Ingredients

• 2 packets ramen or other instant noodles, seasoning discarded (Note 1)
  
• 1 tsp oil
  
• 2 tsp sesame oil (or more oil) (Note 2)
  
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
  
• 1/2 onion, sliced
  
• 200g / 7 oz beef mince (ground beef) (Note 3)
  
• 1 1/4 cups (315 ml) water, plus more as needed
  
• Big handful bean sprouts
  

• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (Note 4)
  
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce (or Hoisin; Note 5)
  
• 2 tsp Hoisin sauce (or more oyster sauce)
  
• 2 tsp rice vinegar + 1 tsp sugar

• Finely sliced green onion / shallots
  
• Sesame seeds
   

Instructions

1. Combine the sauce ingredients.
   Set aside.
    
2. Cook the aromatics.
   Heat both oils in a medium skillet over high heat. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 1 1/2 minutes, or until lightly golden.
    
3. Brown the beef.
   Add the mince and cook, breaking it apart, until the meat loses its pink color.
    
4. Caramelize the beef.
   Pour in the prepared sauce and let everything cook together for 2–3 minutes, allowing the beef to darken and the sauce to thicken around it.
    
5. Add noodles and water.
   Push the beef to one side. Add the water and place the noodle blocks directly into the skillet.
    
6. Soften the ramen.
   Let the noodles sit for 45 seconds, flip them, cook another 30 seconds, then gently separate the strands. Toss them through the beef mixture.
    
7. Finish with bean sprouts.
   Add the bean sprouts and cook for about 1 minute, or until the sauce reduces enough to cling to the noodles and the noodles are fully cooked (Note 7).
    
8. Serve immediately.
   Top with green onion and sesame seeds if you like.
    

1. Instant Ramen: Use any instant noodle variety, though very large cakes may need to be broken to fit the pan. If subbing fresh or dried noodles, prepare them separately and use about 2 packed cups; mix them into the caramelized beef with a splash of water.
   
2. Sesame Oil: Toasted sesame oil has a rich, nutty aroma (dark brown). Untoasted versions are pale yellow and milder.
   
3. Beef Options: Any ground meat can work—chicken, turkey, lamb, veal, or others.
   
4. Dark Soy Sauce: Provides deep color and strong flavor. Regular soy sauce can be used but the dish will be lighter in color.
   
5. Oyster Sauce: Vegetarian versions are widely available.
   
6. Noodle Timing: Cooking duration may vary depending on the noodle brand. Add a small splash of extra water if needed.