Easy Korean Beef Recipe: 20-Minute Dinner

As a busy parent, finding quick, tasty meals for the family can be tough. That’s why I’m thrilled to share this amazing Easy Korean Beef recipe. It’s a 20-minute dish that brings authentic Korean flavors to your table without taking up too much time.

Craving Korean flavors or just a quick, tasty meal? This Easy Korean Beef recipe is perfect. It’s a hit with families, ready in just 20 minutes. It’s a flavorful, easy dish that will impress your loved ones.

Quick Overview of Korean Ground Beef

This easy Korean ground beef recipe is a mix of korean bbq and bulgogi marinade flavors. It’s seasoned with Gochujang, soy sauce, garlic, and Asian spices. This makes the ground beef taste amazing and look caramelized.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This Korean ground beef recipe is special because it’s easy and quick. It cooks in under 15 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner. You can make it with common ingredients like ground beef, bell peppers, and shallots.

Time and Preparation Benefits

This recipe saves a lot of time, with only 20 minutes of prep. The ground beef is easy to prepare, turning into a tasty meal quickly. You can enjoy a Korean-inspired dish without spending hours in the kitchen.

Key Ingredients Overview

  • 1 pound of ground beef
  • 3 cloves of garlic
  • 1/4 cup of brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup of low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon of fresh ginger
  • 1/2 – 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper
  • 1/2 cup of sliced green onions

The ingredients in this recipe blend together beautifully. They create a dish full of korean bbq and bulgogi marinade flavors. It’s a true taste of Korea in your kitchen.

Essential Ingredients for Korean Beef Recipe

To make a tasty Korean beef dish, you need the right ingredients. At the core are soy sauce marinade and gochujang beef. These two flavors make the dish incredibly delicious.

You’ll start with 1.5 pounds of ground beef. This meat is the foundation, giving the dish a rich feel. You’ll also use gochujang, a spicy-sweet Korean chili paste. Tamari or soy sauce add depth and umami to the marinade.

  • 1.5 pounds ground beef
  • Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • Tamari or soy sauce
  • Butter
  • Bell peppers
  • Shallots
  • Garlic
  • Pickled ginger
  • Maple syrup or honey
  • Toasted sesame seeds

You can also add optional ingredients like peanuts and a cucumber salad. These add a nice contrast to the soy sauce marinade and gochujang beef.

With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a tasty Korean beef dish. It will surely make your taste buds want more.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed

To make a real korean beef recipe, you need some key kitchen tools. You don’t have to buy top-of-the-line stuff. But, the right tools help you cook better and faster.

Basic Cooking Tools

  • A large skillet or wok: This is the main tool for cooking the asian food.
  • Measuring spoons and cups: You need these for accurate flavor mixing.
  • Cutting board and sharp knife: They help you chop and slice ingredients.
  • Mixing bowls: Great for marinating meat and mixing sauces.

Optional Equipment for Enhanced Results

Some extra tools can make your korean beef recipe even better:

  • Microplane or zester: It grates ginger and garlic finely for more flavor.
  • Rice cooker: It makes sure your rice is cooked just right.
  • Wok or cast-iron skillet: They cook the meat evenly and sear it well.

With the right tools, you can make a tasty korean beef recipe at home.

korean beef recipe tools

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making the tasty beef stir fry for this simple Korean recipe is easy and fast. You can have a yummy homemade meal ready in about 20 minutes with just a few steps.

  1. First, heat a big skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of avocado oil to the pan and let it warm up.
  2. Next, put the 2 pounds of sliced top sirloin steak in the hot pan. Cook the beef for about 5 minutes, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it browns.
  3. After the beef is cooked, add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes to the pan. Sauté for 2 minutes, letting the aromatics bloom.
  4. In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch until well combined. Pour the sauce mixture into the pan and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
  5. Finally, remove the pan from the heat and drizzle in a teaspoon of sesame oil. Toss the beef to coat it in the fragrant oil.

And there you have it! Your delicious beef stir fry with a true Korean flavor is ready to serve. This recipe makes 6 servings, with each serving having about 301 calories.

IngredientAmount
Top sirloin steak, sliced2 pounds
Avocado oil1 tablespoon
Garlic, minced3 cloves
Ginger, grated1 tablespoon
Crushed red pepper flakes1/2 teaspoon
Soy sauce1/4 cup
Honey2 tablespoons
Cornstarch1 tablespoon
Sesame oil1 teaspoon

The Perfect Sauce Combination

The secret to the mouthwatering gochujang beef in this recipe lies in the carefully crafted sauce. This blend of flavors combines the heat of gochujang with the savory depth of soy sauce. It creates a harmonious balance that elevates the korean bbq experience.

Gochujang and Soy Sauce Base

At the core of the sauce, you’ll find a dynamic duo of gochujang, a fermented Korean chili paste, and soy sauce or tamari. These two ingredients form the foundation. They provide the perfect blend of spicy and umami notes that are the hallmark of authentic korean bbq flavor.

Balancing Sweet and Spicy Elements

To temper the heat of the gochujang, the sauce also incorporates a touch of sweetness. This sweetness comes from maple syrup or honey. This strategic addition helps to balance the overall flavor profile, creating a harmonious dance between the spicy and sweet elements. The result is a sauce that is both bold and deeply satisfying.

By carefully calibrating the ratios of these key ingredients, the sauce for this gochujang beef dish achieves a perfect balance. This balance elevates the overall dining experience. The careful interplay of flavors ensures that each bite is a delight for the senses.

Serving Suggestions and Rice Options

The easy Korean beef recipe is best served hot and steaming. Pair it with fluffy, freshly steamed rice for the perfect meal. White or brown rice complements the bold Korean flavors well.

For a lighter option, try riced cauliflower instead of rice. This low-carb choice is full of nutrients and absorbs the sauce nicely. Add sesame seeds, green onions, and spicy mayo for a fancy look.

For extra crunch, serve the beef over a quick-pickled cucumber salad. The tangy, crunchy veggies contrast well with the rich meat. Roasted peanuts on top add a nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch.

Serving SuggestionDescription
RiceServe the Korean beef over steamed white or brown rice for a classic pairing.
Cauliflower RiceUse riced cauliflower for a low-carb alternative to traditional rice.
Pickled CucumbersTop the beef with a quick-pickled cucumber salad for added crunch and tanginess.
Roasted PeanutsSprinkle roasted peanuts over the Korean beef for a satisfying nutty flavor.
Spicy MayoDrizzle a spicy mayo sauce over the dish for an extra flavor boost.

This Korean-inspired ground beef recipe will be a hit with your family. Enjoy the sweet, savory, and spicy flavors in every bite.

Customization and Vegetable Add-ins

This Korean beef recipe is super versatile. You can change it up to fit your taste or what you have. You can try different proteins and veggies to make it your own.

Try adding more than just zucchini, red bell pepper, and carrot. Here are some great options:

  • Sliced mushrooms
  • Broccoli florets
  • Shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
  • Snow peas or sugar snap peas
  • Thinly sliced onion

Using pre-made stir-fry blends can save you time. Just toss them in with the beef stir fry for a tasty meal.

Protein Alternatives

Want to change the protein? Ground beef can be swapped for ground turkey, chicken, or pork. For a plant-based choice, try firm tofu or crumbled tempeh.

Choose your protein wisely. Make sure it’s cooked well and full of that tasty Korean sauce. With a bit of creativity, you can make this dish fit your diet perfectly.

korean beef and vegetables

Storage and Reheating Tips

Enjoy your homemade korean beef recipe days later! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The sauce might thicken, so add water or broth when reheating for the right consistency.

To reheat the easy korean recipes, warm it in a skillet over medium heat. Stir often until it’s hot. Or, reheat in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until it’s hot.

For the best taste and texture, eat it within 3-4 days. But if you have leftovers, don’t worry. The flavors will still be great even after reheating.

Health Benefits and Nutritional Information

This easy Korean cuisine recipe is not just tasty. It’s also packed with nutrients. Using grass-fed ground beef, it’s a protein-rich dish. It gives you heme iron, B12, zinc, choline, B vitamins, and trace minerals.

The recipe is low in carbs, thanks to cauliflower rice. This cuts down carbs from 45 grams per cup to 5 grams per serving. It’s great for those on keto or low-carb diets. The veggies like carrots, mushrooms, kale, onions, and radishes add vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

It cooks in just 20 minutes. This makes it perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep. The Korean beef dish is both flavorful and nutritious.

FAQ

What makes this Korean beef recipe special?

This quick-cooking ground beef dish is tossed in a sweet and spicy Korean chile sauce. It combines traditional Korean flavors with modern convenience. It’s ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

How long does it take to prepare and cook this recipe?

It takes 10 minutes to prepare and another 10 minutes to cook. So, you can have a delicious Korean-inspired meal in just 20 minutes.

What are the key ingredients in this recipe?

The main ingredients are ground beef, Gochujang (Korean chili paste), tamari or soy sauce, butter, bell peppers, shallots, garlic, pickled ginger, maple syrup or honey, and toasted sesame seeds. You can also add peanuts and cucumber salad components.

What kitchen tools and equipment are needed?

You’ll need a large skillet or wok, measuring spoons and cups, cutting board, sharp knife, and mixing bowls. Tools like a microplane for ginger grating and a rice cooker for perfect rice can also help.

How is the dish prepared step-by-step?

First, brown the meat for 5 minutes. Then, add the vegetables and aromatics for 2 minutes. Next, mix in the sauce ingredients for 2-3 minutes. Finally, let it caramelize for 1-2 minutes. The total cooking time is 10 minutes.

How is the perfect sauce combination achieved?

The sauce is made with Gochujang, tamari/soy sauce, ginger juice, and maple syrup/honey. Use 1/2 cup tamari, 2-3 tablespoons Gochujang, 2 tablespoons ginger juice, and 2 tablespoons sweetener. This balance of sweet and spicy creates the signature flavor.

How should the dish be served and what are the recommended accompaniments?

Serve the Korean beef over steamed rice or cauliflower rice. Add a quick-pickled cucumber salad, green onions, and roasted peanuts. You can also add spicy mayo for extra flavor.

Can the recipe be customized with different proteins and vegetables?

Yes, you can customize it. Try ground pork, chicken, or turkey instead of beef. Add bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, mushrooms, or broccoli. You can also use pre-mixed stir-fry vegetables for quicker prep.

How should the leftovers be stored and reheated?

Store the leftovers in an airtight container. Reheat while maintaining flavor quality. The sauce may thicken, so thin it slightly when reheating. It’s best consumed within 3-4 days when refrigerated.

What are the health benefits and nutritional information for this recipe?

This Korean beef recipe has 430 calories per serving and is high in protein. The vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals. Use lean meat and add more veggies for a healthier version. A gluten-free version is possible by using tamari instead of regular soy sauce.

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