sesame oil, brown sugar, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, Sriracha sauce, and black pepper. Set the mixture aside for later use.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the thinly sliced onion and cook until it becomes soft, which should take about 4-5 minutes.
3. Lower the heat to medium and add the minced ginger and garlic to the skillet. Stir them briefly for around 15 seconds, then push them to one side of the skillet.
4. Turn the heat to high and add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Let it sit without stirring for about 30 seconds, then use a spatula or wooden spoon to break it apart and cook until it is no longer pink.
5. While the beef is cooking, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the instant ramen noodles for 1 1/2 minutes less than the package instructions indicate. Drain them and toss them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil before setting them aside.
6. Reduce the heat to medium-high and add the sliced bell pepper, diced broccoli, and matchstick-cut carrots to the skillet. Cook until they are tender-crisp, stirring occasionally, for about 3-4 minutes.
7. Give the sauce mixture a final stir before adding it to the skillet along with the cooked ramen noodles. Cook and toss everything together using tongs until the sauce thickens and coats all the ingredients, which should take around 2-4 minutes.
8. When ready to serve, garnish the dish with minced green onion and sesame seeds. Enjoy your delicious meal!