Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
- 10 oz linguine
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 4 green onions, sliced for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Begin by cooking the linguine according to the package instructions. Once the pasta reaches al dente perfection, drain it and set it aside. The pasta will later absorb the sauce, giving each bite an extra burst of flavor.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and cooked through. If there is excess fat, drain it to avoid a greasy sauce.
Step 3: Add Aromatics and Sauces
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the beef and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
- Stir in the brown sugar, beef broth, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, ground ginger, ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Combine everything well to ensure the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Pour this into the skillet and stir constantly for about 2-3 minutes. The sauce should thicken to coat the back of a spoon.
Step 5: Combine with Noodles
- Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked linguine to the skillet. Toss the noodles until they’re well-coated in the savory sauce.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve the dish hot. The green onions add a fresh, slightly sharp contrast to the rich sauce and beef, rounding out each bite.
Notes
- Adding Vegetables: For extra flavor, color, and nutrition, consider adding vegetables like sliced bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. These vegetables not only add texture but also make the dish more visually appealing.
- Make it Gluten-Free: For those with gluten sensitivities, replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos and opt for gluten-free pasta. This ensures the dish remains flavorful and satisfying without any gluten.
- Adjust the Sweetness and Saltiness: If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the brown sugar slightly. Conversely, if you’d like a bit more salt, adjust the soy sauce or add a sprinkle of sea salt.
- Make it Spicy: If you love spice, add more red pepper flakes or drizzle a bit of sriracha into the sauce for a fiery kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes