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
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.
Notes
Swap proteins with ground turkey, chicken, pork, or plant-based crumbles.
Add vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini for a one-pan meal.
For authentic spice, add gochujang (Korean chili paste).
Store separately from rice or noodles for best reheating results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Dinner
- Method: Stovetop Sauté
- Cuisine: Korean-Inspired, Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (with rice)
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: Korean ground beef recipe, easy Korean beef, bulgogi ground beef, Korean beef bowl, quick Asian dinner