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Easy Korean Ground Beef Recipe Recipe

Easy Korean Ground Beef Recipe

This Easy Korean Ground Beef Recipe is a quick and flavorful dish, perfect for busy weeknights. It delivers the bold, sweet, and savory flavors of Korean cuisine without any fuss. Serve over steamed rice for a satisfying meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 persons
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 500 grams ground beef about 1.1 pounds
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger minced (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
  • 60 ml low-sodium soy sauce (1/4 cup)
  • 50 grams brown sugar (1/4 cup, packed)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 green onions chopped
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
  • 200 grams/person cooked white or jasmine rice for serving (or as desired)

Equipment

  • 1 large skillet or frying pan
  • 1 mixing bowl
  • 1 measuring spoons and cups
  • 1 spatula or wooden spoon
  • 1 knife and chopping board

Method
 

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and black pepper. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Set aside.
  2. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
  3. Drain excess fat if necessary. Add the minced garlic and ginger. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the prepared sauce. Stir to coat the beef evenly. Reduce heat to medium; simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
  5. Stir in half the green onions. Cook for another minute, then remove from heat.
  6. Serve the Korean ground beef over steamed rice. Garnish with remaining green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

For extra spice, add 1 teaspoon of gochujang or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Swap brown sugar with honey for a slightly different flavor.
Great as a meal prep option—leftovers keep well in the fridge for 3 days.