Hello, welcome to my beautiful world! My name is Prisca Bush. I am a food lover; I enjoy writing about my favorite recipes.
Introduction
It all started with a craving.
A few years ago, I was sitting at my desk late on a Tuesday afternoon when the hunger pangs hit me hard. I wasn’t just hungry — I was craving something savory, sweet, and a little spicy. Something fast, but not boring. Something that felt like takeout but didn’t come with a delivery fee. And that’s when I remembered a dish a friend had once shared with me: Korean Beef Recipe — also known as Korean Ground Beef Bowl or Bulgogi-style Beef.
I rushed home, threw a few ingredients together, and 20 minutes later, I was eating the most flavorful beef I’d ever made on a weeknight. Ever since, this Korean Beef Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes when I want something quick, satisfying, and incredibly tasty.
If you love bold, umami-rich dishes that come together in under 30 minutes, this Korean Beef Recipe is going to be your new best friend.
Do you want more recipes?
Pot Roast with Vegetables and Red Wine Recipe
Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe (2025)
Ingredients for Korean Beef Recipe
One of the best things about Korean Beef Recipe is how simple it is. You probably have most of these ingredients in your kitchen already!
For the Beef:
- 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular — both work)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced (or ½ tsp ground ginger)
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or honey for a natural sweetener)
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste) or sriracha (optional, for heat)
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar (optional for brightness)
- 2 green onions, sliced (plus more for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
How to Prepare Korean Beef Recipe: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sesame oil, then the ground beef. Break up the meat as it cooks, and sauté until it’s browned and no longer pink (about 5–7 minutes).
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Once the beef is mostly cooked, drain excess fat if needed. Add minced garlic and ginger to the skillet. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Make It Saucy
Reduce heat to medium. Stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar, gochujang or sriracha, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and rice vinegar. Mix everything well so the beef is evenly coated.
Let it simmer for 2–3 more minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and the flavors meld.
Step 4: Finish with Green Onions
Stir in the sliced green onions, saving some for garnish. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, and remove from heat.
Done. That’s it. Just 20 minutes to flavor heaven.
How to Serve Korean Beef Recipe
This dish is super versatile and can be served in a variety of ways depending on your mood and what you have on hand.
1. Over Steamed Rice (Classic Style)
Serve the Korean beef over white jasmine rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb version. Add a sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds on top.
2. In Lettuce Wraps
For a lighter, low-carb option, spoon the beef into butter lettuce or romaine leaves. Add shredded carrots, cucumbers, and a drizzle of sriracha mayo.
3. With Noodles
Toss the beef with cooked ramen, rice noodles, or soba noodles. Add steamed veggies for a full meal.
4. With a Fried Egg
Top your rice bowl with a runny fried egg and thank me later.
5. As a Salad Bowl
Serve the beef over a bed of mixed greens, add pickled veggies, avocado, and a drizzle of sesame-ginger dressing.
Tips
- Use fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor — but powdered works in a pinch.
- Don’t skip the brown sugar — it balances the saltiness of the soy sauce and adds that signature Korean BBQ sweetness.
- Adjust spice to taste — use more gochujang or red pepper flakes if you like it hot.
- Drain the beef if necessary — especially if using higher-fat ground beef.
- Double the sauce if you like it extra saucy — especially if you’re serving over rice or noodles.
Variations
Korean Beef Recipe is incredibly flexible. Here are some delicious ways to change it up:
1. Korean Bulgogi-Style Steak
Swap ground beef for thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin. Marinate the beef in the sauce for 30 minutes before stir-frying for that authentic bulgogi flavor.
2. Vegetarian or Vegan Korean Beef
Use crumbled tofu, tempeh, or plant-based ground meat like Beyond Meat. Use maple syrup or brown sugar and tamari for a vegan version.
3. Korean Beef with Veggies
Add stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, or zucchini to make it a more complete meal.
4. Korean Beef with Pineapple
Add diced pineapple for a sweet-and-savory tropical twist. Great for kids or BBQ-inspired meals!
5. Korean Beef Tacos
Use the beef as a filling in soft tortillas with kimchi slaw and sriracha aioli.
FAQs
Q1. What is Korean beef?
Korean beef typically refers to bulgogi, a traditional Korean dish made from marinated beef grilled or stir-fried with a savory-sweet soy sauce marinade. This easy Korean Beef Recipe is a quick, ground-beef version that mimics those same flavors.
Q2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Korean beef stores very well in the fridge for up to 4 days, and it tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.
Q3. Can I freeze Korean beef?
Yes. Let it cool completely and store it in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
Q4. What’s the best kind of beef to use?
For this version, ground beef is the fastest and easiest. For a more traditional feel, use thin-sliced steak (look for “bulgogi beef” at Korean markets).
Q5. Is this recipe spicy?
It can be! If you add gochujang or red pepper flakes, it will have a kick. If you’re cooking for kids or those who prefer milder flavors, skip the heat.
Q6. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes! Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and check that your gochujang (if using) is gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Korean Beef Recipe is a perfect example of how something so simple can still be incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a hungry family, it hits the spot every time. Sweet, salty, umami-packed, and just the right amount of heat — all ready in under 30 minutes. What more could you ask for?
Korean Beef Recipe is a dish that’s flexible enough to suit every taste, easy enough for beginner cooks, and flavorful enough to impress dinner guests. You can keep it classic with rice, dress it up in lettuce wraps, or get creative with tacos and noodles.
Once you make this, it’ll likely earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation — just like it did in mine.