This quick and flavorful Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry combines savory beef with crisp broccoli in a sweet and tangy sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. The balanced combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and ginger creates an authentic Korean-inspired flavor that the whole family will love. Serve it over steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet, stirring for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour this sauce over the cooked beef and stir to combine.
- Add the broccoli florets to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the sauce. Cover the skillet and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender but still crisp.
- Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over cooked rice for a complete meal.
Variation
- Veggie Boost: Add sliced carrots, bell peppers, and mushrooms to increase the vegetable content and add more colors and textures.
- Spicy Version: Incorporate 1-2 tablespoons of gochujang (Korean chili paste) for an authentic spicy kick that takes this dish to another level.
- Noodle Swap: Instead of serving over rice, toss the beef and broccoli mixture with cooked ramen noodles or rice noodles for a different textural experience.
Cooking Notes
- Beef Selection: Use lean ground beef (90/10 or 85/15) for the best flavor without excessive fat. If using a higher fat content, be sure to drain well after browning.
- Sauce Consistency: For a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and add to the sauce mixture before pouring over the beef.
- Broccoli Texture: For perfectly crisp-tender broccoli, blanch the florets in boiling water for 1 minute before adding to the stir-fry. This ensures they cook evenly without becoming mushy.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Presentation: Serve over steamed jasmine or short-grain rice with kimchi on the side for an authentic Korean meal experience.
- Lettuce Wraps: Offer butter lettuce leaves alongside the beef mixture for a fun, interactive meal where everyone can create their own wraps.
- Grain Bowl: Create a nutritious bowl by placing the beef and broccoli over a mixture of brown rice and quinoa, then top with sliced avocado and a sprinkle of furikake seasoning.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: Chop all vegetables and mix the sauce ingredients beforehand to make the cooking process quicker and more efficient.
- Freezer Friendly: This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Portion into individual containers, cool completely, then freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Leftover Transformation: Repurpose leftovers into fried rice by chopping the beef and broccoli smaller and stir-frying with day-old rice, a beaten egg, and additional soy sauce.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Sodium: 980mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare this dish up to 3 days in advance. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave when ready to serve.
- Is there a way to make this dish less spicy for children? Absolutely! Simply omit the red pepper flakes and serve any spicy condiments on the side so family members can adjust the heat level to their preference.
- Can I substitute ground beef with another protein? Yes, this recipe works well with ground chicken, turkey, or plant-based meat alternatives. The cooking process remains the same, though cooking times may vary slightly.
- How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Conclusion
This Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures in a quick, weeknight-friendly package. The savory beef combines beautifully with the crisp broccoli and the sweet-savory sauce for a meal that satisfies both Asian food enthusiasts and picky eaters alike. With just 25 minutes from start to finish, it’s an excellent addition to your regular dinner rotation. The recipe is versatile enough to accommodate different dietary preferences and can be easily modified to include additional vegetables or different proteins. Enjoy this delicious taste of Korean cuisine in the comfort of your own home!
Print
Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This quick and flavorful Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry combines savory beef with crisp broccoli in a sweet and tangy sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. The balanced combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and ginger creates an authentic Korean-inspired flavor that the whole family will love. Serve it over steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet, stirring for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour this sauce over the cooked beef and stir to combine.
- Add the broccoli florets to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the sauce. Cover the skillet and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender but still crisp.
- Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over cooked rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a tablespoon of gochujang (Korean chili paste).
- This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a lower-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
- You can substitute ground chicken or turkey for the beef if preferred.
- Add other vegetables like sliced carrots or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Korean beef, ground beef recipe, broccoli stir-fry, easy dinner, weeknight meal, Asian-inspired