Korean Beef

Korean beef is a flavorful, savory-sweet dish that’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners or cozy family meals. Tender ground beef cooks in a simple, aromatic sauce with soy, garlic, and a hint of sweetness. I like to stir the sauce gently as it thickens to coat the beef evenly. This recipe is great for busy evenings, cold nights, or anytime you want a comforting, ready-to-enjoy meal that pairs beautifully with rice or vegetables.

a serving of korean beef in a

Why You Will Love This Recipe

You’ll love this Korean beef for its bold flavor, quick prep, and versatility. It’s cozy and weeknight-friendly, coming together in under 30 minutes with pantry-friendly ingredients. The recipe is budget-conscious, easily scaled up for leftovers or freezer meals, and crowd-pleasing for family or friends. You can serve it over rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps. Its balance of sweet and savory makes it satisfying yet simple, making it a dish you’ll want to save on Pinterest and return to again and again.

a serving of korean beef in a 1

Ingredients

Tip: Use lean ground beef for rich flavor without excess grease.

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ginger, grated
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup water or beef broth
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds for garnish
all the ingredients of korean beef recipe

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Gather all ingredients and mince garlic, grate ginger, and slice green onions. Measure soy sauce, sugar, and liquids so everything is ready for quick cooking.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces. Cook until no longer pink and slightly caramelized around the edges.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Add garlic, ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, water, and pepper flakes. Stir to combine and coat beef evenly. Let the sauce simmer and thicken for 5–7 minutes.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Remove from heat and stir in sliced green onions. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or in lettuce cups for a cozy, flavorful meal.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

This Korean beef is quick to prep and cooks in one skillet, making it ideal for weeknight dinners. Leftovers reheat easily, and it freezes well for make-ahead meals. Minimal cleanup and fast cooking mean you can enjoy a satisfying, flavorful dinner even on your busiest days.

Tips & Tricks

  • Even Browning: Break beef into small pieces to cook evenly and develop caramelized flavor. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
  • Balance Sweetness: Adjust brown sugar to your taste; too much can overpower soy sauce’s savory notes.
  • Aromatics First: Add garlic and ginger after beef browns to prevent burning and retain their fresh flavor.
  • Texture Boost: Don’t overcook; slightly saucy beef clings better to rice or noodles and stays tender.

Variations

  • Meaty Version: Add thinly sliced flank steak or sirloin strips instead of ground beef for a more substantial dish. Cook slightly less to keep tender.
  • Vegetarian Option: Swap beef for crumbled tofu or tempeh. Simmer in sauce until coated and slightly caramelized.
  • Ingredient Swap: Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a slightly sweeter, gluten-free version without changing flavor balance.
  • Flavor Boost: Stir in 1 tsp chili garlic sauce or sriracha for extra heat, or a squeeze of lime for brightness before serving.

Serving Suggestions

  • Classic Rice Bowl: Serve over steamed white or brown rice with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions.
  • Noodle Bowl: Toss with cooked udon or rice noodles for a hearty, comforting meal.
  • Lettuce Wraps: Spoon beef into crisp lettuce leaves for a light, casual dinner or appetizer.
  • Vegetable Side: Pair with roasted broccoli or sautéed bok choy for a balanced, colorful plate.

Storage Instructions

  • Fridge Storage: Store cooled beef in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep sauce thickened for best texture.
  • Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet or microwave. Add a splash of water or broth if sauce thickened too much.
  • Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Make-ahead Tips: Prepare sauce and aromatics in advance. Brown beef fresh, then combine for quick cooking when ready.

Recipe Timing

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Rest Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Calories: 280–320 per serving
Protein: 22–25g per serving
Key nutrients: protein from beef, iron from meat
Values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients or portion sizes.

FAQs

Yes, store cooked beef and sauce separately; combine before reheating.

Avoid overcooking; leave some sauce to keep beef moist.

Ground turkey or chicken works but adjust cooking times and seasonings.

Simmer a few more minutes to thicken; reduce liquid slowly.

4 days in fridge, up to 2 months frozen.

Conclusion

Korean beef is a simple, cozy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for quick dinners or meal prep. You can tweak the heat, sweetness, or protein to match your taste and lifestyle. It reheats beautifully, freezes well, and pairs with rice, noodles, or lettuce for variety. Keep this recipe handy for busy nights or cozy family meals, and enjoy a savory, comforting dinner anytime.

Korean Beef
Print

Korean Beef

Recipe by Edan SalamonCourse: Beef Recipes
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

Sweet and savory Korean beef cooked in a simple sauce with garlic and ginger. Quick, cozy, and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce

  • 2 tbsp brown sugar

  • 1 tbsp sesame oil

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tsp ginger, grated

  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

  • 1/4 cup water or beef broth

  • 2 green onions, sliced

  • 1 tsp sesame seeds for garnish

Directions

  • Gather ingredients. Mince garlic, grate ginger, slice green onions.
  • Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking into small pieces.
  • Add garlic, ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, water, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 5–7 minutes.
  • Stir in green onions, sprinkle sesame seeds, and serve over rice, noodles, or lettuce wraps.

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