Description
This Sesame Ground Beef Peanut Noodles recipe is a flavorful and satisfying dish combining tender ground beef with crunchy broccoli, savory peanut sauce, and perfectly cooked ramen noodles. The meal is enhanced by fresh herbs, lime, and toasted peanuts for extra texture and zest. Ready in just 45 minutes, it makes a delicious and approachable weeknight dinner inspired by Asian flavors.
Ingredients
Noodles and Garnishes
- 2 packages ramen (discard seasoning packets)
- 1 cup chopped roasted lightly salted peanuts
- Thinly sliced green onion
- Fresh chopped cilantro
- Fresh chopped mint
- Lime wedges
Beef and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil + more for garnish
- 4 cloves garlic, grated on a microplane
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 4 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (for deglazing)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (for deglazing)
Instructions
- Cook Ramen: Boil the ramen noodles for just 2 minutes until tender but still slightly firm. Drain the noodles and immediately toss them with 1 teaspoon of sesame oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Cook Beef: Heat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, seasoning it with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Allow the beef to sear without stirring until a dark brown crust forms on the bottom, then flip and break it up with a spatula. Continue cooking until browned and nearly cooked through. Drain any excess fat, then drizzle with 1 teaspoon sesame oil and cook for another minute until fully cooked.
- Cook Broccoli: Using a slotted spoon, remove the cooked ground beef and set it aside on a plate. Add broccoli florets to the pan and sauté them in the remaining pan drippings for 4-5 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still crisp.
- Make Peanut Sauce: While cooking, whisk together the peanut sauce ingredients in a medium bowl: 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter, 4 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons sesame oil, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Add Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in the fresh grated garlic and ginger paste to the pan. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Deglaze Pan: Add 2 tablespoons soy sauce and 1 tablespoon rice vinegar to the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom to incorporate their flavor into the sauce.
- Finish It Up: Return the cooked ground beef to the pan along with the cooked ramen noodles and half of the prepared peanut sauce. Stir everything together until well combined and cook for an additional minute to heat through.
- Garnish and Serve: Drizzle additional sesame oil over the dish. Garnish with chopped peanuts, green onion, cilantro, mint, and lime wedges on the side. Serve with the remaining peanut sauce and enjoy immediately.
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Notes
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper for preferred spice level.
- Toast peanuts lightly for extra crunch and flavor if desired.
- Fresh herbs like cilantro and mint add freshness and can be omitted if unavailable.
- The ramen noodles only need a quick boil to retain texture; avoid overcooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
