Korean Beef Recipe (+VIDEO) - The Girl Who Ate Everything (2024)

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posted by Christy Denneyon Oct 11, 2022 (updated Aug 20, 2023) 217 comments »

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This Korean Beef is a quick version of the classic Asian dinner served over rice or in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. You can make this easy Korean Beef in under 15 minutes!

KOREAN BEEF RECIPE

Do you ever feel the overwhelming need to simplify? Lately I’ve felt the need to cut out all of the “stuff” we have going on and to get back to the basics in our home and in even in our dinners.

Nothing crazy or fancy – it’s not like my kids appreciate the fancy stuff anyway. I’ve found that the best meals to have in your recipe box are those that you usually have all the ingredients.

I love the flavor of the traditional way this beef is prepared but sometimes have issues with the texture of flank steak. Anyone else? I know that ground beef isn’t exactlytraditional Korean fare but it’s cheaper and you’re more likely to have it on hand.

The flavors of this Korean Beef are spot on and blend together beautifully. It’s slightly sweet, slightly spicy…perfect.

This pairs well with steamed broccoli. I’m not a huge rice lover so if you want a low-carb option try eating this over a salad or cauliflower rice. It’s great!

OTHER ASIAN RECIPES

Easy Asian Chicken Rice Bowl
Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
One-Pan Coconut Curry and Rice
Grilled Asian Salmon
Asian Turkey Meatballs
Egg Drop Soup

Korean Beef

4.81 from 96 votes

This Korean Beef is a quick version of the classic dish served over rice or in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. You can make this Korean Beef in under 15 minutes!

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Prep Time: 5 minutes mins

Cook Time: 10 minutes mins

Total Time: 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon sesame oil, (see note)
1 pound ground beef
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup brown sugar, (add more if you like it sweeter)
1/4 cup soy sauce , (use coconut aminos or gluten-free soy sauce for a gluten-free option)
1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced (see note)
1/2 - 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper, depending on how spicy you like it
salt and pepper
1/2 cup sliced green onions

Instructions

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the ground beef in the sesame oil. Add the garlic towards the end of browning and cook for a couple of minutes. Drain the fat.
Add the brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger, salt and pepper and red pepper. Simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors. Serve over steamed rice and top with green onions. If going for a low carb option, it's great over lettuce too!

Notes

If you're like me and don't use fresh ginger that often, remember that fresh ginger freezes well. They also sell ginger in a squeeze bottle by the produce and it lasts forever.

Sesame oil adds a special something to this dish but it can be pricey so you can use another oil.

Source: Lizzy Writes

Serving: 1/6 of the recipe, Calories: 201kcal, Carbohydrates: 11g, Protein: 16g, Fat: 10g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Trans Fat: 0.5g, Cholesterol: 49mg, Sodium: 602mg, Potassium: 315mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 9g, Vitamin A: 231IU, Vitamin C: 2mg, Calcium: 29mg, Iron: 2mg

Cuisine: Korean

Course: Main Course

Author: Christy Denney

Beef Gluten-Free Main Dishes Super Easy Recipes

originally published on Oct 11, 2022 (last updated Aug 20, 2023)

217 comments Leave a comment »

Korean Beef Recipe (+VIDEO) - The Girl Who Ate Everything (5)

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217 comments on “Korean Beef”

Paula — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 @ 11:36:08 EDT Reply
Absolutely delicious and easy recipe. It has become my hubby’s favorite dinner. We top it off w/a fried egg.
Lucy — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 @ 23:24:05 EST Reply
I literally make this once a week. It’s so good and so fast during a busy weekday! Thank you!!!
- Christy Denney — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 @ 01:25:41 EST Reply
  thank you!
Debbie — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 @ 16:47:07 EST Reply
Quick easy meal!
Mel — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 @ 22:58:05 EST Reply
HI, we love this recipe. thanks for sharing! I’m sure I missed it, but can’t seem to find the nutritional info?
Levon llorris — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 @ 00:36:52 EST Reply
It’s amazing, best with stir fry beef. Thanks for sharing.
- Christy Denney — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 @ 02:02:59 EST Reply
  Thank you!
  See Also
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Cass — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 @ 23:20:31 EST Reply
I love this, it’s so easy to make and I always have leftovers🥰
- Christy Denney — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 @ 02:17:56 EST Reply
  Thank you!
Cass — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 @ 23:19:23 EST Reply
I love this dish
Linda K — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 @ 13:02:21 EDT Reply
So yummy and so simple! I’m so glad I made this recipe. I did add some gochugang as one reviewer suggested. And I added chopped peanuts on top along with the green onion. I served the beef on a lettuce cup with a small heap of white rice.
- Christy Denney — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 @ 02:14:22 EST Reply
  Thank you!!
- Class — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 @ 23:21:43 EST Reply
  What is gochugang?
  - Ella — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 @ 14:14:15 EST Reply
    It’s a Korean chili sauce/paste that has a co bination of spices, some sugar, rice wine etc
    I have the one by O’Food and it’s good!
Susan Saleem — Sun, 08 Oct 2023 @ 20:02:25 EDT Reply
This is my favorite lazy day dinner. So delicious!
- Christy Denney — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 @ 02:18:22 EST Reply
  Thank you!!
Toni — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 @ 12:21:30 EDT Reply
Really enjoyed making this, eating it was even better thank you, it’s now a new family fave
- Christy Denney — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 @ 02:45:50 EST Reply
  Thank you!!
Marie — Thu, 14 Sep 2023 @ 17:59:34 EDT Reply
Would like to know if I did use skirt steak, because I was given one, would I do the same as you did with the ground beef?
- Christy Denney — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 @ 02:47:08 EST Reply
  Yes totally
Jenna — Sun, 27 Aug 2023 @ 19:05:13 EDT Reply
Has anyone tried making rice bowls with this and freezing them?
This is one of our favorite recipes! We make it regularly for meals and it’s a go-to when we are hosting friends or family. We are looking for meals we can prepare ahead of time for an easy freezer to microwave option and would love if this one worked.
Kim — Mon, 07 Aug 2023 @ 14:33:35 EDT Reply
This is a grat recipe. I have substituted agave or honey for.thr brown sugar though….because that’s what I had on hand.
- Christy Denney — Fri, 11 Aug 2023 @ 00:59:17 EDT Reply
  So glad you liked it!
Sandy Ryska — Sat, 05 Aug 2023 @ 21:29:09 EDT Reply
Delicious! Great meal if you are in a hurry. I used ground pork and elk, 50/50/sesame and Mongolian Fire Oil and Shredded Carrot. Took longer to cook the rice then prep and cook time of the meat. Definitely a keeper recipe!
- Christy Denney — Fri, 11 Aug 2023 @ 01:04:53 EDT Reply
  Glad you liked it!
Peter Paynter — Sat, 15 Jul 2023 @ 20:50:10 EDT Reply
Very quick and easy
- Christy Denney — Fri, 11 Aug 2023 @ 01:50:06 EDT Reply
  Thank you!
Sharon — Wed, 12 Jul 2023 @ 15:25:44 EDT Reply
So easy and so very good.
Quick to prepare also.
Loved it. Thank you 🙂
- Christy Denney — Fri, 11 Aug 2023 @ 02:00:14 EDT Reply
  You’re welcome
Monica — Fri, 23 Jun 2023 @ 12:45:54 EDT Reply
Can I use low sodium soy sauce for this recipe? Not a health concern, it’s just what I have on hand lol
- Christy Denney — Fri, 11 Aug 2023 @ 19:56:53 EDT Reply
  Yes!
Renee — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 @ 19:34:27 EDT Reply
This is an all time favorite. Easy and quick. Fresh ginger is my favorite in this. Use Trader Joe’s vegetable fried rice instead of white.
Deb — Fri, 09 Jun 2023 @ 14:25:01 EDT Reply
This is so good. I tried it when a friend made it and being the avid cook I am, I had to “fix” it. Really there’s nothing to fix because it’s fab but if you want to take it to the next level, fry up a large onion with the beef and add a heaped tablespoon of gochugang (more if you like it hotter). Top with toasted sesame seeds too. We serve it bibimbap style with ban Chan like Korean carrots, mushrooms, spinach, cucumber and bean sprout side dishes and sometimes with a fried egg on top! Rice underneath of course.
Leland — Sun, 28 May 2023 @ 22:50:16 EDT Reply
So so good!! This recipe was so delicious my wife thinks I’m the Iron Chef now. Meanwhile it was super simple and easy to follow. Thank you 🙂
- Christy Denney — Fri, 11 Aug 2023 @ 23:33:10 EDT Reply
  Haha awesome!
Alice — Wed, 24 May 2023 @ 23:43:45 EDT Reply
See Also
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Loved it! Was very delicious.
Can I also try it with chicken cutlass?
Jeannette — Wed, 24 May 2023 @ 14:20:19 EDT Reply
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
This has become a staple in our house. I make if often when my sister and niece come to dinner. Even my pickiest eater loves it.
Checking the recipe again as my niece requested I make this for her birthday dinner this week.
The only adjustment I make is I lower the spice. We have a very low spice tolerance between me and my kids. I use a small amount of crushed pepper and I grind it to work away the clumps. My husband loves spice, so he adds tapatio before eating.
Enjoy!
- Christy Denney — Fri, 11 Aug 2023 @ 23:37:23 EDT Reply
  Thank you!
Melissa D. in TX — Mon, 22 May 2023 @ 20:05:25 EDT Reply
Thanks for a great, quick recipe! This was a hit and will be on regular rotation from now on (loved that it was easy to convert to gluten-free as well).
- Christy Denney — Fri, 11 Aug 2023 @ 23:38:49 EDT Reply
  Thank you!
Miriam Gelarden — Sat, 13 May 2023 @ 14:19:04 EDT Reply
Hi I hope this finds you well. I have made this recipe now twice. I did make it larger though. I have now served this meal to 200 of our closest friends that are experiencing homelessness
Even cooking it for 100 people at a time this is a nice easy recipe. I appreciate it and everybody loved it
- Christy Denney — Fri, 11 Aug 2023 @ 23:56:16 EDT Reply
  Oh wow, you are so kind to do that
Jill Scott — Mon, 17 Apr 2023 @ 16:41:13 EDT Reply
My weekly Go- to. So easy. Very flavorful as written.
I typically double all the ingredients except for the ground beef.
Sometimes I use pork chops or meatballs instead of ground beef.
- Christy Denney — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 @ 01:42:48 EDT Reply
  Awesome to hear!
Laura — Sat, 25 Mar 2023 @ 09:47:08 EDT Reply
Any recommendation on what oil to use if sesame oil causes migraines?
- Christy Denney — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 @ 02:35:52 EDT Reply
  It just adds flavor. you can use any oil
Lindsay — Sun, 26 Feb 2023 @ 19:24:54 EST Reply
This is an absolute favorite in our house! I make it several times a month and I always double the recipe to make sure we have leftovers. I recently tried it with ground chicken and added some chopped green beans and matchstick carrots! It’s so quick and easy and always get eaten! Thank you!
- Christy Denney — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 @ 03:06:11 EDT Reply
  Thank you!
Stephanie C — Sat, 25 Feb 2023 @ 20:31:06 EST Reply
I make this fairly often to go over jasmine rice and alongside steamed broccoli. I usually double the recipe and add chili pepper paste instead of flakes for extra kick. It’s delish and satisfying without being too heavy. It keeps well and makes for great leftovers if your family people will eat leftovers. Mine won’t, but I will, more for me! 😉
- Christy Denney — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 @ 03:07:39 EDT Reply
  Thank you!
Asia — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 @ 04:16:22 EST Reply
I have 1 lb of hamburger in my fridge and ask my husband what he wants for dinner. I said chili, hamburger soup, tacos….. he said that Asian spicy meat stuff you put on rice. He loves this recipe!!! I make it at least once one twice a month for the last 3 years. Don’t know why I am only posting a comment now. Thanks for the great recipe.
- Christy Denney — Sat, 28 Jan 2023 @ 02:17:28 EST Reply
  Haha that’s funny! Thank you for posting a comment!
Jerrad — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 @ 13:35:46 EST Reply
I hate asians food but this taste like creamy and yum yum!!
Emma — Sat, 07 Jan 2023 @ 15:41:41 EST Reply
Love making this. I have it bookmarked and I also share it with my friends when they’re looking for inspiration.
- Christy Denney — Sat, 28 Jan 2023 @ 03:07:40 EST Reply
  Thank you!
Jenna — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 @ 19:41:26 EST Reply
This meal was so simple but soooo tasty!! The sauce was incredible! It’ll be a staple recipe in my house for sure 🙂
Barbara — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 @ 16:50:28 EDT Reply
Hi. I make this for dinner at least once a week and it’s always a hit.
Thank you for an easy, delicious and satisfying recipe! ♥️
- Christy Denney — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 @ 01:31:31 EST Reply
  You’re welcome!
Audrey McClure — Fri, 14 Oct 2022 @ 12:12:39 EDT Reply
I just made this last night and it was a hit with my whole family! I doubled the recipe. I added in shredded carrots and was pretty generous with the crushed red pepper flakes, as we like the heat! I served it over sticky rice. I shared your link on my FB page and lots of “likes” and shares!
- Christy Denney — Sat, 29 Oct 2022 @ 03:00:25 EDT Reply
  Thank you so much for sharing!
Julia — Wed, 24 Aug 2022 @ 19:21:25 EDT Reply
Does the nutrition facts for this include the rice or without rice?
- Christy Denney — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 @ 02:01:18 EDT Reply
  Without rice
Jamie — Mon, 15 Aug 2022 @ 18:48:08 EDT Reply
We’ve made this a few times and it’s a hit! Even the picky kid likes it.
- Christy Denney — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 @ 02:23:25 EDT Reply
  Yay!
- Christy Denney — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 @ 02:06:25 EDT Reply
  So happy you liked it!
Joyce Buetti — Fri, 05 Aug 2022 @ 01:37:16 EDT Reply
Combine 1 tablespoon agar powder with 1 tablespoon water.
Renee — Sun, 03 Jul 2022 @ 21:03:30 EDT Reply
Recepies like this get me so excited. This was truly good. Made as is, and it was simple. Served with Jasmine rice and egg rolls. Fills you up fast. It’s a keeper.
- Christy Denney — Mon, 25 Jul 2022 @ 02:03:59 EDT Reply
  Thank yoU!
Steven Courtney — Wed, 22 Jun 2022 @ 07:32:27 EDT Reply
This is a grand slam – Quick, easy, inexpensive, and really good! I added thinly sliced white onion and shredded carrot to the beef after it was nearly browned. I served over jasmine rice and topped the dish with cilantro, thinly sliced jalapeño, and green onion. This will be added to a regular rotation at our home!
- Christy Denney — Mon, 25 Jul 2022 @ 02:18:09 EDT Reply
  Yay!
ShanJ — Mon, 07 Feb 2022 @ 23:21:18 EST Reply
So good, so easy – even my littles like it! Although I go light on the red pepper flakes for them. Tomorrow I’m going to try adding some red pepper to it.
- Christy Denney — Thu, 17 Mar 2022 @ 01:15:26 EDT Reply
  Yes good call
Jane — Mon, 27 Dec 2021 @ 12:53:42 EST Reply
This is delicious. Calling it slightly spicy is misleading though. It’s pretty spicy but I will definitely make it again and again just with less spice.
- Christy Denney — Fri, 07 Jan 2022 @ 19:14:01 EST Reply
  I guess we all have different tastebuds
Yomarie — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 @ 18:08:19 EDT Reply
Hi, do you think it is ok to use ground turkey instead?
- Christy Denney — Tue, 24 Aug 2021 @ 01:28:24 EDT Reply
  Yes, of course.
Vicki — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 @ 18:27:59 EDT Reply
Love Korean food….or about anything asian. I plan on making this and making it low carb by adding the brown sugar substitute Swerve. Sounds yummy!
- Christy Denney — Tue, 24 Aug 2021 @ 01:31:07 EDT Reply
  Yes! Great idea
sierra — Sun, 18 Jul 2021 @ 17:05:06 EDT Reply
amazing recipe! i didn’t have ginger, but other than that it was delicious. when adding the brown sugar, i recommend sprinkling it (like you would salt) so that way the sugar gets an even coating on the beef. my family loved it.
- Christy Denney — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 @ 01:20:29 EDT Reply
  THanks Sierra!
Beverly — Wed, 19 May 2021 @ 17:27:18 EDT Reply
OMG! The hardest part of this meal was waiting for the rice. Next time I’ll use instant rice. I used leftover ground beef I had from making meat pies so seriously was a matter of 5 minutes to heat the beef mixture up. I added extra brown sugar and pepper flakes. Hubs absolutely LOVED it! Definitely a keeper.
- Christy Denney — Sat, 31 Jul 2021 @ 02:16:03 EDT Reply
  So happy you liked it!
Manda-Sabrina — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 @ 18:02:24 EDT Reply
Best recipe ever!!! Family favorite for sure. So easy to make. Can make a lot for a big family if you just double the recipe!
- Christy Denney — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 @ 01:26:08 EDT Reply
  Thank you!
Dee Bruck — Wed, 10 Feb 2021 @ 09:01:56 EST Reply
Thank you so much. I am doing meal planning for my
daughter who is a single parent of 3 beautiful children. I am borrowing some of your recipes.
- Christy Denney — Thu, 11 Mar 2021 @ 01:05:46 EST Reply
  What a nice mother you are. What a gift!
GirlMoM — Wed, 23 Dec 2020 @ 10:59:54 EST Reply
This looks delicious and easy! Can I substitute Ground turkey for the beef?
- Christy Denney — Thu, 11 Mar 2021 @ 02:54:39 EST Reply
  Of course!
Susan Larke — Tue, 08 Dec 2020 @ 18:20:55 EST Reply
This is a terrific recipe, easy and delicious. I serve it in bowls over rice, then top with shredded lettuce and chopped peanuts. I like to add a can of drained, chopped water chestnuts for crunch.
- Christy Denney — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 @ 02:21:03 EST Reply
  Thanks for your feedback.