If you’re craving bold, salty-sweet flavors in a dish that’s just as comforting as it is quick to make, Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli is about to become your new best friend. This brilliant weeknight hero combines lean ground beef, vibrant broccoli, and an irresistible sauce packed with garlic, ginger, and just enough spice. The simplicity of preparation belies its big, punchy flavors, making this recipe a frequent flyer at my dinner table. Pair it with a bed of fluffy steamed rice and you’ve got a satisfying meal that delivers all the satisfaction of your favorite takeout, right at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli couldn’t be easier—each component has a crucial role to play, from the juicy beef to the aromatic ginger and that signature salty-sweet sauce. You’ll appreciate how every item brings something unique, from vibrant color to mouth-watering flavor.
- Lean ground beef: Choose 85-90% lean for just the right balance of flavor and juiciness with less grease.
- Broccoli florets: Fresh or frozen both work perfectly, adding crunch and a pop of green to brighten up your plate.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses the beef and sauce with that deep, unmistakable aroma.
- Fresh ginger: Adds a zesty, slightly spicy kick; using fresh really makes a difference!
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Delivers savory umami depth without making things too salty.
- Brown sugar: Provides the perfect hint of sweet to balance that salty, tangy sauce.
- Sesame oil: This nutty, aromatic oil is the secret to adding classic Korean flavor at the very end.
- Rice vinegar: Brightens and sharpens every bite with a touch of tanginess.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For gentle heat—add as much or as little as you like!
- Cornstarch mixed with water (optional): Stir in as a slurry if you like your sauce on the thick side.
- Green onions: Sliced thin for sprinkling on top, adding freshness and color.
- Sesame seeds: Toss these on for a nutty crunch and a gorgeous finishing touch.
- Cooked white or brown rice: A must for soaking up all that awesome sauce—your favorite rice works great.
How to Make Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through. If you see excess grease, drain it off to keep things light and flavorful. This dry browning helps build those tasty caramelized bits that make Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli so irresistible.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Sprinkle the minced garlic and fresh ginger over your hot beef and sauté everything together for about one minute. You’ll know it’s ready when that wonderful, heady aroma of ginger and garlic fills your kitchen—the kind of smell that brings people to the table before you even call them!
Step 3: Make the Sauce
While the beef is browning, whisk together your soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. This sauce strikes the perfect balance between salty, sweet, tangy, and spicy—giving the dish its classic flavor. Pour the sauce over the beef, stirring to coat each morsel evenly.
Step 4: Add Broccoli
Next, toss in your broccoli florets. If you’re using fresh broccoli, you can steam or microwave them briefly beforehand for faster, more even cooking. Stir them into the skillet and let everything cook together for 3 to 5 minutes, just until the broccoli is bright green and still a bit crisp. The beef and broccoli soak up the sauce together, making each bite utterly crave-worthy.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (if desired)
If you love your Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli with a glossy, thick sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry at this point. Just a minute or two of simmering is enough for the sauce to become delightfully clingy—perfect for coating every grain of rice.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat and scatter sliced green onions and sesame seeds generously over the top. Serve your savory masterpiece over a bed of steaming white or brown rice. Each beautiful, glistening bowl is proof that an amazing dinner doesn’t need to be complicated.
How to Serve Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli
Garnishes
When it comes to those final touches, don’t hold back! A shower of freshly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of roasted sesame seeds add the perfect fresh and toasty notes. If you’re craving a burst of color and texture, toss in some shredded carrots or a few spicy chili slices.
Side Dishes
Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli welcomes a host of delicious sidekicks: try classic kimchi for a tangy, fermented punch, or some quick-pickled cucumbers for cool crunch. A simple miso soup or a platter of steamed dumplings also turn dinner into a true Korean-American feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, pile the beef and broccoli into lettuce cups for a crisp, low-carb option, or serve it over cauliflower rice for extra veggies. Layer the saucy beef mixture into bento boxes with slaw and fruit, or wrap hot portions into nori sheets for a playful hand roll situation—Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli is as versatile as your appetite allows!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To store leftover Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli, let everything cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days, retaining its robust flavor and tender bites. Just be sure to store the rice separately if you want to keep the texture of each component intact.
Freezing
This dish is freezer-friendly, making it a smart choice for meal prep. Freeze the cooled beef and broccoli (without the rice or garnishes) in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results—you’ll love pulling out a batch for a lightning-fast dinner!
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. For a quick lunch, you can also microwave individual servings until piping hot. Sprinkle with fresh green onions and sesame seeds after warming to restore all the freshness and crunch.
FAQs
Do I have to use beef, or can I substitute another ground meat?
Absolutely! This recipe adapts easily—try ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a different spin. Just adjust your cook time slightly as leaner meats can dry out more quickly.
Can I make Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. Check your other seasoning labels as well to ensure they’re gluten-free, and you’re set.
What’s the quickest way to prep broccoli for this recipe?
Microwave or steam your broccoli florets for just 1 to 2 minutes before adding them to the skillet. This step speeds up the cooking process and preserves their bright color and crunch.
How spicy does this dish get with the red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes provide gentle background heat, but you control the spice level. Add a little for warmth, or skip entirely if you prefer a milder take—even young eaters will love it!
Can I double this recipe for meal prep?
Definitely! Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli is perfect for batch cooking. Just make sure to use a large skillet or cook in batches to avoid overcrowding, which ensures the beef browns beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Few meals deliver like Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli does: quick, wildly flavorful, and always satisfying. I can’t recommend it enough for busy nights or when your cravings demand something special without a lot of fuss. Give it a try and watch it become a weeknight favorite at your table, too!
Print
Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that combines savory beef with tender-crisp broccoli in a delicious Asian-inspired sauce. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional for thickening)
For Garnish and Serving:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Cooked white or brown rice
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add Aromatics: Add garlic and ginger, cook for 1 minute.
- Make Sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Pour over beef.
- Cook Broccoli: Add broccoli to skillet, cook until tender-crisp.
- Thicken Sauce: If desired, add cornstarch slurry to thicken sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over rice.
Notes
- You can pre-cook the broccoli to speed up the stir-frying process.
- Try ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative.
- For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (without rice)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
