Korean Beef Recipe

Craving a meal that’s packed with flavor but easy to make? Korean beef recipe is a savory and slightly sweet dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With minimal ingredients, this recipe delivers maximum flavor and pairs beautifully with rice or vegetables. It’s a popular dish that even picky eaters enjoy due to its balance of sweet and salty notes.

A Brief History of Korean Beef:

Korean cuisine is known for its complex flavors that often combine sweet, salty, and spicy elements. This Korean beef dish is a simplified version of “Bulgogi,” one of Korea’s most famous traditional beef dishes, which means “fire meat” in Korean. Traditionally, Bulgogi involves marinating thinly sliced beef in a sweet and savory sauce, then grilling it. Over time, home cooks have created quicker stovetop versions to capture the essence of bulgogi in a more accessible way, leading to popular dishes like Korean ground beef bowls.

Korean Beef Recipe

Pinklady

Korean cuisine is known for its complex flavors that often combine sweet, salty, and spicy elements. This Korean beef dish is a simplified version of "Bulgogi," one of Korea's most famous traditional beef dishes, which means "fire meat" in Korean.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Korean

Servings 4

Equipment

• Large skillet or pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground beef (or thinly sliced beef for a more traditional version)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for heat preference)
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
• Cooked rice, for serving

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Instructions

 

• Prepare the Ingredients:

  Begin by prepping all your ingredients. Mince the garlic and ginger, slice the green onions, and measure out the soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil.
• Cook the Beef:

  Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef (or thinly sliced beef) to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula or wooden spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
• Add the Flavor Base:

  Once the beef is browned, reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the minced garlic and ginger. Cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant.
• Create the Sauce:

  Add soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil to the skillet. Stir the mixture well to combine the flavors. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly thicken and coat the beef. Add red pepper flakes for a bit of spice if desired.
• Finishing Touches:

  Stir in half of the sliced green onions, then remove the skillet from the heat. For extra flavor and texture, sprinkle the dish with sesame seeds.
• Serve and Enjoy:

  Serve your Korean beef over cooked rice, garnished with the remaining green onions. You can also pair it with steamed vegetables or kimchi for a more authentic experience.

Video

Keyword Korean Beef Recipe

Similar Recipes:

– Bulgogi (Korean BBQ Beef): A traditional dish where beef is marinated in a similar sauce and grilled or pan-fried.
– Korean Ground Beef Bowls: A simple variation that serves the beef over rice with vegetables.
– Beef Bibimbap: A mixed rice bowl with beef, vegetables, and a fried egg, typically served with gochujang sauce.
– Spicy Korean Pork Bulgogi: Similar to beef bulgogi but made with pork for a spicier kick.

Frequently Asked Questions About Korean Beef Recipe:

1. Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground chicken or turkey works as a lighter alternative and still absorbs the flavorful sauce well.

2. What is the best beef cut for Korean beef?

If you’re not using ground beef, thinly sliced cuts like ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak work best.

3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the beef with tofu or a plant-based ground meat alternative for a vegetarian version.

4. Is Korean beef spicy?

The recipe has a mild heat from red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the spice level to your liking.

5. Can I meal prep this recipe?

Yes! Korean beef reheats well, making it great for meal prep. Just store it in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat before serving.

6. What can I serve with Korean beef?

Serve it over rice, with steamed veggies, or alongside kimchi for an authentic Korean meal.

7. Can I freeze Korean beef?

Yes, Korean beef can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.

8. Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Definitely! You can add bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli to make it more nutritious.

9. What type of rice pairs best with Korean beef?

Steamed white rice or jasmine rice are popular choices, but you can also use brown rice as a healthier option.

10. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Conclusion:

Korean beef is a perfect dish for those who want to enjoy bold flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a quick meal that brings the essence of traditional Korean cuisine to your dinner table. Whether served over rice or paired with vegetables, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

YouTube Video Credits:
Aaron and Claire