Korean Ground Beef Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (2024)

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Last updated: · Recipes developed by Vered DeLeeuw and nutritionally reviewed by Rachel Benight MS, RD · This website generates income via ads and uses cookies.

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One of my favorite ground beef recipes, this flavorful Korean ground beef is served over cauliflower rice.

Ready in just 20 minutes, it's a truly easy recipe that makes a delicious and complete meal.

Korean Ground Beef Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (1)

Ground beef is cheap, readily available, and versatile. When you buy it in vacuum-sealed packages, it lasts for quite a while. It also freezes and thaws well.

So, I always have a few packages in the fridge or freezer. I mostly use them for easy everyday recipes such asgrilled hamburgers, meatballs in tomato sauce, and keto meatloaf. But when I want to make something especially flavorful, I make this Korean ground beef.

Jump to:
  • Ingredients
  • Variations
  • Instructions
  • Expert Tips
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Storing Leftovers
  • More Ground Beef Recipes
  • Foodie Newsletter
  • Recipe Card
  • Let's Connect

Ingredients

Korean Ground Beef Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (2)

You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this delicious ground beef recipe. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

  • Soy sauce: I use reduced-sodium soy sauce in most of my recipes.
  • Honey: Just a tablespoon to balance out the tang of the soy sauce.
  • Cornstarch: One teaspoon to slightly thicken the sauce.
  • Red pepper flakes: They don't make the dish very spicy. They merely add a hint of spice.
  • Avocado oil: This neutral-flavored oil is ideal for cooking.
  • Ground beef: I use a lean mixture - 85% lean and 15% fat.
  • Minced garlic and ginger: You can mince them yourself or use the stuff that comes in a jar. Freshly minced garlic and ginger are naturally more flavorful.
  • To finish the dish: A drizzle of toasted sesame oil and a sprinkle of sliced green onions.

Variations

  • You can use a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce if needed.
  • You can use a sugar-free syrup instead of honey.
  • Not a fan of spicy food? Use just ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes, or omit them altogether.
  • Sometimes, I use ghee or refined coconut oil instead of avocado oil.
  • Chives make a good substitute for scallions in this recipe.

Instructions

Making this Korean ground beef recipe is easy! Scroll down to the recipe card for detailed instructions. Here's an overview of the steps:

First, prepare the sauce: whisk together the soy sauce, honey, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes in a bowl.

Korean Ground Beef Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (3)

Cook the meat in avocado oil until it's no longer raw, breaking it into crumbles as you cook.

Korean Ground Beef Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (4)

Drain the beef, return it to the skillet, and add the garlic and ginger. Cook, stirring, for one minute.

Korean Ground Beef Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (5)

Stir the sauce into the beef. Cook until heated through, and the sauce thickens.

Korean Ground Beef Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (6)

Off heat, drizzle the dish with sesame oil, sprinkle it with sliced green onions, and serve. I like to serve it with cauliflower rice.

Korean Ground Beef Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (7)

Expert Tips

  1. I highly recommend using lean ground beef (85% lean and 15% fat) in this recipe. Don't go any leaner than that, or the dish will be too dry and not as flavorful.
  2. Sesame oil is a must. It greatly enhances the dish, so please don't skip it. Don't use refined sesame oil - it's nearly flavorless. Toasted sesame oil is best.

Recipe FAQs

How authentic is this recipe?

It's more of an interpretation of the classic recipe. I've never seen ground beef in a Korean barbecue restaurant.

However, this recipe features a wonderful combination of Korean-inspired flavors and textures. The sauce mixes well into the crumbly meat, so you don't need to marinate the beef before cooking.

How do I defrost the beef?

According to the USDA, the best way to thaw ground beef is overnight in the refrigerator.

How do you make ground beef taste good?

Use spices! Because of its crumbly texture, this meat is easy to flavor, and the seasonings you add easily mix in.

In this particular recipe, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce add wonderful flavor. In other recipes (such as these spicy meatballs), I use spices such as chili powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano.

Serving Suggestions

I like to serve this dish on a bed of cauliflower rice. Rice would be a natural choice if you don't mind the carbs.

Sometimes, I channel my Generation Z daughters and make this dish into a trendy bowl by adding a fried egg and kimchi (shown in the photo below). It's one of my husband's favorite meals - young baby boomers can enjoy bowls, too. 🙂

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Storing Leftovers

You can keep the leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat them gently, covered, in the microwave at 50% power.

This is one of those recipes where the leftovers taste just as good as the freshly made dish.

Korean Ground Beef Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (9)

More Ground Beef Recipes

  • Korean Beef
  • Keto Ground Beef Casserole
  • Cabbage Casserole
  • No Bean Chili

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Recipe Card

Korean Ground Beef Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (14)

4.99 from 1754 votes

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Korean Ground Beef Recipe

One of my favorite ground beef recipes, this flavorful Korean ground beef is served over cauliflower rice.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time10 minutes mins

Total Time20 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Korean

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 370kcal

Author: Vered DeLeeuw

Ingredients

Sauce:

  • ¼ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce or a gluten-free alternative
  • 1 tablespoon honey or a liquid sugar-free sweetener
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Stir-fry:

  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (85/15)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger root minced

To finish the dish:

  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • ¼ cup green onions green parts only, thinly sliced

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, prepare the sauce by whisking together the soy sauce, honey, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.

    Korean Ground Beef Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (15)

  • In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat.

    Korean Ground Beef Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (16)

  • Add the beef and cook, stirring, until no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles as you cook, about 5 minutes.

    Korean Ground Beef Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (17)

  • Drain the beef and return it to the skillet. Add the garlic and ginger and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.

    Korean Ground Beef Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (18)

  • Stir the sauce into the beef. Cook for 2 more minutes, until heated through and the sauce thickens.

    Korean Ground Beef Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (19)

  • Off heat, drizzle the dish with sesame oil, sprinkle it with sliced green onions, and serve.

    Korean Ground Beef Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (20)

Video

Notes

  • I highly recommend using lean ground beef (85% lean and 15% fat) in this recipe. Don't go any leaner than that, or it will be too dry and less flavorful.
  • Sesame oil is a must. It greatly enhances the dish, so please don't skip it. Don't use refined sesame oil - it's nearly flavorless.Toasted sesame oilis best.
  • If using a sugar-free honey substitute, each serving of this recipe contains 3 grams of carbs.
  • You can keep the leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat them gently, covered, in the microwave at 50% power.

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Nutrition per Serving

Serving: 0.25recipe | Calories: 370kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Sodium: 651mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 4g

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If you made this recipe, please leave a comment sharing your experience with others. Thank you so much!

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Disclaimers

Cup measurements refer to the standard American cup, which is 240 milliliters. Most of my recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Nutrition info is approximate, and the carb count excludes non-nutritive sweeteners. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Please read these Terms of Use carefully before using any of my recipes.

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About the Author

Korean Ground Beef Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (31) Vered DeLeeuw, LL.M., CNC, has been following a low-carb real-food diet and blogging about it since 2011. She's a Certified Nutrition Coach (NASM-CNC), has taken courses at the Harvard School of Public Health, and has earned a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certificate from Cornell University. Her work has appeared in several major media outlets, including Healthline, HuffPost, Today, Women's Health, Shape, and Country Living. Click to learn more about Vered.

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Review this Recipe or Ask a Question:

  1. Socalparalegal

    Korean Ground Beef Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (32)
    This was good over white rice. Used 90 percent ground beef and blue agave. It's all I had. Next time I'll use brown rice and add vegetables, like peas.

    Reply

    • Vered DeLeeuw

      Thanks for the feedback! I'm glad you liked it. We just had leftovers of it tonight. 🙂

      Reply

  2. Gina S

    Korean Ground Beef Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (33)
    This Korean Ground Beef Recipe is a keeper. It was easy to make and delicious. I served it over riced cauliflower and have enough for leftovers. Thanks for a tasty low-carb dinner.

    Reply

    • Vered DeLeeuw

      I'm so glad you enjoyed this recipe, Gina! Thanks for taking the time to write a comment. I appreciate it.

      Reply

  3. Jay

    Korean Ground Beef Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (34)
    We made this and served it over a bed of rice, but put a poached egg on top. It was amazing!

    Reply

    • Vered DeLeeuw

      I'm so glad you enjoyed this recipe, Jay! I LOVE the idea of adding a poached egg!

      Reply

  4. Jgouda

    Korean Ground Beef Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (35)
    Easy to follow and tasty, thanks for posting!

    Reply

    • Vered DeLeeuw

      So glad you enjoyed this recipe!

      Reply

Korean Ground Beef Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (2024)

FAQs

Is ground beef and rice healthy? ›

Eating beef with rice can provide several health benefits, including: Protein: Beef is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles, skin, and other tissues. Rice is also a good source of protein, albeit not as high in quality as beef.

What goes with Korean BBQ beef? ›

Start with a base of rice or quinoa, then top it with the bbq beef and your choice of optional toppings. I topped mine with shredded carrots, sugar snap peas and diced scallions. You could also add kimchi, cucumbers, bell peppers, broccoli or jalapenos. It's your bowl, make it your own!

Is homemade ground beef healthy? ›

Is Ground Beef Healthy? When it comes to the nutritional profile of ground beef, it has both pros and cons. On one hand, it's a great source of protein, iron, and several essential vitamins and minerals. On the other, it can be high in saturated fat and cholesterol, depending on the cut and fat percentage.

What is the best beef in Korea? ›

In South Korea, locally bred Hanwoo is the meat of choice – and it's priced accordingly. It's more expensive than wagyu of comparable quality, but not as expensive as Kobe (bred in Japan's Hyogo prefecture), and it's double the price of a comparable cut of US or Australian beef.

Can I eat ground beef and still lose weight? ›

Losing Weight

To be fair, though, there is some saturated fat and monounsaturated fat in even lean ground beef, whether you're cooking with 80/20, 85/15, or even a lean 90/10. Nevertheless, the high amount of protein that ground beef offers still makes it ideal for your meal plan, even if your goal is to lose weight.

What is the healthiest ground beef option? ›

The leanest type of ground beef is called ground sirloin, with a lean point of 90% lean and 10% fat (90/10). Some ground beef blends can be as lean as 96% lean with 4% fat (96/4). If you are looking for an alternative to ground beef, some types of game meat like ground bison are also very lean.

What kind of lettuce for Korean BBQ? ›

Red leaf lettuce is probably the most common in modern ssam but other lettuces, steamed or parboiled cabbage, and kaenip (also known as perilla) leaves are also are popular.

What do you drink with Korean beef? ›

The Best Drinks To Pair With Korean Barbeque That Aren't Soju!
  1. Maesil ju. This is a traditional Korean plum wine with slightly sweet and syrupy components. ...
  2. Sake. ...
  3. Makgeolli. ...
  4. Cass Beer. ...
  5. Bokbunja ju. ...
  6. Boricha.

What do Koreans eat with Korean BBQ? ›

Lettuce or perilla leaves. Garnishes like sliced garlic, scallions, and toasted sesame seeds. Banchan (small side dishes). Types of banchan include kimchi, marinated veggies, spicy cucumbers, bean sprouts, and sautéed spinach.

How many times a week should you eat ground beef? ›

Dietary goal

If you eat red meat, limit consumption to no more than about three portions per week. Three portions is equivalent to about 350–500g (about 12–18oz) cooked weight. Consume very little, if any, processed meat.

Is it OK to eat ground beef everyday? ›

The recommended amount of red meat per person is two to three servings per week. On average, though, Americans eat at least five servings. This, as doctors, scientists, and researchers point out, is too much and can undo all of the good that red meat does for our bodies.

Is it fine to eat ground beef everyday? ›

Also, if you want to enjoy red meat, official guidelines recommend a "relatively lower consumption" of red and processed meats. While there is no specific number dedicated to red meat, the overall recommendation for animal protein sources (meats, poultry and eggs) for a 2,000-calorie diet is 26 ounces per week.

Why is Korean beef so good? ›

Hanwoo beef is highly nutritious, packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is a breed of cattle that is native to Korea and is known for its high quality and flavor. Hanwoo beef is leaner than other types of beef and has less cholesterol and saturated fat.

What makes Korean beef special? ›

Hanwoo cattle are known for their high marbling, beefy flavour and slightly sweet aftertaste. The secret to its perfect balance lies in how the cattle are raised and fed. Hanwoo has all the flavor and juiciness of a Prime Beef without being overpowered by the excessive marbling and oily Wagyu aftertaste.

Why is Korean beef so expensive? ›

There are a few reasons why Korean beef is so expensive to buy in Korea. Production costs: Korean beef is raised in a very specific way that is labor-intensive and expensive. The cows are fed a special diet of rice straw and other grains, and they are massaged daily to break up the fat and make the meat more tender.

Is rice and beef a healthy meal? ›

Ground Beef and Rice are so versatile and are part of some of our favorite dinners because they contain: Healthy Fats: Lean ground beef offers a source of healthy fats that are essential for overall well being and are a great part of a balanced diet.

Is it healthy to eat meat with rice? ›

While white rice and red meat can be part of a balanced diet it's important to consume them in moderation. White rice lacks some nutrients found in brown rice, and excessive red meat intake may contribute to health issues.

Why do bodybuilders eat ground beef and rice? ›

While ground beef is an excellent source of protein, it is important to pair it with complex carbohydrates to fuel your workouts and support muscle recovery. Consider serving ground beef with brown rice, quinoa, or sweet potatoes to create a well-rounded, bodybuilding-friendly meal.

Is ground beef and rice good for protein? ›

Absolutely! If done right, a good protein bowl can keep you fuller for longer and prevent blood sugar spikes and drops.

References

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