Korean Beef Recipe
Hey, you and I both need go-to meals that feel special but don’t take a long time to make. Don’t you really?
This Korean beef? It’s one of those meals I am talking about. It’s bold, full of flavor, and so easy it almost feels like cheating.😅
You’ll be hooked, and I’m right here cheering you on while you cook it right in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Ready in 25 minutes, start to finish
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Uses ground beef, which is affordable and fast
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Big flavor payoff with simple ingredients
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Kid-friendly but grown-up approved
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Great with rice, noodles, or lettuce wraps
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Works for meal prep or quick dinners
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One pan, less cleanup
Ingredients List
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1 lb ground beef
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1 tbsp sesame oil
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1/4 cup brown sugar
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1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium if possible)
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1/2 tsp ground ginger
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1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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1/4 tsp black pepper
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2 green onions, sliced
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Steamed rice, for serving
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Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Preparation Tips
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Use lean ground beef so it’s not too greasy
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Mince garlic fresh, it gives way more flavor than jarred
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Measure ingredients before cooking, this goes fast
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Use a large skillet to get a nice browning
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Want more heat? Add gochujang or extra pepper flakes
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Double the sauce if you like it extra saucy
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: In a large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Step 2: Add ground beef. Break it up with a spoon and cook until fully browned, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 3: Stir in brown sugar, soy sauce, ground ginger, red pepper flakes (if using), and black pepper.
Step 4: Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes so the beef soaks up the flavor.
Step 5: Remove from heat. Stir in sliced green onions.
Step 6: Serve hot over steamed rice. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if you like.
Pro Tips for the Best Korean Beef
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Brown the beef well—don’t just steam it
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Use dark brown sugar for a deeper flavor
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Add veggies like shredded carrots, broccoli, or snap peas
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Mix the sauce separately first if you want a smoother taste
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Top with a fried egg to make it more filling
How to Best Serve Korean Beef
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Over hot jasmine or short-grain rice
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In lettuce cups for a low-carb version
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With rice noodles or stir-fried veggies
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Inside steamed buns or tacos for a twist
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Topped with kimchi or pickled cucumbers
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Sprinkle with sesame seeds and extra green onions
Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe
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Don’t skip garlic—it makes the flavor pop
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Avoid overcooking the beef—once it’s no longer pink, it’s ready
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Use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching salt
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Don’t drown it in sauce—start small, you can always add more
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Too sweet? Balance with a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice
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Don’t crowd the pan—let the beef sear, not steam
Best Side Dishes for Korean Beef
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Steamed white or brown rice
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Cucumber salad with sesame oil and vinegar
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Kimchi or pickled radishes
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Steamed broccoli or snap peas
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Miso soup or egg drop soup
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Simple fried eggs or soft-boiled eggs
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Roasted sweet potatoes
Storage and Reheating Instructions
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
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Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months in zip bags or airtight containers
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Reheat on the stove over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth
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Microwave: Reheat in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between
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Tip: Keep rice and beef stored separately for best texture
FAQs
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A: Yes! It’s leaner and still so good—just add a little oil since it’s drier.
Q: What rice works best with this?
A: Short-grain white rice is classic, but jasmine or brown rice works too.
Q: Can I add vegetables?
A: Definitely. Try shredded carrots, baby spinach, zucchini, or even coleslaw mix.
Q: Is this dish spicy?
A: Not by default. The red pepper flakes add mild heat, but you can skip them.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yep! It reheats great, and the flavors get even better overnight.
Q: What if I don’t have sesame oil?
A: You can use olive oil or skip it, but sesame oil adds that signature flavor.
Q: How do I make it more authentic?
A: Add gochujang (Korean chili paste) for extra depth and spice!
Conclusion
I know once you try this Korean beef, it’ll go straight into your weekly rotation.
It’s quick, crazy flavorful, and feels like something special, without a mountain of dishes or stress.
Let me know how you make yours! Drop a comment and tell me what you served it with.
You Might Also Want To Try
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Korean Beef
A bold and easy ground beef recipe made with garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of sweetness—perfect over rice or wrapped in lettuce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Steamed rice, for serving
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: In a large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Step 2: Add ground beef. Break it up with a spoon and cook until fully browned, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 3: Stir in brown sugar, soy sauce, ground ginger, red pepper flakes (if using), and black pepper.
Step 4: Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes so the beef soaks up the flavor.
Step 5: Remove from heat. Stir in sliced green onions.
Step 6: Serve hot over steamed rice. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if you like.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Amount Per Serving Calories About 375
