Ready for a lightning-fast dinner that bursts with flavor? This Korean Ground Beef Recipe delivers all the savory-sweet-spicy goodness of classic Korean cooking in just 20 minutes, thanks to an irresistibly easy stir-fried ground beef that gets tossed in a glossy, homemade sauce. Whether you pile it over rice, lettuce, or noodles, it’s one of those meals that tastes way more complex than it is—and you’ll find yourself craving it again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Weeknight Wonder: Just 20 minutes from start to finish, it’s perfect for busy nights when you want big flavor fast.
- Balanced Flavors: The sauce hits all the right notes—savory, sweet, spicy, and aromatic—with every bite of juicy ground beef.
- Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Wow: You only need a handful of grocery staples, but each one packs a punch for authentic Korean-inspired taste.
- Family-Friendly & Adaptable: Made with everyday beef, but easy to adjust for spice level, gluten-free, or low-carb diets.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a few pantry basics and fresh aromatics, this Korean Ground Beef Recipe comes together in a flash. Every ingredient here plays a crucial role—think bold umami, sweet heat, and that signature sesame finish—that transforms plain ground beef into something special.
- Reduced-sodium soy sauce: The backbone of the sauce, bringing salty depth; you can swap for tamari for a gluten-free version.
- Honey: Adds the essential sweet note to balance the savory and spicy elements—maple syrup or your favorite liquid sweetener work too.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce, giving it that irresistible glossy texture to coat every crumble of beef.
- Red pepper flakes: Delivers a gentle, lingering heat; feel free to adjust up or down based on your family’s spice tolerance.
- Avocado oil: A neutral, high-heat oil that’s perfect for getting a gorgeous sear on the beef without overpowering flavors.
- Lean ground beef (85/15): The star of the show! Just enough fat for flavor, but not so much that it feels greasy—other blends work too.
- Fresh garlic: Brings delicious aroma and classic savory notes; don’t be shy about using a generous tablespoon.
- Fresh ginger root: Adds brightness, warmth, and that unique Korean zing.
- Toasted sesame oil: Drizzle it over at the end for nutty, deeply aromatic finish—don’t skip it, it makes all the difference!
- Green onions (green parts), thinly sliced: For a fresh pop of color, crunch, and mild onion flavor that completes the dish.
Variations
One of my favorite things about this Korean Ground Beef Recipe is how easy it is to put your own spin on it. Mix things up with what you have on hand, or customize flavors and proteins to suit your taste—no matter what, it comes out delicious every time!
- Swap the Protein: Try ground turkey, ground chicken, or even a vegan ground “beef” for a lighter or plant-based twist.
- Go Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce, and double-check your cornstarch if needed.
- Veggie Boost: Toss in some diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or chopped broccoli to add color and nutrition with very little effort.
- Make It Low-Carb: Serve the beef over cauliflower rice or lettuce cups instead of white rice for an easy, satisfying keto option.
- Spice It Up: Like it fiery? Add extra red pepper flakes, or stir in a spoon of gochujang (Korean chili paste) for deeper heat and flavor.
How to Make Korean Ground Beef Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Flavorful Sauce
In a small bowl, add your soy sauce, honey, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes. Whisk everything together until the cornstarch dissolves and the mixture is smooth and shiny—this step ensures your sauce thickens just the right amount later on. Set the bowl aside so it’s ready to go when your beef is sizzling.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the ground beef—break it up with your spatula as it cooks, aiming for bite-sized crumbles. Sauté for around five minutes until no longer pink and the edges take on a little color for maximum flavor. Drain off excess fat, then return the beef to the skillet for the next step.
Step 3: Add Aromatics
Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, mixing thoroughly into the beef. Cook for about a minute—just enough for the aromas to bloom and mellow out, but not so long that they burn. Your kitchen will smell incredible at this point!
Step 4: Simmer with Sauce & Finish
Pour your prepared sauce into the skillet and give it a good stir so every bite of beef gets coated. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the meat. Take the pan off the heat, drizzle with toasted sesame oil, and sprinkle over the green onions for that classic Korean finishing touch. Serve hot!
Pro Tips for Making Korean Ground Beef Recipe
- Crumbled Perfection: Use a potato masher or wooden spoon to break up the beef into small, uniform pieces for the best texture and maximum flavor absorption.
- Sauce Consistency Magic: Whisk the cornstarch into the sauce thoroughly—no lumps ensures that silky, clingy glaze every time.
- Don’t Rush the Aromatics: Wait for the beef to brown fully before adding the garlic and ginger, so your aromatics don’t burn and turn bitter.
- Sesame Oil Finish: Always drizzle sesame oil off the heat at the end—heating it too much can dull its gorgeous nutty aroma.
How to Serve Korean Ground Beef Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of thinly sliced green onions really brings this Korean Ground Beef Recipe to life, but don’t stop there—try a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, a pinch of extra chili flake for heat, or even chopped cilantro if you’re feeling bold. Each garnish adds freshness, crunch, and a pop of color.
Side Dishes
Keep things classic by serving the beef over steamed white or brown rice, or pair it with fluffy cauliflower rice for a lighter option. For a full meal, add a side of quick-pickled cucumbers, sautéed greens, or kimchi—these bright, tangy vegetables are the perfect contrast to the rich, savory meat.
Creative Ways to Present
I love piling the saucy beef into crisp lettuce cups for an effortless, hand-held dinner that’s both kid-friendly and party-ready. Or, for a hearty noodle bowl, toss the beef over hot ramen or rice noodles, then top with all your favorite vegetables, extra sauce, and a jammy soft-boiled egg. It’s weekday comfort food, reimagined.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftover Korean Ground Beef Recipe completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days—great for make-ahead lunches or second dinners!
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Once fully cooled, portion the beef into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags (press out any excess air), then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best taste and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave portions until hot, or warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed. A fresh scatter of green onions and a tiny drizzle of new sesame oil helps revive that just-cooked flavor!
FAQs
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Can I make this Korean Ground Beef Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos, and double-check that your other ingredients (especially cornstarch) are certified gluten-free. The flavors will be just as satisfying and bold.
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What can I use instead of ground beef?
Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based grounds all work beautifully in this recipe. Just keep an eye on cooking time—leaner meats cook a bit faster, and plant-based versions might need a little extra sauce for moisture.
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How spicy is this recipe, and can I adjust it?
You’re in control! As written, the Korean Ground Beef Recipe is only mildly spicy—amp up the chili flakes or stir in gochujang for more heat, or leave them out entirely to keep it super kid-friendly.
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Is this Korean Ground Beef Recipe good for meal prep?
It’s fantastic for meal prep! The flavors get even richer after a day in the fridge, and the beef reheats well for quick lunches, rice bowls, or lettuce wraps throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for the kind of meal that wows your taste buds yet fits right into a busy week, give this Korean Ground Beef Recipe a try. It’s bold, comforting, and so easy to adapt or customize—just one bite and you’ll understand why it’s a staple in our kitchen! Enjoy, and don’t forget to add your own twist.
Print
Korean Ground Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious Korean-inspired ground beef dish that is savory, slightly sweet, and packed with flavors. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Sauce:
- 1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce (or a gluten-free alternative)
- 1 tablespoon honey (or a liquid sugar-free sweetener)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Stir-fry:
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef (85/15)
- 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger root, minced
To finish the dish:
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1/4 cup green onions, green parts only, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
- Cook the beef: Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles, about 5 minutes. Drain and return to the skillet. Add garlic and ginger, cook for 1 minute.
- Combine and finish: Stir the sauce into the beef. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until heated through and thickened. Off heat, drizzle with sesame oil, sprinkle with green onions, and serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
