If you’re craving a dish that brings together bold flavors, satisfying textures, and vibrant colors all in one bowl, you’ve got to try this Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe. It’s a perfect weeknight winner—quick to whip up, packed with savory-sweet umami notes, and balanced by nutritious, tender broccoli. The harmony of ground beef cooked in a slightly sweet and tangy sauce, combined with the bright crunch of fresh broccoli, makes this meal an irresistible family favorite that’s as wholesome as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the key to making this Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe shine. Each component plays a special role in layering flavors and creating the perfect texture and color contrast you’ll love. From the rich sesame oil to the punchy gochujang, every ingredient is designed for maximum taste with minimum fuss.
- Ground beef (1 pound, preferably 80/20): Provides juicy, flavorful meat that stays tender and rich during cooking.
- Sesame oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a nutty aroma that’s signature to Korean dishes and helps beautifully brown the beef.
- Onion (1 small, diced): Gives sweetness and softness that melds perfectly with the garlic and ginger.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Offers a fragrant punch that wakes up the savory side of this dish.
- Grated ginger (1 tablespoon): Adds warmth and a slight zing that balances the richness of the beef.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (1/4 cup): Brings salty depth and umami without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Brown sugar (2 tablespoons): Introduces a subtle caramel sweetness that makes the sauce irresistible.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Brings brightness and a gentle tang to cut through the richness.
- Gochujang (1 tablespoon, optional): Adds a touch of spicy kick if you like a bit of heat in your Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe.
- Broccoli florets (2 cups): Provides freshness, vibrant color, and a pleasing crunch to balance the dish.
- Freshly ground black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances the overall seasoning with a mild heat.
- Sesame seeds (2 teaspoons, optional for garnish): Give a slight crunch and a beautiful visual finish.
- Green onions (2, sliced, optional for garnish): Add a pop of color and fresh onion flavor.
- Cooked rice (for serving, optional): Perfect for soaking up all the delicious sauce and turning this into a complete meal.
How to Make Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Adding sesame oil first helps infuse the meat with that irresistible, toasty aroma from the beginning. Once hot, toss in the ground beef and break it apart with a spoon. Cook for about 6 to 7 minutes or until everything is nicely browned and cooked through. This step ensures you get a rich and flavorful base that carries the rest of the dish beautifully.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Next, stir in the diced onion, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion softens and the mixture becomes wonderfully fragrant. This combination of aromatics is what elevates the Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe beyond basic dinner fare, adding layers of complexity and a hint of sweetness and warmth.
Step 3: Create the Sauce
Now it’s time to bring everything together with the sauce. Pour in the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and if you’re feeling adventurous, add in the gochujang for a mild spicy boost. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken slightly. This sauce is the heart of the Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe, delivering a perfect balance of sweet, salty, tangy, and spicy flavors that will have your taste buds dancing.
Step 4: Prepare the Broccoli
While your sauce is working its magic, steam or blanch the broccoli florets until they’re just tender—usually about 3 to 4 minutes. You can steam them on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of water. The goal here is to keep the broccoli crisp yet tender so it holds its vibrant green color and adds a fresh crunch to your dish.
Step 5: Combine and Season
Add the cooked broccoli into the skillet with the beef and sauce. Toss everything together until the broccoli is well coated with that savory, slightly sweet sauce. Finish with freshly ground black pepper to enhance all the flavors. This final stir brings the Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe to life, combining hearty meat and nutritious greens in one delicious bite.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Serve this dish over bowls of steaming hot cooked rice to soak up every lovely drop of sauce. Sprinkle the top with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions if you like a garnish that adds both crunch and freshness. It turns a simple dinner into something truly special.
How to Serve Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions not only lifts the appearance of your Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe but also introduces a delightful textural contrast and burst of freshness. These little touches make your meal feel restaurant-quality right at home.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderful on its own, but if you want to turn it into a full Korean-inspired feast, some simple sides like steamed white rice, sticky jasmine rice, or even cauliflower rice work perfectly. For extra veggies, serve with kimchi or a crisp cucumber salad to add even more layers of flavor and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress friends or family, try serving the Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe in lettuce wraps or over crispy rice cakes. You could even pack it as a hearty lunch bowl, layering with pickled vegetables and a fried egg for a fantastic twist that keeps this dish exciting and versatile.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers of this Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe, no worries! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to meld even more overnight, making it just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
This recipe freezes quite well too. Cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. You can keep it frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If the sauce seems thick after chilling, stir in a splash of water or broth to loosen it up and bring back that saucy goodness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat for this Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe?
Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional and adds great flavor, ground turkey, chicken, or pork can be used as substitutes. Just keep in mind the cooking times and fat content will vary slightly, which can affect the final texture and taste.
What if I can’t find gochujang? Can I skip it?
Yes, you can omit gochujang if it’s tricky to find or if you prefer less heat. The dish will still be delicious with just the soy sauce, brown sugar, and vinegar. Alternatively, you can substitute with a bit of chili paste or sriracha for some spicy flair.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe gluten-free, be sure to use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce substitute. Most of the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it easy to adapt for dietary needs.
How can I make this dish more kid-friendly?
Reducing or leaving out the gochujang will tame the spice level, making it more approachable for kids. You might also chop the broccoli finely or steam it a bit longer for a softer texture that’s easier for little ones to enjoy.
What’s the best way to get the broccoli perfectly cooked?
Steaming or blanching the broccoli just until tender-crisp is key. Overcooking can make it mushy and dull its color. Using a microwave with a little water or a steamer basket on the stovetop usually gives you perfect results every time.
Final Thoughts
This Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe truly hits all the marks when you want a meal that’s quick, flavorful, and downright comforting. It’s one of those dishes you’ll want to come back to again and again because it’s so easy to make and always so satisfying. Gather those simple ingredients, follow these steps, and treat yourself to dinner that feels like a warm hug from your favorite Korean restaurant, right in your own kitchen.
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
Description
This Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is a savory and slightly sweet stir-fry that’s quick to prepare and packed with flavor. Ground beef is cooked with aromatic garlic, ginger, and a deliciously tangy sauce made of soy sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar, complemented by tender broccoli florets. A touch of gochujang adds optional heat, while sesame oil and seeds enhance the dish’s nutty notes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner served over steamed rice.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef (preferably 80/20 for flavor)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste, optional for heat)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Vegetables & Garnish
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
- 2 green onions, sliced (optional for garnish)
Serving
- Cooked rice for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and gochujang if using. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Prepare Broccoli: While the sauce simmers, steam or blanch the broccoli florets until tender, about 3-4 minutes. This can be done by microwaving with a bit of water or steaming on the stovetop.
- Combine Broccoli & Beef: Add the cooked broccoli to the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir everything thoroughly to coat the broccoli evenly with the sauce. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the Korean ground beef and broccoli over cooked rice if desired. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of gochujang or add red pepper flakes.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure the soy sauce used is gluten-free tamari.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Broccoli can be replaced or combined with other vegetables like snap peas or bell peppers.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
