This Easy Korean Beef recipe is perfect for busy weeknight dinners! It features tender beef cooked quickly with a tasty mix of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, creating a deliciously savory dish.
You can make it in under 30 minutes, so it’s perfect for those “what’s for dinner?” moments! I love serving it over rice with some veggies on the side for a complete meal that everyone enjoys. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is best for this recipe to keep it healthier. If you prefer something lighter, you can use ground chicken or turkey instead, which also works well!
Soy Sauce: Low sodium soy sauce is ideal to control saltiness. If you’re soy-free or gluten-free, try tamari or coconut aminos as a tasty substitute.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness. You can substitute it with honey or maple syrup if you want a different flavor or need a natural sweetener!
Sesame Oil: This oil adds a nice nutty flavor. If you don’t have it, you can use olive oil, but it won’t provide the same taste. Toasted sesame oil is even better if you can find it!
Ginger: Fresh grated ginger gives great freshness. Ground ginger works too, but you’ll need less, about 1/2 teaspoon. Fresh is always my favorite!
How Do I Cook Ground Beef Perfectly?
Cooking ground beef well ensures it’s tasty and safe to eat. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your skillet over medium-high heat before adding the oil. This helps the beef cook evenly.
- Break up the meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks; this prevents large clumps. Aim for small, even chunks.
- Keep an eye on cooking time; about 5-7 minutes is usually perfect. The beef is done when it’s no longer pink.
- Always drain excess fat if there’s a lot, as it can make the dish greasy. You want flavor, not oil!
Following these tips will help you achieve deliciously cooked ground beef every time!
Easy Korean Beef Recipe for Weeknight Dinners
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (preferably lean)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Cooked white rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Easy Korean Beef recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 10-15 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll have a delightful meal ready in about 25-30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Skillet:
Begin by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This will help give the beef a nice sear when you add it to the pan.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Stir it occasionally, cooking until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. If there’s extra grease, drain it off carefully.
3. Mix the Sauce:
While the beef is cooking, grab a small bowl. Whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, if you’re using them. This simple sauce will bring the dish to life!
4. Combine Beef and Sauce:
Once your beef is browned, pour the sauce mixture over the cooked beef in the skillet. Stir thoroughly so that the beef is nicely coated with the sauce. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly while keeping it flavorful.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the hot Korean beef over bowls of fluffy steamed white rice. Don’t forget to sprinkle some sliced green onions on top for a fresh, crunchy finish. Enjoy your meal!
This flavorful and simple Korean Beef dish is perfect for quick weeknight dinners. It’s sure to please everyone at your table!
FAQ for Easy Korean Beef Recipe
Can I Use a Different Protein Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so ensure the meat is fully cooked before serving.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you enjoy some heat, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the sauce! You can also add some sliced fresh chili peppers to the beef as it cooks, or serve with a drizzle of Sriracha for an extra kick.
Can I Make This Meal Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply replace the soy sauce with a gluten-free version, such as tamari or coconut aminos. These options will still provide that savory flavor without the gluten.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Adding a splash of water can help prevent drying out while reheating.
Enjoy your cooking!
