Name: Korean Beef: Craveable in Just 20 Unforgettable Minutes
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 1 Tablespoon sesame oil; 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced; 1/2 – 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper; salt and pepper; 1/2 cup sliced green onions

Jump to Recipe

Okay, friends, let’s talk Korean Beef! Seriously, if you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’s faster than ordering takeout and way more delicious, this is IT. I’m talking, like, 20 minutes from start to finish. And the best part? It’s so versatile. You can pile it on rice, stuff it in lettuce wraps, or even throw it in a taco. Trust me, your family will thank you.

I stumbled upon this recipe years ago when I was a brand-new mom and basically living on fumes. I needed something quick, easy, and that my picky toddler would actually eat. I found a basic Korean Beef recipe online, tweaked it a bit (okay, maybe a lot!), and it’s been a family staple ever since. I’ve made it probably a hundred times! Now, I’m sharing my version with you because everyone deserves a dinner that’s both ridiculously tasty and ridiculously easy. It’s perfect for those nights when you just can’t even. You know those nights, right?

Why You’ll Love This Korean Beef Recipe

Seriously, what’s not to love? This Korean Beef recipe is a total winner. Let me break it down for you:

Quick, quick, quick! I’m not kidding, you can have this on the table faster than you can say “delivery.” We’re talking 20 minutes, tops!
Easy cleanup: One skillet, people! One! That means less time washing dishes and more time relaxing. Hallelujah!
Flavor explosion: That sweet and savory sauce? Oh my goodness, it’s addictive. You’ll be licking your plate clean, I promise.
Customize it, baby! Want it spicier? Add more red pepper flakes. Need it gluten-free? Use tamari. This recipe is so flexible, it’s practically a yoga instructor.
Family-friendly: Even picky eaters love this stuff. Serve it over rice, in lettuce wraps, or even in tacos. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Korean Beef - detail 1

Quick and Easy Korean Beef

Okay, let’s be real, time is precious. And this recipe gets that! It’s all about speed and simplicity. You’re basically browning ground beef, throwing in some garlic, and then simmering it in a ridiculously delicious sauce. Boom! Dinner is served. It’s so easy, you could probably make it with one eye closed (but please don’t!).

Flavorful and Customizable Korean Beef

The real magic is in that sauce! The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil is just *chef’s kiss*. And the best part? You can totally tweak it to your liking. Want it sweeter? Add a little more brown sugar. Want it saltier? Add a splash more soy sauce (but be careful!). My favorite part is adding a pinch (or three!) of red pepper flakes for a little kick. It’s your kitchen, your rules!

Korean Beef Ingredients

Alright, let’s gather our troops! Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this amazing Korean Beef. Don’t worry, it’s mostly stuff you probably already have in your pantry. If not, a quick trip to the store is all you need. And hey, even if you forget something, don’t sweat it! We can always make substitutions.

Korean Beef Ground Beef

For the beef, I always go with lean ground beef – like 90/10 or 93/7. You don’t want a ton of extra grease swimming around in your skillet. Trust me on this one! Plus, leaner beef is just a little bit healthier, right? Aim for about 1 pound.

Korean Beef Sauce Ingredients

This is where the magic happens! You’ll need 1/4 cup of low-sodium soy sauce (trust me, go easy on the salt!), 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar (that molasses flavor is key!), and 1 Tablespoon of sesame oil (that nutty aroma? Divine!). Don’t skimp on the sesame oil – it really makes a difference.

Korean Beef Fresh Ingredients

Gotta have those fresh flavors! Grab 3 cloves of garlic and mince them up nice and fine. And don’t forget about the fresh ginger! About 1/2 teaspoon, minced, will do the trick. I always keep ginger in my freezer and grate it straight from frozen – works like a charm!

Korean Beef - detail 2

How to Make Korean Beef: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, people, let’s get cooking! This Korean Beef recipe is seriously so easy, you’ll be amazed. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious dinner on the table in no time. Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through it!

Browning the Korean Beef

First, you’ll want to heat up a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add your ground beef. Now, here’s the key: don’t overcrowd the pan! If you have too much beef, it’ll steam instead of brown. We want that nice, crispy browning! Break the beef up with a spoon and cook it until it’s browned all over. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Towards the end of browning, toss in your minced garlic and cook for another minute or two, until it’s fragrant. Careful not to burn it!

Now, for the not-so-fun part: draining the fat. I usually tilt the skillet and spoon out the excess grease. You can also use a colander if you’re feeling fancy. Just get rid of that extra fat – trust me, it’ll make a big difference in the final dish!

Creating the Korean Beef Sauce

Now for the magic! Add the brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them) to the skillet. Give everything a good stir to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for a few minutes, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. Does it need more sweetness? Add a little more brown sugar. More saltiness? A splash of soy sauce. More heat? You know what to do – red pepper flakes to the rescue! Remember, it’s your kitchen, so make it your own!

Serving Your Korean Beef

Alright, the moment we’ve all been waiting for! It’s time to serve up this delicious Korean Beef. My personal favorite way to enjoy it is over steamed rice, topped with a generous sprinkle of sliced green onions. So simple, so satisfying! But hey, if you’re watching your carbs, this stuff is amazing in lettuce wraps too. Just spoon the beef into crisp lettuce leaves and top with green onions. So fresh and flavorful! You could even throw it in a taco or on top of some rice noodles.

Tips for the Best Korean Beef

Want to take your Korean Beef game to the next level? Of course, you do! Here are a few of my favorite tips and tricks for making this recipe absolutely perfect. Trust me, these little tweaks will make all the difference!

Sweetness is key (but adjust to taste!): That brown sugar is what gives the Korean Beef its signature sweetness, but everyone’s taste buds are different. Start with 1/4 cup, then add a little more if you like it sweeter. Just taste as you go!
Don’t be afraid to brown that beef: Seriously, browning the beef is essential for developing flavor. Don’t just let it steam! Get it nice and brown and crispy. Those little browned bits are where all the good stuff is hiding.
Sticking? No problem! If you find that the sauce is sticking to the skillet, just add a splash of water or broth. This will help loosen things up and prevent burning. I also like to use a non-stick skillet for this recipe, just to be on the safe side.

Korean Beef Variations

Okay, so you’ve mastered the basic Korean Beef recipe? Awesome! Now it’s time to get a little creative. The beauty of this recipe is how easy it is to adapt. Want to switch things up? Here are a couple of my favorite variations to try. Get ready to have your mind blown!

Spicy Korean Beef

Feeling a little fiery? Then you HAVE to try this! The easiest way to add some heat is to simply toss in more red pepper flakes. I’m talking, like, a whole teaspoon or more! If you’re a real spice fiend, you could even add a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce. Wowza! Just be careful not to overdo it – you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

Vegetarian Korean Beef

Who says meat-eaters get to have all the fun? This recipe is totally adaptable for vegetarians. Just swap out the ground beef for plant-based ground! There are tons of great options out there these days. I’ve tried it with a few different brands, and honestly, it’s just as delicious. Just follow the recipe as usual, and you’ll have a tasty vegetarian Korean Beef in no time! You could even add some extra veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers for even more flavor!

Serving Suggestions for Korean Beef

Alright, you’ve got your Korean Beef all cooked up and ready to go. But what do you serve it with? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! My go-to is always fluffy steamed rice – it’s the perfect blank canvas for that flavorful sauce. But hey, why stop there? A side of kimchi adds a nice tangy kick, and some steamed or stir-fried veggies round out the meal. Broccoli, carrots, or even some bean sprouts would be amazing! Get creative and have fun with it!

Storing and Reheating Your Korean Beef

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Korean Beef is just as good (maybe even better!) the next day. Just let it cool down completely, then pop it into an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, just microwave it for a couple of minutes, or warm it up in a skillet over medium heat. I sometimes add a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out. So easy!

Korean Beef FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked about my Korean Beef recipe. Don’t be shy – if you have a question that’s not answered here, just leave a comment below!

Can I make Korean Beef ahead of time?

Absolutely! This Korean Beef is a total make-ahead superstar. Just cook it up as directed, let it cool completely, and then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep for 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it and you’re good to go! It’s perfect for meal prepping or those super busy weeknights.

Is Korean Beef gluten-free?

Good question! As written, this recipe isn’t gluten-free because of the soy sauce. But don’t worry, it’s super easy to make it gluten-free! Just swap out the regular soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. Both of these are gluten-free alternatives that taste just as delicious. Easy peasy!

What kind of rice should I serve with Korean Beef?

Honestly, any kind of rice works great with Korean Beef! I usually go with classic steamed white rice because it’s simple and lets the flavor of the beef really shine. But you could also use brown rice, jasmine rice, or even quinoa. It’s totally up to you and your personal preference! My kids love it with sticky rice!

Korean Beef Nutritional Information

Okay, so you’re curious about the nutrition info? Awesome! Just keep in mind that these numbers are just estimates. It really depends on the exact ingredients and brands you use. So, take it with a grain of salt, okay?

Enjoy Your Korean Beef Recipe!

Alright, friends, that’s it! I hope you love this Korean Beef recipe as much as my family does. Seriously, it’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights. If you try it, please, please leave a comment below and let me know what you think! And hey, if you’re feeling social, share a picture on Instagram and tag me! I can’t wait to see your creations!