Easy Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli

This Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is a quick and flavorful dinner that’s ready in just 20 minutes! Made with savory-sweet ground beef, crisp broccoli, and a delicious Korean-inspired sauce, this dish is perfect for a busy weeknight meal.

With its bold flavors, tender beef, and crunchy broccoli, this dish delivers all the taste of takeout but with homemade freshness. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal that’s budget-friendly, satisfying, and packed with protein and veggies!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or wok
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients Overview

• Ground Beef: A quick-cooking, protein-rich base.
• Broccoli: Adds crunch, color, and nutrients.
• Korean-Style Sauce: A blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic for a perfect balance of savory and sweet.

Ingredients

For the Beef & Broccoli

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)

For the Korean Sauce

• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Add Aromatics & Sauce

1. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
3. Pour sauce into the skillet and stir well.

Step 3: Add Broccoli & Simmer

1. Add broccoli florets and stir to coat in the sauce.
2. Cover and let simmer for 3-4 minutes, until broccoli is tender-crisp.
3. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Stir it into the pan to thicken the sauce.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy

1. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
2. Serve over steamed rice or noodles.

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

10 minutes

Total Time

20 minutes

Nutrition (per serving, ~4 servings)

• Calories: ~320
• Fat: ~18g
• Carbohydrates: ~15g
• Protein: ~28g

Expert Tips

• For Extra Flavor: Add a dash of gochujang (Korean chili paste) for heat.
• Make It Lighter: Use ground turkey instead of beef.
• Keep the Broccoli Crisp: Don’t overcook it—just steam until bright green and slightly tender.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Steam it first, then add it at the end of cooking.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze this dish?
Yes! Freeze cooked beef (without broccoli) for up to 2 months. Add fresh broccoli when reheating.

Storing & Freezing

• Storing: Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the beef mixture for 2 months and add fresh broccoli when reheating.

Substitutions & Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
• Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap ground beef for crumbled tofu or tempeh.

Easy Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli

This **Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli** recipe is a quick and flavorful dinner that’s ready in just **20 minutes**! Made with savory-sweet ground beef, crisp broccoli, and a delicious Korean-inspired sauce, this dish is perfect for a busy weeknight meal.

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Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• #### **For the Beef & Broccoli**
• - 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
• - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• - 3 cloves garlic minced
• - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger minced
• - 3 cups broccoli florets
• - 2 green onions sliced (for garnish)
• - 1 teaspoon sesame seeds optional
• #### **For the Korean Sauce**
• - 1/4 cup soy sauce low sodium
• - 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• - 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• - 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water for thickening

Equipment

• Large skillet or wok
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• - Wooden spoon or spatula

Method

 

1. #### **Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef**
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over **medium-high heat**.
3. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about **5 minutes**.
4. Drain excess fat if needed.
5. #### **Step 2: Add Aromatics & Sauce**
6. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for **1 minute** until fragrant.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
8. Pour sauce into the skillet and stir well.
9. #### **Step 3: Add Broccoli & Simmer**
10. Add broccoli florets and stir to coat in the sauce.
11. Cover and let simmer for **3-4 minutes**, until broccoli is tender-crisp.
12. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Stir it into the pan to thicken the sauce.
13. #### **Step 4: Serve & Enjoy**
14. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
15. Serve over steamed rice or noodles.