If there’s one dish I could make on repeat for my friends and family, it’s Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli. This lightning-fast stir-fry combines tender broccoli, flavorful beef, and a sweet-savory sauce, all coming together in less than half an hour. It’s a superstar for busy weeknights, yet special enough to serve when you want to impress—an irresistible, umami-packed meal that everyone will want seconds of!

Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli is how easily it comes together from a handful of essential ingredients. Each one brings something unique to the dish, whether it’s savory depth, a hit of freshness, or the perfect finishing touch. Here’s what you’ll need, and a little bit about why each element matters:

Ground Beef: Gives this stir-fry its hearty bite and soaks up all those delicious flavors.
Broccoli Florets: Adds color, texture, and a satisfying crunch—plus a pop of green on the plate.
Sesame Oil: This fragrant oil infuses the entire dish with authentic nutty undertones.
Garlic: Brings warmth and depth; mince it fresh for the best flavor punch.
Freshly Grated Ginger: Lively and warming, it balances the richness of the beef.
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: The backbone of the sauce, delivering essential salty-sweet harmony.
Brown Sugar: Rounds out the edges and provides a caramel-like sweetness.
Rice Vinegar: A splash of tang that brightens every bite.
Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste, optional): Adds a hint of spice and subtle complexity—totally optional, but so good if you like a little heat.
Cornstarch Slurry: Helps thicken the sauce to coat everything beautifully.
Green Onions: Sliced for freshness and that pop of color at the end.
Sesame Seeds: A crunchy garnish that adds visual appeal.
Cooked White Rice: The perfect base to soak up every drop of that glorious sauce.

How to Make Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble in the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with your spoon, until it turns beautifully browned and fully cooked—usually about 6 to 7 minutes. If there’s extra grease in the pan, just drain it off for a lighter dish.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Sprinkle in the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger. Fry them for about a minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. This is where the base flavors really wake up and infuse your beef with incredible aromas.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Now it’s time to pour in the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and (if you’re feeling spicy) a spoonful of gochujang. Stir well, letting everything simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes while the sauce thickens slightly and the beef soaks it all up.

Step 4: Add the Broccoli

Toss in those vibrant broccoli florets and give the pan a good stir. Let the broccoli cook in the bubbling sauce, stirring occasionally, until it’s just tender but still bright—usually 4 to 5 minutes. You want that irresistible crunch!

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Pour in the cornstarch slurry and keep stirring for another 1 to 2 minutes. You’ll see the sauce magically thicken, glazing every bit of beef and broccoli in savory goodness.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Slide the skillet off the heat, scatter over the green onions and sesame seeds, and get ready to serve it all up over steaming hot white rice. Every forkful is a perfect blend of flavors and textures.

How to Serve Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli

Garnishes

Garnishing makes this dish extra inviting. Sprinkle generously with sliced green onions and a shower of sesame seeds for crunch and color. If you like heat, a drizzle of sriracha or extra gochujang on top really takes it to the next level.

Side Dishes

Keep it simple with warm white or brown rice to soak up the sauce, or try serving with fluffy quinoa for a wholesome spin. For a true Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli dinner, you might add quick kimchi, cucumber salad, or even a soft-boiled egg on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Switch up your presentation by piling the beef and broccoli into lettuce cups for a handheld treat. Or, spoon it over noodles for a fun weeknight twist. It also makes an amazing filling for meal-prep bowls layered with pickled veggies and extra greens.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container—just be sure to let it cool before popping it in. The flavors only get better as they mingle!

Freezing

This stir-fry is meal-prep magic: freeze cooled portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and you’ll have a tasty backup for your busiest nights.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave in 1-minute bursts until hot, stirring between each. Alternatively, warm it gently in a skillet with a splash of water to revive the saucy texture without drying out the beef and broccoli.

FAQs

Can I use a different protein in this recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works wonderfully as a lighter swap for beef, without losing any of the rich, satisfying flavor. Feel free to experiment with what you have on hand.

Is it necessary to use gochujang?

Nope! Gochujang gives an authentic little kick and tang, but you can easily skip it if you prefer a milder version of Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli. A dash of red pepper flakes is a great alternative if you want gentler heat.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

You sure can! Just thaw the broccoli first and pat it dry to avoid watering down the sauce. Frozen veggies make this recipe even faster and easier, with just as much flavor.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Swap in a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and double-check that your gochujang (if using) is certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you’re all set!

What other vegetables can I add?

Mix things up by adding snap peas, thinly sliced carrots, red bell pepper, or even baby corn. Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli is endlessly adaptable to what you’ve got in your fridge.

Final Thoughts

Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli is the answer to weeknight dinners that feel effortless but taste incredible. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or meal-prepping just for you, give this one a try—you’ll fall in love with the flavors, and chances are, it’ll become a new favorite in your kitchen too!

Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that combines savory ground beef with crisp broccoli in a delicious sauce. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Stir-Fry:

1 pound ground beef
3 cups broccoli florets
1 tablespoon sesame oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger

For the Sauce:

1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste, optional for heat)
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)

For Serving:

2 green onions, sliced
Sesame seeds for garnish
Cooked white rice

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Instructions

Heat sesame oil: In a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook beef: Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
Add aromatics: Stir in garlic and ginger.
Make the sauce: Add soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and gochujang. Simmer.
Cook broccoli: Add broccoli and cook until tender-crisp.
Thicken sauce: Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened.
Finish and serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over rice.