This Korean beef dish is packed with flavor and made with tender slices of beef marinated in a sweet and savory sauce. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
You can serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal that everyone will love. Trust me, once you taste that delicious sauce, you’ll want to make this again and again! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: A pound of ground beef is the main protein here. Ground turkey or chicken could be used if you prefer leaner meat. You could even swap in tofu or a plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option.
Brown Sugar: This helps to balance savory and salty flavors. You can replace it with honey or maple syrup if you need a natural sweetener. Coconut sugar is also a great alternative.
Soy Sauce: Traditional soy sauce adds umami. If you’re gluten-free, opt for tamari or coconut aminos. For a low-sodium option, low-sodium soy sauce works well too.
Sesame Oil: This ingredient adds a distinctive nutty flavor. If you don’t have it, you can use olive oil, but it won’t have the same depth. Toasted sesame oil gives a stronger taste, so use it sparingly!
Garlic & Ginger: These two ingredients are key for flavor. If you’re pressed for time, you can use garlic powder and ground ginger. Fresh gives a brighter taste, but powdered can work in a pinch.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Flavor Balance?
The key to a tasty Korean beef dish is the balance between sweet, salty, and spicy flavors. Start by browning the beef well; this adds a nice flavor base. Draining excess fat prevents greasiness in your dish.
- After draining, keep the heat at medium-low to ensure gentle cooking. This helps the flavors meld without burning.
- Add the sugar and soy sauce first, as these will create a lovely caramelization. Stir well to combine the ingredients.
- If you like it spicy, feel free to adjust the red pepper flakes to your taste. You might want to add a little less at first and taste as you go.
How to Make Korean Beef
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked white rice (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Beef:
Start by placing your large skillet on the stove over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it while stirring frequently. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes, or until the beef is browned. Make sure to drain any excess fat before moving on to the next step.
2. Add the Flavorful Sauce:
Now, reduce the heat to medium-low. It’s time to add in the delicious ingredients! Pour in the brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, and the optional red pepper flakes for some heat. Stir everything together well so the beef is nicely coated.
3. Cook and Thicken:
Let the mixture cook for another 4 to 5 minutes. This will allow the sauce to thicken a bit and soak into the beef, making it super flavorful.
4. Serve it Up:
Take a portion of your cooked white rice and place it on a plate. Spoon the Korean beef mixture over the rice. Lastly, sprinkle the chopped green onions on top for a fresh touch. Enjoy your meal!
Enjoy your delicious Korean Beef!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef in this recipe. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may be slightly reduced, so make sure to check that the meat is cooked through before proceeding with the sauce.
What If I Don’t Have Sesame Oil?
No worries! If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil. For a hint of flavor, consider adding a splash of toasted sesame seeds or a little extra ginger to compensate!
How to Store Leftovers Properly?
Store any leftover Korean beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats well in the microwave or on the stovetop. Just add a splash of water or soy sauce to keep it moist while reheating.
Can I Make This Spicier?
Certainly! To increase the heat, add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the beef while it cooks. You can also serve it with sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of Sriracha as a garnish!
