Quick Garlic Noodles with Beef and Broccoli—oh, this dish is a whirlwind of flavors! Imagine the sizzle of beef, the intoxicating aroma of garlic, and the vibrant green of broccoli all coming together in a dance of savory delight.
It’s like a comforting hug after a long day, and honestly, who doesn’t need more hugs? Plus, the noodles practically beg you to twirl them around your fork.
If only every meal could be this satisfying and quick!
Steps
- Prepare the sauce by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a bowl. Add ¼ cup of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 3 tablespoons of brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Mix well and set aside.
- Boil a large pot of water. Once boiling, add the spaghetti and cook until tender, approximately 7 minutes. Drain the pasta using a colander.
- While the pasta cooks, heat the remaining tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ½ pound of ground beef and cook until thoroughly browned. If using beef with high fat content, drain any excess fat.
- Mince 4 cloves of garlic and add them to the cooked beef. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic softens slightly.
- Add ½ pound of frozen broccoli florets to the skillet. Cook over medium heat until the broccoli is no longer frozen, but not fully heated through, as it will continue cooking later.
- Once the spaghetti is drained, add it to the skillet with the beef and broccoli. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir everything together over medium heat until well combined and heated through.
- Slice 4 green onions and sprinkle them on top just before serving. For a bit of heat, add a pinch or two of crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 pound frozen broccoli florets
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 4 green onions, sliced
- 2 pinches crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
FAQ
- What exactly is oyster sauce, and does it taste fishy?
- Oyster sauce is a thick, rich, and salty condiment known for its intense umami flavor. Despite its name, it doesn’t have a fishy taste. You can typically find it in the international aisle of most grocery stores, particularly in the Asian section.
- Can I substitute hoisin sauce for oyster sauce in this recipe?
- Some people have successfully used hoisin sauce as a replacement in garlic noodles, but be aware that hoisin sauce is sweeter and less rich than oyster sauce. Therefore, the overall flavor of the dish will vary from the original recipe.
- Is it possible to freeze Garlic Noodles with Beef and Broccoli?
- This dish is not ideal for freezing. The sauce tends to get absorbed by the noodles, which can lead to a dry texture once thawed.
- Are Garlic Noodles with Beef and Broccoli spicy?
- The noodles themselves are not spicy. However, adding crushed red pepper flakes as a garnish can introduce some heat. If you prefer a milder dish, simply omit the red pepper flakes.
Tips
- Use Toasted Sesame Oil for Flavor: Ensure you use toasted sesame oil, which has a deep brown color and a robust, nutty flavor, to enhance the dish. Avoid the lighter, untoasted version, as it has a milder taste.
- Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: When adding frozen broccoli to the skillet, only cook until it’s no longer frozen. It will continue cooking in the following steps, so there’s no need to heat it through entirely at this stage.
- Choose the Right Oyster Sauce: To get the best flavor and value, consider purchasing oyster sauce from an Asian market. It tends to be more affordable and authentic than versions found in general grocery stores.
- Spice Level Adjustment: If you prefer a non-spicy dish, omit the crushed red pepper flakes. Alternatively, if you enjoy some heat, sprinkle a few pinches over the finished dish.
Equipment
- Large Skillet – A large skillet is essential for cooking the beef and broccoli together with the sauce and noodles.
- Colander – Used for draining the cooked spaghetti.
- Large Pot – Necessary for boiling the spaghetti.
