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I whipped up these noodles during a pantry emergency when delivery wasn't in the budget. Just mixed some ground beef, pasta and whatever sauces were hanging around - and wow, my family couldn't get enough! Now my kids come running whenever they catch that garlicky aroma floating through the house. Even my super fussy mother-in-law who rarely enjoys Asian cuisine wanted to know how I made it!
Why You'll Love This Dish
This meal comes together in no time - much quicker than any delivery service! The sauce turns deliciously sticky and wraps around every single noodle perfectly. My teenager who normally just mumbles at the dinner table actually requests this by name. It's also super adaptable to your family's taste preferences. I tossed in some broccoli last time and didn't hear a single complaint from the kids!
Ingredients You'll Need
- Ground Beef: One pound will do the trick
- Garlic: Don't hold back - I throw in five chunky cloves
- Brown Sugar: Creates that wonderful sticky texture
- Beef Broth: Brings in extra savory goodness
- Soy Sauce: Nothing fancy needed, supermarket variety works great
- Hoisin Sauce: Worth hunting down in the international section
- Some Spices: Ginger powder, black pepper and red pepper for heat lovers
- Noodles: Plain linguine does the job perfectly
- Green Onions: For that fresh finish on top
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Cooking Instructions
- Prepare Your Noodles
- Start by getting water boiling for the pasta. While waiting, I focus on the meat part. Just cook according to the package but watch carefully - soggy noodles can ruin the whole dish!
- Brown The Meat
- Heat your largest skillet and add the ground beef. Break it into small bits as it cooks using a wooden spoon. Once completely browned, drain away any excess grease.
- Create Your Sauce
- Here's where things get exciting! Add your garlic until it's wonderfully fragrant. Then mix in the brown sugar, broth, all your sauces and seasonings. Let everything simmer till it becomes gloriously sticky.
- Get It Thick
- Blend cornstarch with cold water until smooth and pour it in. You'll be amazed how quickly it thickens! My children always want to help with this step.
- Combine Everything
- Add your drained noodles straight into the sauce mixture. Toss until every strand gets completely covered in that yummy sauce.
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Helpful Tips
Always drain that beef well or you'll end up with an oily sauce. Don't forget to keep stirring after adding cornstarch to avoid clumps. And here's my little secret - sometimes I add a tiny bit of rice vinegar right at the end to give it that authentic takeout flavor!
Tasty Variations
For healthier nights I swap in ground turkey instead of beef. My sister likes to throw in frozen broccoli florets right before serving as an easy veggie addition. When it's just adults eating, I'll add extra chili flakes for a good spicy kick!
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Perfect Pairings
Most nights we just add steamed broccoli since the dish itself fills you up nicely! Sometimes I'll toss together a quick side salad. On extra hungry evenings I'll heat up some frozen potstickers too, which my kids absolutely adore.
Storing Leftovers
These noodles warm up surprisingly well! Just toss them in a pan with a bit of water to bring back the sauciness. They'll stay good in your fridge for several days if they don't vanish before that. My husband typically grabs the extras for his lunch and his workmates always comment on the amazing smell!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I swap the noodles?
Absolutely! Try spaghetti, udon, or even rice noodles. Just follow the cooking times on the package to avoid overcooking.
- → What veggies can I throw in?
Go for broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, or shredded carrots. Toss them in with the beef so they cook just enough but stay crisp.
- → Why do I need cornstarch slurry?
It helps thicken the sauce so it sticks beautifully to the noodles. Skipping it might leave your sauce a little runny.
- → Is it too sweet?
The sweetness balances the soy and beef flavors. If you like it less sweet, feel free to cut back on the sugar.
- → Can leftovers hold up?
They're fine for 2-3 days. Add a little beef broth when reheating, as the noodles might soak up most of the sauce in the fridge.
Conclusion
In just half an hour, you can whip up this tasty dish of savory ground beef, noodles, and a sweet sauce. Great for when you're short on time but want big flavor!