If you’re on the lookout for a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal that dances with flavor, then this Korean Ground Beef Stir Fry is your answer! Bursting with vibrant vegetables and seasoned with a delightful blend of spices, this dish marries the rich umami of ground beef with the crunch of fresh produce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a meal prep option, this stir fry is not only easy to whip up but incredibly rewarding to eat. Let’s dive into the details of this scrumptious recipe!
Why This Korean Ground Beef Stir Fry Stands Out
This Korean Ground Beef Stir Fry is a standout for several reasons. Firstly, it utilizes 90% lean ground beef, making it a healthier choice without sacrificing flavor. Secondly, the combination of colorful vegetables adds both nutrition and a lovely aesthetic to your plate. The sauce—a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a hint of spice—makes this stir fry irresistible. Plus, it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights. You’ll love how easily you can customize it to your taste, whether you prefer more heat or extra veggies!
Shopping List
- 1 pound 90% lean ground beef
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 diced red bell pepper
- 1 sliced zucchini
- 2 cups sugar snap peas
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Hardware & Gadgets
- Large skillet or wok – for stir-frying the ingredients.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – to stir the beef and vegetables.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient measurement.
- Knife and cutting board – for chopping vegetables.
From Start to Finish: Korean Ground Beef Stir Fry
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by washing and chopping all your vegetables. Dice the red bell pepper, slice the zucchini, and set aside the sugar snap peas, shredded carrots, and sliced mushrooms. Mince the garlic cloves and have them ready for cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the 1 pound of ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Step 3: Add the Garlic and Vegetables
Once the beef is browned, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, toss in the diced red bell pepper, sliced zucchini, sugar snap peas, shredded carrots, and sliced mushrooms. Stir-fry the mixture for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine ½ cup of packed light brown sugar, ½ cup of reduced-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, and ½ teaspoon of pepper. Mix until the sugar is dissolved.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Serve the Korean Ground Beef Stir Fry over 2 cups of cooked white rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
Smart Substitutions
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of ground beef for a leaner option.
- Feel free to swap out the vegetables based on what you have on hand; broccoli, bell peppers, or bok choy work wonderfully.
- If you prefer a gluten-free option, replace the soy sauce with tamari.
- For a vegetarian version, use firm tofu instead of ground beef and add extra veggies.
Pitfalls & How to Prevent Them
To ensure your Korean Ground Beef Stir Fry turns out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:
- Do not overcrowd the skillet; cook the beef in batches if necessary to achieve a good sear.
- Be careful not to overcook the vegetables; they should remain crisp for the best texture.
- Adjust the level of spice to your taste; start with less red pepper flakes and add more if desired.
Make Ahead Like a Pro
This Korean Ground Beef Stir Fry is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the beef and vegetable mixture ahead of time, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and stir-fry it fresh when you’re ready to eat. Additionally, the sauce can be made in advance and stored separately for even quicker cooking during the week.
Korean Ground Beef Stir Fry Q&A
Can I freeze Korean Ground Beef Stir Fry?
Yes, you can freeze the stir fry! Just allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
What can I serve with Korean Ground Beef Stir Fry?
This dish pairs wonderfully with cooked white rice, but you can also serve it over quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even noodles for a different twist. A side of kimchi or pickled vegetables complements the flavors beautifully as well.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you love heat, consider adding more crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha sauce just before serving. You can also include sliced jalapeños or a dash of chili paste in the sauce for an extra kick.
Can I use different types of meat?
Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional, you can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even pork. Each option will bring its own unique flavor to the dish.
Cook This Next
- Sweet and Sour Chicken – A delightful dish with a tangy sauce!
- Easy Vegetable Stir Fry – A colorful mix of vegetables, perfect for a light meal!
- Easy Vegetarian Pad Thai – A delicious twist on a classic noodle dish!
Hungry for More?
If you enjoyed this Korean Ground Beef Stir Fry, you’ll want to explore more recipes that are just as quick and satisfying. From hearty soups to vibrant salads, there’s a world of flavors waiting for you to discover. Don’t forget to come back for more delicious ideas and kitchen inspirations!
This Korean Ground Beef Stir Fry is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings the warmth of Korean cuisine into your home. With its vibrant flavors and easy preparation, it’s bound to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Korean Ground Beef Stir Fry
Ingredients
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 pound 90% lean ground beef
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 diced red bell pepper
- 1 sliced zucchini
- 2 cups sugar snap peas
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
Instructions:
- Start by washing and chopping all your vegetables. Dice the red bell pepper, slice the zucchini, and set aside the sugar snap peas, shredded carrots, and sliced mushrooms. Mince the garlic cloves and have them ready for cooking.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the 1 pound of ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Once the beef is browned, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, toss in the diced red bell pepper, sliced zucchini, sugar snap peas, shredded carrots, and sliced mushrooms. Stir-fry the mixture for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- In a small bowl, combine ½ cup of packed light brown sugar, ½ cup of reduced-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, and ½ teaspoon of pepper. Mix until the sugar is dissolved.
- Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve the Korean Ground Beef Stir Fry over 2 cups of cooked white rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
Equipment
- Large skillet or wok
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the skillet; cook the beef in batches if necessary to achieve a good sear.
- Be careful not to overcook the vegetables; they should remain crisp for the best texture.
- Adjust the level of spice to your taste; start with less red pepper flakes and add more if desired.
