This Easy Korean Beef Recipe is all about quick cooking with tender beef, garlic, and a sweet soy sauce. It’s super tasty and ready in no time!
If you’re like me, sometimes you just want dinner to be easy yet delicious. Serve it over rice and watch everyone ask for seconds. It’s a hit at my house! 🍚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is perfect for this recipe. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey or chicken can work well too. Just note that chicken may need a little extra seasoning.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but if you’re out, garlic powder will do in a pinch. Use about 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of fresh garlic.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness to balance the soy sauce. If you’re avoiding sugar, you can use honey or maple syrup instead for a different flavor profile.
Soy Sauce: Low sodium soy sauce is great to control saltiness. For a gluten-free version, try tamari or coconut aminos.
Sesame Oil: This adds a lovely nuttiness and depth of flavor. If you can’t find sesame oil, you can use olive oil, but it will change the taste a bit.
How Do I Brown the Beef Perfectly?
Browning the beef well gives a deeper flavor and a nice texture. Start by heating your skillet on medium-high and add the ground beef. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this can steam the meat instead of browning it.
- Let the beef sit without stirring for the first couple of minutes to get a nice sear.
- Use a spatula to break it into smaller pieces and stir occasionally until fully cooked and browned.
This technique brings out the best flavor in your beef for a tasty dish!
Easy Korean Beef Recipe for Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (preferably low sodium)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Cooked white rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy Korean beef recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 10-15 minutes to cook, making it a quick 20-25 minute meal ready for dinner. Perfect for those busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Browning the Beef:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Cook it until it’s nicely browned, breaking the meat apart with a spatula so it cooks evenly. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
2. Adding Garlic:
Once the beef is browned, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir it in and let it cook for about 1 minute, or until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
3. Mixing the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, ground ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes. This sweet and savory sauce is what gives the dish its delicious flavor.
4. Combining with Beef:
Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the cooked beef in the skillet. Stir everything well to ensure the beef is well coated in the sauce.
5. Simmering:
Allow the beef and sauce to simmer together for about 3-5 minutes. This will help the flavors meld together and thicken the sauce slightly.
6. Serving:
Remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the Korean beef over a bed of cooked white rice to soak up all that yummy sauce!
7. Adding Final Touches:
Garnish your delicious dish with the thinly sliced green onions before serving. Enjoy your quick and tasty Korean beef dinner!
This recipe is not only simple but is sure to impress your family with its rich flavors. Perfect for a fast weeknight meal!
FAQ for Easy Korean Beef Recipe
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives if you’re looking for a lighter option. Just ensure you season them well, as they can be milder in flavor compared to beef.
What Can I Substitute for Brown Sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use honey or maple syrup for a similar sweetness. Just keep in mind that this might slightly alter the flavor profile of the dish.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and cook the beef ahead of time. Just store it separately, and then combine and heat when you’re ready to serve for a quick meal!
