This Healthy Beef Ramen Noodles recipe is a quick and nutritious meal perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with colorful vegetables and lean ground beef, this dish is enhanced with a savory, slightly spicy sauce that brings everything together. It's a delicious way to enjoy a classic favorite with a healthier twist. Let's dive into the ingredients that make this dish so flavorful and satisfying.
Ingredients
- Vegetable Oil: 1 tablespoon. Used for sautéing the vegetables and browning the ground beef, adding a subtle flavor and helping to cook the ingredients evenly.
- Onion: 1 large, chopped. Adds a sweet and savory base to the dish.
- Red Bell Pepper: 1, chopped. Provides a vibrant color and a slight sweetness.
- Broccoli: ½ head, cut into florets. Adds a crunchy texture and a boost of nutrition.
- Ground Beef: 1 pound. A lean protein that complements the vegetables and absorbs the flavors of the sauce.
- Ramen Noodles: 6 ounces (2 packets, seasoning packets discarded). The noodles are a classic component, providing a chewy and satisfying base.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. Essential for seasoning the beef and vegetables.
- Soy Sauce: ¼ cup. Forms the base of the savory sauce, adding depth of flavor.
- Brown Sugar: 1 tablespoon. Adds a hint of sweetness to balance the savory elements.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 tablespoon. Provides a touch of acidity that brightens the dish.
- Sriracha: 2 teaspoons. Adds a slight kick of heat and spice.
- Garlic: 1 clove, minced. Enhances the overall flavor with its aromatic qualities.
- Scallion: 1, chopped. Used as a garnish, adding a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the Vegetables
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the vegetable oil. Add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and broccoli florets. Cook until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized, about 5 minutes. This step brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables and adds depth to the dish. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set them aside.
- Step 2: Cook the Beef
- In the same skillet, add the ground beef. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the beef until it is no longer pink, breaking it up into small pieces with a spatula, about 5 minutes. Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat. Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet, mixing them with the ground beef.
- Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, sriracha, and minced garlic. This savory and slightly spicy sauce will coat the noodles, beef, and vegetables, tying all the flavors together.
- Step 4: Cook the Noodles
- In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add the ramen noodles and cook until tender, about 2 minutes. Drain the noodles, discarding the seasoning packets, and set aside. The quick cooking time ensures the noodles are perfectly al dente and ready to absorb the flavorful sauce.
- Step 5: Combine and Serve
- Add the cooked ramen noodles to the skillet with the beef and vegetable mixture. Pour the prepared sauce over the top and toss until everything is completely combined and coated with the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary. Garnish with chopped scallion for a fresh finish. Serve immediately and enjoy this quick and healthy meal!