Craving a mouthwatering meal that'll transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Korea without spending hours in the kitchen? Get ready for the ultimate quick Korean ground beef recipe that promises restaurant-quality flavor in less time than it takes to order takeout! This incredibly easy dish combines the rich, savory notes of perfectly seasoned beef with a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavors that will have everyone at your table begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Korean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb carne molida de res
- 1/4 taza de salsa de soja
- 2 cucharadas de azúcar moreno
- 2 dientes de ajo, picados
- 1 cucharadita de jengibre, rallado
- 1 cucharadita de aceite de sésamo
- 2 cebollas verdes, picadas
- Arroz para servir
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all ingredients: mince the garlic, grate the fresh ginger, slice the green onions, and measure out the soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef directly to the dry pan, breaking it up with a wooden spatula or cooking utensil.
- Cook the ground beef, stirring frequently, until it begins to brown and release its natural juices, approximately 5-6 minutes. Drain any excess fat if desired.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the beef. Stir continuously to prevent burning and to distribute the aromatics evenly throughout the meat.
- Pour in the soy sauce and sprinkle the brown sugar over the beef. Stir well to combine, ensuring the sugar dissolves and coats the meat completely.
- Continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize slightly and create a rich, glossy coating on the beef.
- Drizzle sesame oil over the beef and give it a final stir to incorporate the nutty flavor.
- Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped green onions.
- Serve immediately over steamed white rice, creating a quick and flavorful Korean-inspired meal.
Tips
- Use fresh ingredients: Freshly minced garlic and grated ginger make a huge difference in flavor intensity.
- Choose the right beef: Opt for lean ground beef (80/20 ratio) to ensure a good balance of flavor and texture without excess grease.
- Don't skip the sesame oil: It adds an authentic nutty flavor that's crucial to the dish's traditional taste.
- Control your heat: Medium-high heat helps caramelize the sauce without burning the meat or aromatics.
- For extra heat, add a teaspoon of gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) or sriracha when adding the sauces.
- Make it your own: Customize by adding vegetables like diced bell peppers or carrots for extra nutrition and crunch.
- Meal prep friendly: This recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinner leftovers.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 85mg
