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Sweet and Spicy Korean Ground Beef

A fast and flavorful Korean-style ground beef with a sweet, spicy, and savory sauce. Perfect for rice bowls, noodles, or lettuce wraps.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Korean
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground beef 80/20 recommended
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil optional
  • 1 onion small, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger minced
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce low-sodium recommended
  • 2 tbsp gochujang Korean chili paste
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp chili flakes optional
  • 2 green onions sliced, for garnish

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon
  • Knife

Method
 

  1. Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned and crispy, breaking it apart with a spoon.
  2. Add chopped onion and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Add garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Stir in soy sauce, gochujang, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and black pepper until evenly coated.
  4. Reduce heat and simmer for 4–6 minutes until sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  5. Sprinkle sesame seeds and stir. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or lettuce wraps. Garnish with sliced green onions.

Notes

This dish stores well in the fridge for meal prep. Use it in rice bowls, noodles, or wraps.