Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Ingredients:

• Noodles: 8 oz (225g) linguine or spaghetti
• Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons
• Ground Beef: 1 lb (450g) lean
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
• Ginger: 1 teaspoon fresh, minced
• Soy Sauce: ¼ cup (60ml) low-sodium
• Hoisin Sauce: ¼ cup (60ml)
• Beef Broth: ¼ cup (60ml)
• Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: ½ teaspoon (optional, for heat)
• Green Onions: 2, sliced (for garnish)
• Sesame Seeds: (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Noodles:
◦ Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
◦ Add the noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
◦ Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
◦ In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
◦ Set the sauce aside.
3. Cook the Ground Beef:
◦ Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
◦ Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
◦ Drain any excess fat.
4. Add Aromatics:
◦ Reduce the heat to medium.
◦ Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Combine Sauce and Beef:
◦ Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the cooked beef.
◦ Stir well to combine, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
6. Mix in the Noodles:
◦ Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, tossing to coat them evenly with the beef and sauce mixture.
◦ Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
7. Serve:
◦ Transfer to serving plates.
◦ Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy hot!