Delicious Korean Ground Beef dish served with rice and vegetables
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Why Make This Korean Ground Beef

Korean Ground Beef is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. This dish features flavors that bring a delightful sweetness and savory punch, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a hearty meal that pleases everyone at the table. The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic creates a mouthwatering aroma that fills your kitchen. Plus, it’s versatile—serve it over rice, in lettuce wraps, or even in tacos for a fun twist!

How to Make Korean Ground Beef

Making Korean Ground Beef is straightforward and quick, allowing you to enjoy a tasty meal in no time. Start by cooking the ground beef in a skillet, allowing it to brown and develop a rich flavor. Once cooked, you’ll stir in a medley of ingredients including soy sauce and brown sugar. This savory-sweet mixture simmers to create a thick, glossy glaze that clings to the beef beautifully, resulting in a dish that looks as good as it tastes.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • Cooked rice for serving

Directions:

  1. In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, stirring occasionally.
  2. If there is excess fat, drain it off for a leaner dish.
  3. Add the soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, sesame oil, grated ginger, and black pepper to the beef.
  4. Stir everything together to combine well, ensuring that the beef is well-coated.
  5. Let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
  6. Serve hot over cooked rice, garnishing with sliced green onions for a pop of color and flavor.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 4 servings):

  • Calories: 335
  • Total Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 19g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 9g
  • Protein: 19g

How to Serve Korean Ground Beef

Serve your Korean Ground Beef over a bed of fluffy white rice, allowing the flavorful sauce to soak into the grains. This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad on the side for a balanced meal. For a fun presentation, consider serving it in crispy lettuce cups, where each bite offers a crunchy texture contrasted with the savory beef. It’s also a fantastic filling for tacos, giving traditional dishes a delicious Korean twist!

How to Store Korean Ground Beef

You can store leftover Korean Ground Beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Place the cooled ground beef mixture in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, and it can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. Always thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat until piping hot before serving.

Expert Tips for Perfect Korean Ground Beef

  • Fat Content: Choose ground beef with a lower fat content (like 90/10) for a healthier option. This helps keep the dish from being greasy.
  • Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of brown sugar according to your taste. For a less sweet dish, you could reduce it slightly or substitute it with honey.
  • Add Heat: If you’re a fan of spice, consider adding a dash of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for some heat.

Delicious Variations

  • Substitute the Protein: Feel free to use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different flavor profile.
  • Add Veggies: Mix in chopped bell peppers or carrots for extra crunch and nutrients. Sauté them along with the beef.
  • Curry Flavor: For an East Asian twist, try adding a tablespoon of curry paste for a new depth of flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Yes! You can try ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative. Keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly with different proteins.

How spicy is this Korean Ground Beef?

This recipe is not spicy at all but focuses on sweet and savory flavors. You can easily add red pepper flakes or sriracha to adjust the spice level to your liking.

Can I make Korean Ground Beef ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare this dish in advance and store it in the fridge for 3-4 days. It’s also great for meal prep!

Conclusion

Korean Ground Beef is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish that brings excitement to your dinner table. With its savory-sweet profile and simple preparation, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. Try making this delicious recipe at home, and enjoy all the wonderful flavors it has to offer. Don’t forget to share your cooking experience or any variations you try—we’d love to hear your feedback! Happy cooking!

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Korean Ground Beef


  • Author: acheyakh-mohamed
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Description

A quick and easy Korean dish featuring ground beef with a savory-sweet glaze, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • Cooked rice for serving

Instructions

  1. In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, stirring occasionally.
  2. If there is excess fat, drain it off for a leaner dish.
  3. Add the soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, sesame oil, grated ginger, and black pepper to the beef.
  4. Stir everything together to combine well, ensuring that the beef is well-coated.
  5. Let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
  6. Serve hot over cooked rice, garnishing with sliced green onions.

Notes

Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option and adjust sweetness to taste. Consider adding red pepper flakes for some heat.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 335
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 19g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 19g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Korean, Ground Beef, Easy Dinner, Quick Meal

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Pro Chef & Blogger

My name is James Walker, and I’m the founder and lead recipe developer at Smile Food. With over 7 years of professional culinary experience, I’ve cooked in diverse kitchens, studied global cuisines, and developed a passion for making cooking accessible to everyone.