Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

01 - 500g minced beef (or swap for pork, turkey, or chicken if you like).
02 - 340g linguine (you can also use fettuccine or spaghetti).
03 - 2 big cups of starchy pasta water (just save it when draining the pasta).
04 - 4-5 garlic cloves, finely chopped.
05 - 1 teaspoon of ginger paste (you could also use powdered ginger if that’s easier).
06 - A quarter cup of soy sauce.
07 - 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar.
08 - A bit of red chili flakes for some heat (up to you).
09 - 3 tablespoons of hoisin sauce.
10 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper.
11 - 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.
12 - Couple of spoonfuls (2 tbsp) of cold water.
13 - A handful of chopped green onions for topping (optional).
14 - 1-2 teaspoons sesame seeds for decoration on top (optional).

# Instructions:

01 - Boil a big pot of salted water and toss in your pasta. Stir it every now and then so it doesn’t stick together. Cook until it’s firm to the bite (check the package directions for cooking time). Remember to hold onto about 2 cups of the water before you drain it.
02 - Get a skillet hot on medium heat and start browning the minced beef with the garlic. The two together will smell amazing. If there’s a lot of grease, drain it so the dish doesn’t get greasy.
03 - Add the ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, chili flakes, hoisin sauce, and pepper into the cooked beef, stirring it all up so every part is flavored.
04 - Stir together your cold water with the cornstarch in a little bowl until it’s smooth. Pour this mix into your skillet and let it bubble away for a few minutes, thickening into a rich sauce.
05 - Take 1 cup of your reserved pasta water and mix it into the skillet along with your cooked noodles. Stir them well so the pasta gets coated. If you like your sauce thinner, you can add more pasta water bit by bit.
06 - If you want, sprinkle your dish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a bit of color and crunch. Serve it hot and dig in!

# Notes:

01 - Minced turkey, chicken, or pork work well as substitutions for beef depending on your preference.
02 - Spice lovers can up the red chili flakes for a more daring kick.
03 - For a thicker sauce consistency, try using a little more cornstarch mixed with water.

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