Description: This recipe delivers a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal by combining savory Korean-inspired ground beef with crisp-tender broccoli florets. The sweet and savory sauce, balanced with hints of ginger, garlic, and sesame, coats the beef and broccoli perfectly, making it an irresistible dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, served over a bed of fluffy rice and garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (preferably lean)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (such as canola or peanut oil)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced (fresh is best)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred to control salt content)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark, depending on your preference)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (toasted sesame oil provides the best flavor)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (unseasoned)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Cooked rice for serving (such as jasmine or brown rice)
Preparation:
Before you begin cooking, ensure all your ingredients are prepped and ready to go. This will streamline the cooking process and ensure a smooth experience.
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli and Aromatics Wash the broccoli florets thoroughly and cut them into bite-sized pieces, if necessary. Mince the garlic and ginger. Slice the green onions for garnish. Having these ingredients prepared ahead of time allows you to focus on cooking without interruption.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Ensure that the brown sugar is fully dissolved to prevent any gritty texture in the final dish. Taste and adjust the sauce to your preference; you may want to add a touch more brown sugar for sweetness or a splash more rice vinegar for tanginess.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef. Use a spatula to break the beef apart into smaller pieces as it cooks. Cook the ground beef until it is fully browned, which typically takes about 5-7 minutes. Be sure to stir it frequently to ensure even cooking. If the beef releases a significant amount of fat, drain the excess fat from the skillet after browning.
Step 4: Sauté Aromatics and Combine with Sauce Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet with the browned ground beef. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic and ginger, as this can create a bitter taste. Once the aromatics are fragrant, pour the prepared sauce over the ground beef mixture. Stir well to ensure the beef is evenly coated in the sauce.
Step 5: Add Broccoli and Cook Add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir to coat them thoroughly in the sauce. Cover the skillet and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the broccoli florets and your desired level of tenderness. If you prefer your broccoli more tender, you can add a tablespoon or two of water to the skillet and continue cooking, covered, for a few more minutes.
Why you will love this recipe
This Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is a winner for several reasons:
- Quick and Easy: It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful: The combination of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors creates an irresistible dish.
- Healthy: Packed with protein and vegetables, it’s a balanced and nutritious meal.
- Versatile: You can easily customize it by adding other vegetables, adjusting the spice level, or using different types of meat.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Its universally appealing flavors make it a hit with both kids and adults.
- Budget-Friendly: Ground beef and broccoli are relatively inexpensive ingredients, making this a great option for affordable meals.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve over cooked rice (jasmine, brown, or white rice all work well).
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
- Add a drizzle of sriracha or chili garlic sauce for extra heat.
- Serve with a side of kimchi or other Korean banchan (side dishes).
- For a lower-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or with steamed edamame.
Tips:
- Use lean ground beef to reduce the fat content of the dish.
- If using frozen broccoli, thaw it slightly before adding it to the skillet.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with crumbled tofu or plant-based ground meat.
- To prevent the broccoli from becoming too soft, cook it until it is tender-crisp.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
15 minutes
Total Time:
25 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Approximate values per serving, based on lean ground beef and average portion sizes)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 600mg
Conclusion
This Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy a quick and healthy meal. With its balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner option or a dish to impress your friends and family, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. The versatility of this recipe allows you to experiment with different ingredients and adjust the flavors to your liking. Enjoy the convenience and the great taste of this Korean-inspired stir-fry!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe
Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
A: Yes, you can definitely use frozen broccoli! Just make sure to thaw it slightly before adding it to the skillet. This will help prevent it from becoming too watery and ensure that it cooks evenly. You might want to pat it dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Also, keep in mind that frozen broccoli might cook a bit faster than fresh, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q2: I don’t have rice vinegar. Can I use another type of vinegar?
A: While rice vinegar contributes a specific mild, slightly sweet flavor to the dish, you can substitute it with other types of vinegar in a pinch. White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar would be the best alternatives, but use them sparingly. Start with half the amount (about 1/2 tablespoon) and taste, adding more as needed to achieve the desired tanginess. Avoid using strong vinegars like balsamic or malt vinegar, as they will significantly alter the flavor profile.
Q3: How can I make this recipe spicier?
A: There are several ways to increase the spice level in this Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli. The simplest is to add more red pepper flakes, starting with an additional 1/2 teaspoon and adjusting to your preference. You could also add a dash of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the sauce mixture. For a deeper, more complex heat, consider adding a small amount of gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the sauce. Be cautious when adding spicy ingredients, and taste as you go to avoid making the dish too spicy.
Q4: Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is very adaptable to other vegetables. Some great additions would be bell peppers (any color), carrots (sliced or julienned), snap peas, or mushrooms. Add these vegetables to the skillet along with the broccoli, adjusting the cooking time as needed to ensure they are cooked to your desired level of tenderness. Using a variety of colorful vegetables can also enhance the visual appeal of the dish.
Q5: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare certain components of this recipe in advance. The sauce can be made a day or two ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also chop the vegetables and mince the garlic and ginger in advance. However, it’s best to cook the ground beef and broccoli just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor. If you do need to cook the entire dish ahead of time, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it in a skillet or microwave.
