Name: The Easiest Korean Ground Beef Recipe: A Flavorful Weeknight Favorite
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (80/20 for balance); ⅓ cup (80 ml) soy sauce; ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar, packed; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional but recommended); ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); 4 green onions, thinly sliced (whites and greens separated); 3 cups cooked white rice (for serving); 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish); ; 1 tablespoon neutral oil (canola or vegetable)

Some recipes become instant favorites because they combine bold flavor, simplicity, and versatility. The Korean Ground Beef recipe is exactly that kind of dish. With its balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy notes, it delivers comforting flavors reminiscent of traditional Korean bulgogi—yet it comes together in just 20 minutes. You don’t need complicated techniques, rare ingredients, or hours of preparation. Instead, you can transform everyday ground beef into a mouthwatering meal that pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or even lettuce wraps. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family dinner or a quick solo meal, this recipe will become a go-to option in your kitchen.

Ingredients

To make this dish truly shine, gather the following ingredients and measure them carefully:

Ground beef: 1 pound (450 g), lean (80/20 works well for flavor balance)
Soy sauce: ⅓ cup (80 ml)
Brown sugar: ¼ cup (50 g), packed
Sesame oil: 1 tablespoon
Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
Fresh ginger: 1 teaspoon, grated (optional but recommended for depth of flavor)
Crushed red pepper flakes: ½ teaspoon (adjust to taste)
Green onions: 4 stalks, sliced thinly (separate whites from greens)
Cooked white rice: 3 cups (for serving)
Toasted sesame seeds: 1 teaspoon (for garnish)
Neutral oil (such as canola or vegetable oil): 1 tablespoon, for cooking

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the aromatics

Before you start cooking, mince the garlic cloves and grate the ginger. Slice the green onions, keeping the white and green parts separate. This preparation ensures smooth cooking since this recipe comes together quickly.

Step 2: Cook the beef

Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula or wooden spoon. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the beef browns evenly and no pink remains. Drain excess grease if necessary, but leave a small amount to keep the meat moist.

Step 3: Add garlic and aromatics

Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and the white parts of the green onions. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. This step infuses the beef with flavor and creates a base for the sauce.

Step 4: Create the sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Pour this sauce mixture over the cooked beef. Stir well, ensuring the meat absorbs the glossy, sweet-savory glaze. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef.

Step 5: Garnish and serve

Turn off the heat. Sprinkle in the green onion tops and toss lightly. Serve the beef hot over steamed white rice, noodles, or tucked into lettuce leaves. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds for a nutty finish.

Conservation and Storage

This Korean Ground Beef reheats beautifully, making it an excellent meal prep option. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm the beef gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Keeping the beef separate from rice or noodles during freezing ensures the best texture upon reheating.

Variations

Protein swaps

Ground turkey or chicken: A leaner alternative that still soaks up the sauce beautifully.
Ground pork: Adds a slightly richer flavor profile.
Plant-based crumbles: Perfect for a vegetarian twist while keeping the flavors intact.

Flavor modifications

Extra heat: Add 1 tablespoon of gochujang (Korean chili paste) for authentic spiciness.
Umami boost: Mix in a splash of fish sauce or add sautéed mushrooms for depth.
Low-sugar option: Replace brown sugar with honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute.

Add-ins

Vegetables: Toss in shredded carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini for a balanced one-pan meal.
Noodles: Serve the beef over soba, rice noodles, or even spaghetti for a fusion twist.
Egg topping: Add a fried egg with a runny yolk on top for a Korean bibimbap-style presentation.

Serving Suggestions

This recipe shines in its flexibility. Here are some creative serving ideas:

Classic style: Spoon the beef over steamed jasmine or short-grain rice. The sauce soaks into the grains for maximum flavor.
Low-carb option: Serve in crisp lettuce leaves, butter lettuce or romaine, for handheld wraps.
Bowl presentation: Build a Korean-inspired rice bowl with the beef, sautéed spinach, julienned carrots, cucumber slices, and kimchi.
Party style: Serve in small bao buns or mini tortillas for a fusion appetizer.
Family dinner: Pair with simple sides like steamed broccoli, sesame green beans, or a cucumber salad.

Tips for Perfecting the Dish

Don’t overcook the beef: Keep it juicy by cooking just until browned and then letting it finish in the sauce.
Balance flavors: Taste the sauce before adding to the beef. Adjust sugar, soy, or spice levels to your preference.
Use fresh aromatics: Garlic and ginger give the best results when fresh rather than powdered.
Garnish generously: Green onions and sesame seeds don’t just look nice—they add crunch and contrast to the savory meat.
Cook rice ahead: Since this dish comes together quickly, having rice ready ensures a stress-free mealtime.

Conclusion

The Easiest Korean Ground Beef Recipe proves that big flavor doesn’t have to mean complicated cooking. In less than half an hour, you can enjoy a savory-sweet dish that satisfies cravings and adapts easily to your pantry and preferences. Whether you keep it classic with beef over rice, swap in a different protein, or build an elaborate Korean-style bowl, this recipe offers endless versatility. It’s comforting, customizable, and perfect for both beginners and seasoned home cooks. Once you try it, this dish will earn a permanent place in your weeknight dinner rotation.

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The Easiest Korean Ground Beef Recipe: A Flavorful Weeknight Favorite

Author: hafsahafsa
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This easy Korean Ground Beef recipe delivers bold, sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors reminiscent of bulgogi, all ready in just 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or customizable rice bowls.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound (450 g) ground beef (80/20 for balance)

⅓ cup (80 ml) soy sauce

¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar, packed

1 tablespoon sesame oil

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional but recommended)

½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

4 green onions, thinly sliced (whites and greens separated)

3 cups cooked white rice (for serving)

1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)

1 tablespoon neutral oil (canola or vegetable)

Instructions

Prepare aromatics: Mince garlic, grate ginger, and slice green onions, separating white and green parts.

Cook beef: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart. Cook 5–7 minutes until browned. Drain excess grease.

Add flavor base: Stir in garlic, ginger, and white onion parts. Sauté 1 minute until fragrant.

Make sauce: Whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Pour over beef and stir. Simmer 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats meat.

Finish: Remove from heat, toss in green onion tops, and garnish with sesame seeds. Serve over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps.