Spicy Peanut Noodles with Sautéed Ground Beef and Sesame Vegetables

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup Kraft Peanut Butter
• 1 lb Ground beef
• 8 oz Spaghetti noodles or ramen noodles
• 3 tbsp, low sodium Soy sauce
• 2 tbsp Rice vinegar
• 2 tsp Sesame oil
• 2-3 tsp, or to taste Sriracha (or other hot sauce)
• 3 cloves, minced Garlic
• 1 tbsp, grated Ginger
• 1 cup Broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup, julienned Carrots
• 1/2, thinly sliced Red bell pepper
• 2 tbsp, toasted Sesame seeds
• 2, thinly sliced Green onions
• 1 tbsp Vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Cook spaghetti or ramen noodles according to package directions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the cooking water before draining. (Technique Refinement: Ramen noodles provide a more authentic Asian texture.)
2. While noodles are cooking, heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. (Flavor Enhancement: Browning the ground beef over high heat creates a more savory flavor.)
3. Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. (Technique Refinement: Cooking the garlic and ginger briefly prevents burning and maximizes their flavor.)
4. Add broccoli florets, julienned carrots, and thinly sliced red bell pepper to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp. (Technique Refinement: Stir-frying ensures the vegetables retain their crunch and vibrant color.)
5. In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sriracha. Add 2-3 tablespoons of the reserved noodle cooking water to thin the sauce, if needed. (Flavor Enhancement: Adjusting the sauce consistency with noodle water helps it cling to the noodles better.)
6. Pour the peanut sauce over the ground beef and vegetables in the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. (Flavor Enhancement: Simmering the sauce briefly melds the flavors together.)
7. Add the drained noodles to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly with the peanut sauce. Add more of the reserved noodle cooking water, if needed, to loosen the sauce. (Ingredient Note: Be careful not to add too much water, or the sauce will become too thin.)
8. Serve immediately, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. (Flavor Enhancement: Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and textural contrast.)

Cuisine: Asian-Inspired Fusion

Suitability:

Prep Time: mins

Cook Time: mins

Serving Size:

Meal Type: dinner