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Homemade Easy Korean Beef photo

Easy Korean Beef

Quick, savory Korean-style ground beef that comes together in under 20 minutes.
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Prep Time 3 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef lean is best
  • 1/2 cup yellow onion chopped
  • 2 teaspoons garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Measuring cup
  • Wooden Spoon

Method
 

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped yellow onion and minced garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 2–3 minutes.
  3. Add the ground beef and cook over medium heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until no pink remains and it is browned.
  4. In a measuring cup, whisk together the soy sauce, packed brown sugar, sesame oil, crushed red pepper flakes, ground black pepper, and ground ginger.
  5. Pour the sauce over the cooked beef, stir well, and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan into the sauce.
  6. Cover the skillet and simmer over medium-low heat for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  7. Serve the Korean beef over rice and garnish as desired.

Notes

  • Cook the beef until browned bits form on the pan for extra flavor.
  • After adding the sauce, scrape the pan bottom so browned bits mix into the sauce.
  • Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt.
  • Adjust crushed red pepper to taste for spice level.
  • This recipe is ready in under 20 minutes.