Ingredients:

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 6 oz ramen noodles
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tbsp neutral oil

Instructions:

  1. Bring a medium saucepan of water to a rolling boil. Add ramen noodles and cook for 1-2 minutes less than the package directions until al dente. Drain in a colander and set aside.
  2. Heat neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until deeply browned and slightly crisp. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger; sauté for 60 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.
  5. Add the cooked ramen noodles to the skillet and toss vigorously for 2 minutes until the noodles are fully coated in the beef glaze. Remove from heat immediately.