Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option) – The star of the show, providing the base of the dish. If you want extra flavor, you can also use beef with a higher fat content (80/20 ratio).
- 8 oz spaghetti noodles – I usually go with whole wheat spaghetti for a bit of extra fiber, but regular pasta works just as well.
- 2 tbsp sesame oil – This gives the dish a subtle nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the other Asian-inspired ingredients.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic is the heart of most savory Asian dishes, giving a fragrant kick that elevates the entire meal.
- 1 inch piece of fresh ginger, minced – Ginger adds freshness and warmth, bringing a spicy element to balance the richness of the beef.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce – A staple in Asian cooking, soy sauce brings the umami depth we love.
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce – This sweet and salty sauce adds complexity and a little sweetness to the dish.
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar – A touch of acidity to cut through the richness of the beef.
- 1 tbsp brown sugar – Just a pinch to enhance the sweetness and help balance the salty soy sauce.
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions – For garnish and a mild oniony freshness.
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds – Optional, but they give a great crunch and a lovely pop of flavor when sprinkled on top.
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti:
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your spaghetti noodles and cook according to the package instructions (usually about 8-10 minutes for al dente).
- Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. Drizzle a little olive oil over it to keep the noodles from sticking together.
- Prepare the Ground Beef:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula as it browns.
- Stir occasionally to ensure the beef cooks evenly. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess fat if necessary (you want a bit left for flavor).
- Add the minced garlic and ginger to the beef and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. This is where the magic happens—garlic and ginger are the foundation of those rich, savory Asian flavors.
- Add the Sauces and Seasoning:
- Now, it’s time to bring everything together! Pour in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar. Stir well to combine, letting the sauce reduce slightly, about 3-4 minutes. The smell will be absolutely irresistible.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness or saltiness to your liking by adding more sugar or soy sauce, depending on your preference.
- Combine the Beef and Noodles:
- Toss the cooked spaghetti into the beef mixture, gently stirring to coat the noodles in the sauce. Let it cook together for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- If the noodles seem too dry, add a splash of water or broth to loosen everything up.
- Finish the Dish:
- Sprinkle the cooked noodles with green onions and sesame seeds for an added crunch and burst of freshness.
- Serve immediately, and get ready for a delicious, satisfying meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 28g