Korean Beef and Broccoli (2024)

By Lisa MarcAurele · · 7 Comments

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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 Beef and Broccoli (1)

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A skillet 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.

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.

Jump to:
  • 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.

Korean Beef and Broccoli (2)

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.

Korean Beef and Broccoli (3)

Combine the sauce ingredients in a small bowl.

Korean Beef and Broccoli (4)

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

Korean Beef and Broccoli (5)

Stir in minced garlic.

Korean Beef and Broccoli (6)

Add red pepper and broccoli florets.

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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 Beef and Broccoli (8)

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 excellent option to cut back on carbs.

If you're looking for something a little different, try serving your dish over soba noodles. Top with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flavor. You can also add cucumber kimchi on the side.

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.

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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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Recipe

Korean Beef and Broccoli (10)

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Review Recipe

Korean Beef and Broccoli

4.87 from 15 votes

Looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner idea? This delicious Korean beef and broccoli dish only takes 30 minutes or less.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time15 minutes mins

Total Time25 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Korean

Servings (Adjustable): 1

Calories: 549kcal

Ingredients

Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce or gluten-free Tamari
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • ¼ teaspoon rice vinegar
  • teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or to taste
  • pinch ground ginger

Beef & Vegetables

  • ½ tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • pound ground beef
  • 1 small clove garlic minced
  • ½ small red bell pepper chopped
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 tablespoon sliced green onions garnish
  • ½ sesame seeds optional garnish
  • ½ cup steamed rice for serving

Instructions

  • In small bowl, combine sauce ingredients. Set aside.

  • Heat oil in small saucepan. When hot, stir and cook ground beef until browned and crumbly, about 5 minutes. Drain fat then stir in minced garlic.

  • Add red bell pepper and broccoli. Continue cooking until vegetables are tender.

  • Stir in sauce and cook an additional minute or two until sauce is warm.

  • Serve in serving bowl over steamed rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired.

Notes

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.

Nutrition

Calories: 549kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 40g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 17g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 107mg | Sodium: 711mg | Potassium: 909mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 2494IU | Vitamin C: 159mg | Calcium: 94mg | Iron: 4mg

Equipment

small saucepan

measuring spoon

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About Lisa MarcAurele

Lisa MarcAurele is a blogger and cookbook author. She created Little Bit Recipes to help people save money by minimizing leftovers when cooking for one or two people. Lisa is also a co-founder of Daily Life Travels, where you can discover new places to visit and things to do. You can sign up for her recipe emails to see all her latest content.

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Reply

  1. Sherrie

    Korean Beef and Broccoli (15)
    Simple, delicious, and absolutely flavor-packed! This is going to be a regular dish for us!

    Reply

  2. Angela

    Korean Beef and Broccoli (16)
    I loved this beef and broccoli recipe , super tasty and super easy to make!

    Reply

  3. Jenn

    Korean Beef and Broccoli (17)
    This is my new fav. I love that it's quick, and flavorful, and doesn't make enough to feed the block! Great recipe!

    Reply

  4. Sherry

    Korean Beef and Broccoli (18)
    How can such a simple meal taste so amazing! In under 30 minutes I made your Korean beef and broccoli recipe and it tasted so delicious!

    Reply

  5. Donna

    Korean Beef and Broccoli (19)
    This had the perfect flavor and was so quick and easy to make for a busy weeknight! I made double so I could bring leftovers for lunch the next day

    Reply

  6. Jennifer

    What part of this recipe is Korean?

    Reply

    • Lisa MarcAurele

      It has Korean inspired seasoning.

      Reply

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