Instagram-Famous Vietnamese Caramelized Ground Beef and Broccoli Broiled Pasta
This viral dish combines the sweet-savory depth of Vietnamese caramelized beef with tender broccoli and al dente pasta, finished under the broiler for a crispy, irresistible topping. It's a perfect weeknight dinner that's both visually stunning and packed with umami flavor.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 12 oz dried spaghetti or fettuccine
- 1 lb ground beef 85% lean
- 4 cups broccoli florets cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp fish sauce use gluten-free if needed
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes optional for heat
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds for garnish
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven to restore crispiness; microwaving will make it soggy. Make-Ahead: The caramelized beef sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and refrigerated. Reheat and combine with freshly cooked pasta and broccoli before broiling. Variations: Substitute ground chicken or turkey for beef. For a vegetarian version, use crumbled firm tofu or tempeh and swap fish sauce for a vegan alternative. Add a squeeze of lime juice before serving for extra brightness. Serving Suggestion: Serve with a side of quick-pickled vegetables or a simple cucumber salad.