Name: Korean BBQ Ground Beef Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 5 cloves garlic, crushed; 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger; 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil; ½ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce; 1/3 cup oyster sauce; 1/4 cup gochujang; 1/4 cup honey; 3 green onions, chopped (divided); 4 cups hot cooked rice; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds; Sliced cucumbers (optional); Kimchi (optional)

If you’re craving something bold and bursting with flavor but need dinner on the table in a flash, this Korean BBQ Ground Beef Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Tender ground beef simmers in a mesmerizing sweet, savory, and slightly spicy sauce, soaking up all those classic Korean BBQ notes—without a grill in sight! It’s incredibly versatile: perfect for rice bowls, lettuce wraps, or stuffing inside warm tortillas. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a satisfying meal that feels like a treat any day of the week. Get ready to impress yourself and everyone at your table!

Korean BBQ Ground Beef Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Korean BBQ Ground Beef Recipe is just how easy it is to pull together using everyday ingredients, each adding its own touch of magic. From punchy aromatics to a luscious sauce, every part of this ingredient list is there for a reason—flavor, texture, and color all shine through!

Lean ground beef: Offers the perfect balance of flavor without too much excess fat, so your sauce clings beautifully.
Garlic (crushed): Packs a big aromatic punch and infuses every bite with warmth.
Freshly grated ginger: Brightens the dish and delivers authentic zing—fresh makes a big difference here.
Toasted sesame oil: Adds irresistible, nutty richness that’s totally key for that Korean BBQ vibe.
Reduced-sodium soy sauce: Brings savory depth and helps balance the sweetness in the sauce.
Oyster sauce: Lends a complex umami note and a subtle hint of the sea—don’t skip it!
Gochuchang: This fermented Korean chili paste gives the dish its signature slow-building heat and touch of sweetness.
Honey: A touch of mellow, natural sweetness balances out all the bold flavors.
Green onions (chopped, divided): Bring fresh, oniony crunch both in the mix and for garnish.
Hot cooked rice: The perfect pillowy base to soak up every last drop of sauce—white or brown rice both work!
Toasted sesame seeds: Adds crunch and a gorgeous finishing flourish.
Sliced cucumbers (optional): Offer cool, crisp contrast and visual brightness.
Kimchi (optional): Gives a tangy, funky pop that makes each bite exciting.

How to Make Korean BBQ Ground Beef Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and use a spatula to break it up into small, even pieces as it cooks. Let it brown for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Browning doesn’t just cook the meat; it creates those delicious, savory bits that become the backbone of this dish. Once the beef is fully browned, drain away any excess fat so your sauce doesn’t end up greasy.

Step 2: Infuse with Aromatics

Toss in the crushed garlic, freshly grated ginger, and toasted sesame oil. Give everything a good stir and let these aromatics sizzle for about 2 minutes, until your kitchen smells absolutely irresistible. This step is where the beef starts to pick up all those classic Korean BBQ notes!

Step 3: Make the Flavor-Packed Sauce

Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, gochuchang, and honey. Stir well to combine, making sure the beef is thoroughly coated. The sauce will start to bubble and slightly thicken. This is the moment where all those sweet, salty, and spicy flavors marry together, transforming your ground beef into something magical.

Step 4: Simmer and Infuse

Let the beef mixture simmer for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. As it cooks, the sauce is absorbed into the beef, becoming glossy and caramelized. Halfway through this step, toss in half of your chopped green onions for a pop of freshness. You’ll notice the colors brighten up and the mixture becomes irresistibly fragrant.

Step 5: Serve with Style

Spoon the saucy Korean BBQ ground beef generously over bowls of steaming hot rice. Finish with the rest of your green onions, a shower of toasted sesame seeds, and (if you like) crisp cucumber slices and a dollop of tangy kimchi on the side. You’re ready to dig in!

How to Serve Korean BBQ Ground Beef Recipe

Garnishes

Let your creativity run wild with garnishes! Add the reserved green onions and toasted sesame seeds for fresh flavor and crunch, but don’t stop there. Try a sprinkle of shredded nori, a drizzle of extra sesame oil, or a little chopped cilantro for a twist. If you love a hit of heat, scatter on some thinly sliced red chili or a bit of crushed red pepper.

Side Dishes

This Korean BBQ Ground Beef Recipe is dynamite with classic sides. Think crisp cucumber salad, spicy-sour kimchi, or a simple bowl of miso or clear broth soup. Want something extra special? Serve alongside steamed or stir-fried veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy for a truly complete meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t limit yourself to rice bowls! This Korean BBQ Ground Beef Recipe is fantastic in lettuce wraps for a fresh, hand-held option. Or, tuck it inside warm tortillas for fusion tacos. Layer it into a grain bowl with quinoa and lots of veggies, or top a plate of noodles with a scoop for a fast weeknight twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Korean BBQ Ground Beef Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge. Transfer any extras to an airtight container and store for up to 4 days. This makes it a lifesaver for busy lunches or quick dinners!

Freezing

Want to plan ahead? Cool the cooked beef completely, then pop it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re craving a speedy meal, just thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

To refresh leftovers, gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring in a splash of water or extra soy sauce if it looks a bit dry. Microwaving works in a pinch, too—just cover and zap in 30-second bursts until hot. Don’t forget to add fresh garnishes for that just-cooked zing!

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Substitute lean ground turkey or chicken for a lighter spin. The flavors of the sauce work wonderfully with either, though you might want to add a splash of extra soy sauce to balance things out, since poultry is typically milder than beef.

Is gochuchang very spicy? Can I adjust the heat?

Gochuchang offers gentle heat with a lot of sweetness and depth. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a little less and add more to taste, or swap some for ketchup or extra oyster sauce for a milder dish.

What type of rice is best for serving?

Jasmine or short-grain white rice is traditional and soaks up the saucy flavors perfectly, but feel free to use brown rice, cauliflower rice, or even quinoa for a modern twist. Anything fluffy and neutral works great under this bold main.

Can I make this Korean BBQ Ground Beef Recipe gluten free?

Yes! Swap in tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce, and look for gluten-free gochuchang and oyster sauce. Always double-check ingredient labels, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free version in no time.

How can I use leftovers creatively?

Leftover Korean BBQ Ground Beef Recipe is fantastic stirred into fried rice, spooned into Asian-inspired wraps or tacos, or even scattered over baked sweet potatoes with a few fresh herbs. It’s one of those dishes that only gets better the next day!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a meal that’s quick, soul-warming, and guaranteed to impress, this Korean BBQ Ground Beef Recipe is your answer. It’s a joy to make, endlessly customizable, and just so darn delicious. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it on repeat!

Korean BBQ Ground Beef Recipe