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Meta Description: Looking for a quick and flavorful dinner? This Korean ground beef recipe is packed with sweet and savory flavors, ready in 20 minutes, and perfect for meal prep!
Why You’ll Love This Korean Ground Beef Recipe
Imagine coming home after a long day, craving something delicious and satisfying but not wanting to spend hours in the kitchen. You open the fridge, grab a few simple ingredients, and in just 20 minutes, you have a flavorful, comforting meal on the table. Sounds like a dream, right?
That’s the beauty of Korean ground beef—a dish that delivers big, bold flavors without requiring complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a game-changer. The combination of savory soy sauce, nutty sesame oil, aromatic garlic, and a hint of sweetness creates a sauce that coats the beef beautifully, making every bite absolutely irresistible.
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If you love meals that are quick, budget-friendly, and bursting with flavor, this Korean ground beef recipe is about to become your new go-to.
What is Korean Ground Beef?
The Origins of Korean Ground Beef
This dish is inspired by Korean bulgogi, a traditional marinated beef dish that’s known for its sweet and savory flavor profile. Traditionally, bulgogi is made with thinly sliced beef and requires marination. However, this version simplifies things by using ground beef, which soaks up the sauce instantly, making it a perfect quick-fix meal.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
So, what makes Korean ground beef a must-try?
✅ Fast & Easy – Ready in 20 minutes from start to finish.
✅ Minimal Ingredients – Uses pantry staples you likely already have.
✅ Budget-Friendly – A delicious meal without breaking the bank.
✅ Versatile – Serve it over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps.
This recipe is proof that simple ingredients can create something incredibly delicious with just a little magic in the kitchen.
Essential Ingredients for Korean Ground Beef
To make this sweet and savory Korean ground beef, here’s what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
---|---|---|
Ground Beef (80/20) | 1 lb | Adds richness and flavor |
Soy Sauce or Tamari | 2 tbsp | Brings in the umami and saltiness |
Sesame Oil | 1 tbsp | Adds a nutty aroma and depth |
Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves | Essential for bold flavor |
Ginger (minced) | 1 tsp | Enhances the dish with warmth |
Green Onions (chopped) | 2 | Adds freshness and mild onion flavor |
Salt & Pepper | To taste | Balances flavors |
Cooked Rice (Jasmine, Basmati, or Brown) | 2 cups | The perfect base for serving |
Optional Ingredients & Customizations
Want to add more texture and variety? Here are some customization ideas:
- Vegetables: Add bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, or spinach.
- Egg: A fried egg on top makes the dish even more indulgent.
- Spice: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or drizzle sriracha for heat.
- Toppings: Garnish with sesame seeds, sliced cucumber, kimchi, or pickled vegetables.
How to Make Korean Ground Beef – A Simple Guide
1. Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink (about 5-7 minutes).
- Drain any excess grease if needed.
2. Add Flavor
- Stir in minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring to coat the beef evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Simmer & Let the Flavors Develop
- Reduce the heat to low and let the beef simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add chopped green onions and stir.
4. Serve & Enjoy
- Spoon the beef over steamed rice or noodles.
- Garnish with extra green onions, sesame seeds, or a fried egg.
Pro Tips for Success
✔ Use 80/20 ground beef – This fat ratio keeps the beef juicy and flavorful.
✔ Don’t overcook the beef – Cook just until browned for the best texture.
✔ Let the sauce reduce slightly – This thickens the flavor-packed coating.
✔ Taste and adjust – Add more soy sauce for saltiness or a bit of honey for extra sweetness.
Best Ways to Serve Korean Ground Beef
This dish is incredibly versatile, making it perfect for multiple meals. Here are some serving ideas:
- Over Steamed Rice – Classic and comforting.
- With Noodles – Toss it with udon or ramen for a hearty meal.
- Lettuce Wraps – A lighter, low-carb option.
- Taco-Style – Serve in tortillas with a drizzle of sriracha mayo.
Want to make it a full Korean-inspired meal? Serve it with:
🥢 Kimchi – For a spicy, tangy contrast.
🥢 Pickled Radish – Adds crunch and freshness.
🥢 Miso Soup – A warm, comforting side.
How to Store & Reheat Korean Ground Beef
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to keep it moist.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Top Mistakes When Making Korean Ground Beef
❌ Using lean beef (90/10) – The dish needs some fat for flavor.
❌ Skipping the garlic & ginger – These ingredients are key to authentic taste.
❌ Overcrowding the pan – This can steam the beef instead of browning it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! It stores well and tastes even better the next day.
2. What’s the best ground beef for this recipe?
80/20 is ideal for the best flavor and texture.
3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! Swap beef for crumbled tofu or plant-based meat.
4. Is Korean ground beef spicy?
Not by default, but you can add spice with red pepper flakes or sriracha.
5. How do I thicken the sauce?
Let it simmer longer or mix in ½ tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water.
6. What are the best toppings for Korean ground beef?
Sesame seeds, kimchi, pickled veggies, or a fried egg.
Final Thoughts on the Best Korean Ground Beef Recipe
If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and versatile meal, this Korean ground beef recipe is a must-try. With its sweet, savory, and umami-rich flavors, it’s bound to become a family favorite.
Now it’s your turn! Try this recipe and let me know—how did you serve your Korean ground beef? 🍽️👇
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Sweet & Savory Korean Ground Beef – So Easy!
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 3-4 servings
Description
This Korean Ground Beef is a quick and easy meal that’s packed with sweet, savory, and umami-rich flavors. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights! Serve over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps for a delicious, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp ginger (minced)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (or honey)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 2 green onions (chopped)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked rice (for serving)
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add the Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Season the Beef: Add soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Finish & Serve: Stir in chopped green onions, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve over steamed rice. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add sriracha or gochujang.
- Use ground turkey or tofu for a lighter alternative.
- Leftovers keep well for up to 4 days in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean-Inspired