Name: Korean Beef and Rice
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: PT-487793H19M31S
Total time: PT-487793H19M31S
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean); 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 cup packed brown sugar; 1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce; 2 teaspoons sesame oil; 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 2-2/3 cups hot cooked brown rice; 3 green onions, thinly sliced

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Short Description
Korean Beef and Rice is a flavorful, quick, and easy dish that combines savory ground beef with a sweet and salty sauce, all served over a bed of hot brown rice. With a hint of sesame oil and a touch of spice from red pepper flakes, this dish is the perfect balance of rich and savory flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a weeknight dinner winner! The combination of lean ground beef, garlic, soy sauce, and brown sugar creates a deliciously savory sauce that’s slightly sweet and just a little spicy. The sesame oil adds depth and richness, while the green onions give the dish a fresh, crunchy finish. It’s simple, satisfying, and ready in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect choice for a busy day when you want something quick but flavorful.

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2-2/3 cups hot cooked brown rice
3 green onions, thinly sliced

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and minced garlic over medium heat for 6-8 minutes, or until the beef is no longer pink, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks.
While the beef is cooking, in a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, ground ginger, crushed red pepper flakes, and pepper.
Once the beef is cooked through, stir in the sauce mixture and cook for 1-2 more minutes, until heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Serve the beef mixture over the hot cooked brown rice.
Sprinkle with sliced green onions and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Total Time: 20-25 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Substitute the ground beef with ground tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based ground meat substitute for a vegetarian option.
Add Veggies: Stir in some diced bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli to the beef mixture for added vegetables and nutrition.
Spicy Kick: If you like things extra spicy, add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha sauce to the beef mixture.
Rice Substitutes: Try serving the beef mixture with white rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a different base.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the beef mixture for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Reheating: To reheat, microwave or heat in a pan over low heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent the beef from drying out.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, you can swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version of this dish. The flavor will be slightly lighter, but still delicious.

2. Can I use regular soy sauce instead of reduced-sodium?

Yes, you can use regular soy sauce, but be aware that the dish will be saltier. You might want to reduce the amount of soy sauce if you’re using regular soy sauce.

3. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a spoonful of chili paste or sriracha sauce to increase the heat. You can also add fresh chopped chilies.

4. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, this dish stores well and can be made ahead. Store the beef mixture separately from the rice and assemble when ready to serve.

5. Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?

Yes, you can use white rice instead of brown rice if preferred. Keep in mind that brown rice has more fiber, so it’s a slightly healthier option.

6. Can I make this with ground pork or chicken?

Yes, ground pork or chicken will work great in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if using chicken or pork for best results.

7. Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Add in veggies like spinach, peas, or shredded cabbage to increase the nutritional content and make it more hearty.

8. Can I use a different type of oil instead of sesame oil?

If you don’t have sesame oil, you can substitute with vegetable oil or olive oil, but the sesame oil adds a distinctive flavor that enhances the dish.

9. Can I skip the sugar for a lower-carb version?

Yes, you can skip the brown sugar or use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit if you’re looking to reduce the sugar content.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe to serve more people. Just make sure your skillet is large enough to cook the beef in batches, or use a larger pan.

Conclusion

Korean Beef and Rice is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish that combines the savory richness of beef with a hint of sweetness and spice. The addition of sesame oil and ginger creates depth, while the fresh green onions provide a nice crunch and freshness. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that comes together in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings. This recipe is both comforting and easy to customize, ensuring it will be a hit with everyone at the table!

Maggie

Korean Beef and Rice