Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat)
- 3 packs instant ramen noodles, seasoning discarded
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 cups shredded carrots or broccoli slaw
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions:
- Boil a large pot of water and drop in the 3 packs instant ramen noodles. Cook for only 2 to 3 minutes until they are barely tender but still have a firm snap in the center. Drain them immediately and set aside. Note: They will finish cooking in the sauce later, so undercooking now prevents mushiness.
- In a large skillet over medium high heat, add the 1 lb ground beef. Spread it out into one flat layer and let it sit for 3 minutes until a dark, mahogany crust forms on the bottom. Note: Resisting the urge to stir is what builds the deep flavor found in a [Beef Lo Mein Recipe](https://gokitchenzone.com/recipes/beef-lo-mein/).
- Break the beef into small crumbles with your spatula. If there is an excessive amount of liquid fat (more than 2 tablespoons), spoon some out. We want just enough to fry the aromatics.
- Add the 1 tbsp grated ginger and 3 cloves minced garlic to the beef. Sauté for about 1 minute until the aroma is fragrant and the garlic is golden.
- Toss in the 2 cups shredded carrots or broccoli slaw. Stir fry for 2 minutes until the vegetables are vibrantly colored and slightly softened but still retain a crisp bite.
- In a small bowl, combine the 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp hoisin sauce, and 1 tbsp brown sugar. Pour this mixture directly over the beef and vegetables, stirring to deglaze any brown bits stuck to the pan.
- Add the cooked noodles back into the skillet. Use tongs to lift and fold the noodles into the beef mixture until every strand is coated in the velvety brown sauce.
- Remove from heat and drizzle with 1 tsp sesame oil. Scatter the 3 sliced green onions and 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds over the top. Serve immediately while the steam is rising and the noodles are at their silkiest.