Korean Ground Beef Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (2024)

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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.

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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. 🙂

Korean Ground Beef Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (8)

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

Made this Recipe?

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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

    Leave a Comment

  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

What to serve with Korean beef? ›

A side of steamed broccoli, sauteed snap peas, or grilled asparagus would all work great. Any vegetable side will totally work, or our yummy Asian cucumber salad! You could also serve this ground beef in lettuce leaves to make them lettuce wraps just like your chicken lettuce wraps!

Is homemade ground beef healthy? ›

coli O157:H7 or Salmonella might cause some consumers to consider grinding beef at home; however, this is not a safer alternative to purchasing ground beef at a retail store. In fact, USDA cautions against grinding beef at home.

How to cook extra lean ground beef? ›

If you are cooking very lean ground beef, heat a tablespoon or two of vegetable oil or extra virgin olive oil to the skillet. Add onions or other chopped seasoning vegetables about 2 to 3 minutes before the beef is ready, or cook them separately. When the pan is hot, add about 1 to 1 1/2 pounds of ground beef.

Are ground beef and rice healthy? ›

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.

Why is Korean beef so good? ›

One of the reasons why Hanwoo beef has such a unique flavor is because of the way the cattle are raised. Hanwoo cattle are fed a diet that consists mainly of grains, which helps to develop the meat's distinct flavor profile.

Why is Korean beef so expensive? ›

“There are no big corporations in the business, which means it's mostly smaller-scale livestock farmers who incur a lot of labour costs raising the cattle,” Hwang says. “Hong Kong is a wealthy city where meat prices are high and people can afford Hanwoo, so exporting here makes economic sense.”

What is the healthiest ground beef to eat? ›

If you want to create a healthy menu and limit the saturated fat in your dishes, then ground sirloin is the best choice. For the best results, use this beef in dishes that have added liquid, like chili or meat sauce. The low fat content causes ground sirloin to dry out quickly.

Is it OK to eat ground meat 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.

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.

What to add to ground beef for flavor? ›

ingredients
  1. 2 tablespoons oregano.
  2. 1 tablespoon chili powder.
  3. 1 teaspoon cumin.
  4. 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
  5. 2 teaspoons onion powder.
  6. 12 teaspoon salt.
  7. 1 lb ground beef.
  8. 12 cup water.

When to add garlic to ground beef? ›

Once the beef has rendered its fat, it's time to generously add your mix of seasonings — granulated garlic, granulated onion, ground cumin, and cayenne powder.

Do you drain the fat after cooking ground beef? ›

According to Dr Julie Garden-Robinson, PhD, RD, from North Dakota State University, the answer is a resounding yes. However, there are some factors you need to be conscious of as well. “Cooking and draining ground beef significantly reduces fat and calorie content,” Dr. Garden-Robinson said.

Is ground beef good for your gut? ›

Meat is good for gut health because it's non-irritating, easy to digest, and supports healthy insulin levels without promoting blood glucose spikes. It also provides all of the macronutrients and micronutrients we need, including some that are difficult or impossible to obtain from plant foods.

Is ground beef okay for weight loss? ›

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.

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.

What to serve with Costco Korean beef? ›

Serve the beef over rice or in lettuce wraps with the kimchi sauce, toasted sesame seeds, and other sides (see notes for low carb rice blend, roasted broccoli, cucumber salad, and pickled carrots).

What is traditionally served with Korean BBQ? ›

When you sit down at a Korean barbecue place, your table will be covered with small plates of banchan, sauces, and dips ahead of the main course. Banchan includes pickled vegetables, fermented soybean pastes, noodles, rice, and soups that turn the grill into a complete meal.

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