Korean Beef and Broccoli

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The bold flavors of a sweet and spicy sauce complement tender ground and veggies in this Korean beef and broccoli dish. It's perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a casual dinner party.

korean ground beef broccoli served over white rice.

A traditional Korean dish of ground beef and broccoli is a simple, yet delicious way to enjoy a healthy meal. The beef is cooked with a variety of spices and the broccoli is added for a crunchy texture.

There are so many reasons to love Korean ground beef and broccoli! The beef is always incredibly flavorful, and the broccoli is the perfect accompaniment.

It's also a super easy dish to make. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a delicious meal to share with friends, this Asian inspired dish is always a winner.

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Ingredients
Instructions
Variations
Tips
Serving suggestions
Storage
FAQ
Related Recipe
Recipe
Comments

Ingredients

This dish comes together quickly with basic ingredients and it's a great way to get your veggies in.

Here's what you'll need to make the recipe:

Ground beef - lean meat is recommended.
Broccoli - fresh is preferred but frozen works too.
Bell pepper - use red, orange, or yellow for a pop of color in the dish.
Soy sauce - for special diets you can use gluten free or low sodium soy sauce.
Brown sugar - any sweetener will work so feel free to use the one you prefer.
Sesame oil - toasted sesame oil gives the best flavor.
Garlic - fresh garlic minced is the preferred aromatic in Asian dishes.
Rice vinegar - regular white vinegar or cider vinegar can be used instead.
Red pepper flakes - don't skip the pepper flakes as they add the needed kick of spice.
Ground ginger - it's best to use fresh if you have it but ground is often more convenient.

Scroll down to the recipe card below to see the amounts used.

Instructions

The great thing about this easy Korean beef and broccoli dish is that it can be on the table in less than 30 minutes. Just follow the easy-to-follow recipe.

Combine the sauce ingredients in a small bowl.

Brown the ground beef over medium high heat in an oiled skillet then drain the fat.

minced garlic added to browned ground beef.

Stir in minced garlic.

green pepper and broccoli added to beef.

Add red pepper and broccoli florets.

pouring sauce over beef and broccoli mixture in pot.

When vegetables are tender, stir in the soy sauce mixture and cook another minute or two until the sauce is warm.

Variations

If you're in the mood for Korean food but are tired of the same old Korean beef and broccoli recipe, there are ways to vary it up.

One way is to add different vegetables to the dish. Try adding mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini for a different flavor and texture.

Another way to change things up is to use a different type of protein. Chicken, pork, or shrimp would all be delicious in this dish.

With these simple changes, you can have a whole new dish that will satisfy your cravings.

Tips

Here's a few tips on making the best Korean ground beef and broccoli.

Use lean ground beef so the finished dish isn't too greasy.
Season the beef with salt, pepper, and other desired spices to up the flavor.
Don't overcook the vegetables or they can become mushy.
Use fresh ginger. If you have fresh ginger root on hand, use it instead of the dried powder. It adds a unique depth of flavor that you can't get from the dried version.
Add a garnish. Sliced green onions and sesame seeds add flavor and make the dish look extra special.

korean ground beef on wooden spoon over pot.

Serving suggestions

The traditional way to serve the dish is as a Korean ground beef bowl by adding it to a bowl of steamed white rice. But you can use brown rice, quinoa, or farro instead. Cauliflower rice is another great option if you want to cut back on carbs.

If you're looking for something a little different, try serving your Korean beef and broccoli over soba noodles. Top with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flavor.

For a fun twist on the classic dish, spoon the dish into lettuce wraps. This is a great option for lunch or as an appetizer.

Storage

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for up to 3 days.

FAQ

What's a good substitute for rice vinegar?

For a similar acidity, you can use white vinegar or cider vinegar. If you're looking for more of a sweetness, try balsamic vinegar.

Can coconut oil be used?

Coconut oil has a similar flavor to sesame oil, so it will work well in this Korean beef dish.

What can be used instead of brown sugar?

Coconut sugar, honey, or molasses are good substitutes but any sweetener that you prefer should work.

korean beef broccoli over rice on plate with fork.

Need a few more easy dinner recipes for one? Here's a few more ideas you may want to check out.

Single serve individual lasagna won't leave you with tons of leftovers.
Seafood pot pie tastes like gourmet but is easy to make at home.
Small batch chili made in the crock pot takes little time to prepare.
Lao gan ma is another quick and easy Asian style dish!

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