Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
A bowl of Easy Korean Ground Beef Recipe served over white rice, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

Easy Korean Ground Beef Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A quick and incredibly flavorful Korean-inspired ground beef dish, perfect for busy weeknights. This sweet, savory, and slightly spicy recipe comes together in under 30 minutes.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef
1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari)
2 tbsp light brown sugar, packed
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp toasted sesame oil
1/2 tsp gochujang (Korean chili paste, optional, adjust to taste)
3 green onions, chopped (plus more for garnish)
1 tbsp sesame seeds (plus more for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat a large skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the ground beef to the skillet and break it up with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook until browned and no pink remains.
Step 2: While the beef is browning, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and optional gochujang in a small bowl until the sugar is dissolved.
Step 3: Once the ground beef is fully browned, drain off any excess fat from the skillet.
Step 4: Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked ground beef. Stir well to coat all the beef evenly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef.
Step 5: Stir in most of the chopped green onions and sesame seeds, reserving some for garnish. Cook for another minute.
Step 6: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot, garnished with remaining green onions and sesame seeds, over rice or your favorite grain.

Notes

For a spicier dish, increase the amount of gochujang. This recipe is also excellent for meal prepping and stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 750mg
  • Fat: 23g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg