Easy Korean Beef And Broccoli Recipe
Need a quick and easy weeknight meal that the entire family will love? This amazing Korean beef and broccoli is an easy recipe that delivers a delightful exploration of flavors and is ready in under 30 minutes!
I’ve been there. You’ve probably been there. Standing in front of the fridge trying to figure out what to make for dinner. Am I right?
Recently, I had some broccoli I need to use and I had thawed out some hamburger. I was originally going to make fajita hamburgers with some steamed broccoli, but that just wasn’t calling my name.
Then I saw some leftover Chinese chicken and broccoli in the fridge and inspiration struck! I have a new recipe for you today – Korean beef and broccoli.
I’ve made other stir fry recipes, but this easy beef recipe combines fresh broccoli with delicious Korean flavors for a must-have option for those busy weeknights! It’s hands-down one of my favorite easy dinner recipes to make – the whole family loves it!
What makes this Korean beef and broccoli recipe so great? The balance between sweet and salty, coupled with the earthy crunchiness of broccoli makes this dish not only delectable but also nutritious. It’s a total delight in flavor harmony that captivates both your taste buds and your imagination.
How To Make Korean Beef And Broccoli
The best qualities of Korean beef and broccoli are its versatility and the ease of making it. Here’s everything you need to know to get this quick weeknight meal on your dinner table in just minutes!
Ingredients Needed
All you need are a few simple pantry staples to make this delicious meal and traditional Korean dish!
- Ground Beef – cooked and crumbled. You can use 80% ground beef for more flavor or lean ground beef to cut down on fat.
- Cornstarch
- Soy Sauce or Tamari – tamari has a richer, deeper flavor than soy sauce
- Brown Sugar
- Garlic Cloves – I typically use about 2 cloves garlic, but you can vary this to taste
- Sesame Oil – can use olive oil or vegetable oil if you need to
- Gochujang – Korean fermented chili paste (optional or to taste). Sriracha can also be used.
- Broccoli Florets – fresh or frozen both work. I typically take a head of broccoli and chop it up
- Rice – cooked Jasmine rice is best, but you can use cauliflower rice and lots of different options (see more ideas below)
- Sesame Seeds – optional, for serving
NOTE: For more recipe details, please check out the handy printable recipe card at the bottom of this post!
Easy Korean Beef And Broccoli Instructions
This is a GREAT recipe that’s a breeze to make! Just follow these simple step-by-step directions!
Step 1
Cook beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it is browned, with no pink remaining. This step will take about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2
While the ground beef is cooking, steam broccoli in a steamer basket over boiling water for about 4 minutes.
Step 3
Add cornstarch to ground beef and stir until beef is well coated. Cook for about 3 minutes until ground beef is dark brown and crunchy.
Step 4
Add the sauce ingredients (soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic cloves, sesame oil, and gochujang) to a small bowl and stir until completely mixed and the sugar is dissolved.
Pour this soy sauce mixture (also called bulgogi sauce) over the ground beef and stir gently to combine.
Step 5
Cook the beef and sauce mixture for about 1-2 minutes, then gently stir in the broccoli. Cook for an additional 2 – 3 minutes until the sauce is combined and absorbed by the beef and broccoli.
Step 6
Serve as a Korean ground beef bowl on rice and garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, or fresh ginger if so desired.
The great thing about this Korean beef bowl recipe is that it’s one of those easy dinners that tastes amazing every single time.
Korean Beef And Broccoli Recipe Notes And Tips
- Be careful not to overcook the vegetables, or they will become mushy.
- Top with some sesame seeds and green onions before serving for a little added flavor and crunch.
- For a fun and tasty twist, spoon the mixture into a lettuce leaf for a wrap.
- If you are looking for a little leaner meat, ground turkey is an excellent substitute.
- Cook the ground beef on medium to high heat until no longer pink. Remove from the heat immediately so it does not dry out.
- Serve over brown rice, fried rice, or riced cauliflower instead of white rice.
- For a gluten-free or soy-free version of the recipe, use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. Coconut aminos acts as a soy-free and gluten-free alternative to soy sauce that provides a similar taste without the risk of allergic reactions.
Variations Of Korean Beef And Broccoli To Try
- Add in additional fresh vegetables such as carrots, mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, edamame, peas, baby corn, or snow peas.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes on top (or add them to the beef mixture) for some added heat!
- Switch up the protein using shrimp, chicken or pork instead of ground beef.
Korean Beef And Broccoli FAQs
Do you have questions about our Korean Beef and Broccoli recipe? If you have a question and don’t see it already answered below, please leave it for me in the comments!
Believe it or not, this Korean beef and broccoli stir fry tastes even better the next day after the flavors marry. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Yes! It can be frozen in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just remember that freezing may change the texture of the vegetables (for example, the broccoli will be much softer – even mushy – once thawed).
Honey or molasses are good substitutes if necessary or preferred. You can also use coconut sugar if you choose.
Riced cauliflower is a GREAT low carb alternative instead of serving with white rice.
More Easy And Delicious Meals Using Beef
If you love this easy Korean beef and broccoli recipe, here are some other easy family recipes and 30-minute meals I think you’ll love!
- Easy Crunchy Wonton Taco Cups Recipe (Crowd-pleaser!)
- The BEST Irish Meat Pie Recipe
- The Very Best Sloppy Joes
- The Best Beef Stroganoff Recipe
- Mexican Stuffed Shells
- Air Fryer Indian Tacos (with Homemade Fry Bread)
- Crock Pot Hamburger Helper
Korean Beef and Broccoli
Need a quick and easy weeknight meal that the entire family will love? This super easy Korean beef and broccoli recipe delivers a delightful exploration of flavors and is ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup soy sauce or Tamari
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp Gochujang, optional or to taste (can use sriracha or skip)
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cups cooked rice, for serving
- sesame seeds, optional, for serving
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until well-browned and no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes.
- Meanwhile, steam the broccoli in a steamer basket over boiling water for approximately 4 minutes.
- Stir in the cornstarch until the ground beef is well-coated and cook for 3 additional minutes until the beef is dark brown and crunchy.
- In a small bowl or measuring cup, stir together the soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic cloves, sesame oil, and gochujang until the sugar is completely dissolved. Pour the mixture over the beef and stir to combine.
- Cook for 2 minutes, then stir in the steamed broccoli and continue to cook for 2-3 minutes until sauce is completely absorbed by the beef and broccoli.
- Serve on rice and garnish with sesame seeds.
