This easy Korean ground beef recipe is one of my absolute favorites! It has become a go-to option for weeknight dinners, especially when life gets hectic. In just 20 minutes, you can have a delicious meal on your table that delights the senses without putting a dent in your budget. Picture this: savory ground beef, a medley of flavors that combines sweet and savory, and a hint of irresistible Asian flair. Trust me, you and your family are going to love it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Speedy Preparation: In just 10 minutes of prep time and another quick 10 minutes of cooking, you can whip up a scrumptious meal.
- Pocket-Friendly: This recipe is easy on the wallet, making it perfect for families or anyone trying to stick to a budget.
- Flavor Galore: The combination of soy sauce, orange juice, and brown sugar brings an explosion of deliciousness.
- Flexibility: Base this dish over rice or serve it with steamed vegetables for a light and healthy option!
Ingredients
- Canola or vegetable oil for sautéing
- Ground beef (or ground chuck) for that rich, hearty flavor
- Fresh garlic, minced, to add depth
- Soy sauce, the savory backbone of the dish
- Orange juice, for a sweet and tangy twist
- Brown sugar, bringing in that delectable sweetness
- Sweet chili sauce, for a kick of flavor
- Toasted sesame oil, adding a lovely nutty aroma
- Cornstarch, helping thicken the sauce
- Green onions, sliced, for garnish and a fresh touch
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the pintable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s dive into the joy of cooking this delightful dish! First, heat a tablespoon of oil in your trusty cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add in your ground beef and minced garlic. It’s time to break it up and let it cook until browned all the way through! This should take about 3-5 minutes, and then remember to drain off any excess grease.
Next, while your beef is cooking, whisk together the soy sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, sweet chili sauce, toasted sesame oil, and cornstarch in a separate bowl. Don’t worry if your sauce looks a little lumpy – it’s all part of the magic!
Once the beef is well-cooked, pour that glorious sauce mixture right over it. Give it a good stir and let it simmer for just a few minutes until it thickens slightly. Your kitchen will smell so good that you might find it hard to wait for dinner!
When it’s done, serve your Korean ground beef over a cozy bed of rice, and add some steamed veggies on the side. Don’t forget to sprinkle sliced green onions on top for that extra pop of flavor!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Choose the Right Ground Beef: I prefer ground chuck for its rich flavor, but you can easily use leaner ground beef as well. Just note that it might not be as juicy.
- Don’t Skip the Garlic: Freshly minced garlic truly elevates the dish. Avoid garlic powder if you can!
- Adjust the Sweetness: Feel free to tweak the brown sugar and sweet chili sauce to make it as sweet or as savory as you like.
- Add Veggies: For an extra healthy boost, toss in some chopped bell peppers or carrots when sautéing the beef!
How to Serve
This Korean ground beef is incredibly versatile! You can serve it over fluffy white rice, brown rice, or even quinoa for a healthier option. Pair it with steamed broccoli, snap peas, or a colorful stir-fry for a complete meal. For garnish, I love adding extra sliced green onions or even some sesame seeds if I’m feeling fancy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze this dish for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. If you find the sauce too thick after reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up a bit!
Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot easier and tastier! I hope you enjoy making this easy Korean ground beef recipe as much as I do. It’s the perfect meal for busy families or anyone looking to enjoy a quick and flavorful dinner. Happy cooking!
Easy Korean Ground Beef Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon Canola or Vegetable Oil
- 2 pounds Ground Beef or Ground Chuck
- 4 Cloves Garlic, minced
- ½ Cup Soy Sauce
- ½ Cup Orange Juice
- ½ Cup Brown Sugar
- ¼ Cup Sweet Chili Sauce
- 2 teaspoons Toasted Sesame Oil
- 1 Tablespoon Cornstarch
- 2 Green Onions sliced, plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a cast iron pan over medium high heat. Add the ground beef and garlic, breaking up the meat. Cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes, then drain grease.
- Whisk together the remaining ingredients and pour over the beef. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Serve over rice with steamed veggies and garnish with green onions.