Name: Quick Korean Beef Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1 Tbsp sesame oil; 1 onion, finely diced; 1 carrot, finely diced; 500g lean beef mince; 2 tsp crushed garlic; 1 Tbsp crushed ginger; 1/4 cup low salt soy sauce; 2 Tbsp brown sugar; 2 tsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tsp cornflour; 1 beef oxo cube; 1/2 cup boiling water; Cooked white rice; Sriracha (optional); Spring onion, sliced for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 2 reviews

If you’re after a dish that deliciously balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors with minimal fuss, this Quick Korean Beef Recipe is a game changer. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a mouthwatering, comforting meal that combines tender, flavorful beef with vibrant veggies and a rich, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to every bite. It’s ideal for busy weeknights when you crave something satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white plate with blue floral patterns holds a serving of cooked white rice as the base layer, spread evenly across the plate. On top, there is a generous layer of cooked minced beef mixed with small bits of carrot, all in a rich, dark brown sauce with a glossy texture. Scattered on top are slices of fresh green onions, adding a bright pop of green color. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, and next to it lies a pair of red chopsticks decorated with subtle floral designs. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple, pantry-friendly essentials that come together beautifully to create the rich, layered taste of this Quick Korean Beef Recipe. Each one adds a key element: texture, warmth, sweetness, or that punch of umami.

Sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma and depth right at the beginning of cooking.
Onion, finely diced: Provides subtle sweetness and a tender bite throughout the dish.
Carrot, finely diced: Adds a pop of color and a gentle natural sweetness for balance.
Lean beef mince (500g): The star protein, cooks quickly and soaks up all the delicious flavors.
Crushed garlic (2 tsp): Infuses the beef with that classic punch of garlicky goodness.
Crushed ginger (1 Tbsp): Brings a fresh, zesty warmth that brightens the sauce.
Low salt soy sauce (1/4 cup): Keeps the dish savory without overpowering saltiness.
Brown sugar (2 Tbsp): Creates a perfect caramelized sweetness that balances the tang.
Apple cider vinegar (2 tsp): Cuts through richness with a gentle tangy lift.
Cornflour (1 tsp): Thickens the sauce to that perfect, luscious consistency.
Beef oxo cube (1): Intensifies the meaty, umami backbone of the dish.
Boiling water (1/2 cup): Dissolves the oxo cube and melds all flavors smoothly.
Cooked white rice: The perfect canvas for soaking up all the saucy goodness.
Sriracha (optional): Adds a spicy kick for those who love some heat.
Spring onion: Fresh, crisp garnish to finish the dish beautifully.

How to Make Quick Korean Beef Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by heating the sesame oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Toss in the finely diced onion and carrot, stirring them for about 5 minutes until they soften and release their natural sweetness. This base brings a subtle sweetness and slight crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender beef later on.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add the lean beef mince to the pan and break it up with your spoon or spatula. Let it cook for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until browned evenly. Browning the beef well is essential because it locks in flavor and creates those delicious caramelized bits that make this dish so irresistible.

Step 3: Add Aromatics

Stir in the crushed garlic and crushed ginger, mixing well so the fragrant aromas release and infuse every part of the beef. These two ingredients are the heart of any great Korean-inspired dish, bringing that signature warmth and zest that make the Quick Korean Beef Recipe sing.

Step 4: Mix the Sauce

In a small jug, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and cornflour until smooth. This mixture is your magic sauce, perfectly balancing sweet, salty, and tangy notes while the cornflour gives it that silky thickness. Pour it over the beef and veggies, stirring everything together to coat evenly.

Step 5: Add the Broth

Dissolve the beef oxo cube in the boiling water, then pour this savory broth into the pan. This step deepens the meaty flavor and helps all the seasonings come together in a rich, cohesive sauce that clings to the beef and veggies wonderfully.

Step 6: Simmer and Thicken

Let the mixture simmer gently for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and glazes the ingredients beautifully. Taste and adjust the seasoning here if needed — sometimes a little extra soy or sugar helps hit the perfect balance.

Step 7: Serve It Up

Serve the Quick Korean Beef Recipe spooned generously over fluffy, steaming white rice. Add a swirl of sriracha if you like things spicy, and sprinkle with fresh chopped spring onion. The contrast of textures and flavors here is honestly unforgettable.

How to Serve Quick Korean Beef Recipe

A white bowl with a blue pattern holds a dish with one base layer of white rice, fluffy and spread around the edges. On top is a second layer of cooked ground meat mixed with small bits of orange vegetables, rich dark brown in color with a glossy look. The dish is garnished with small bright green round slices of green onions scattered over the meat. Red chopsticks rest on the top edge of the bowl with a red cloth in the background on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate this Quick Korean Beef Recipe, fresh garnishes make all the difference. Sprinkle bright, crisp spring onions for a fresh bite and a pop of green color. Drizzling a little sriracha not only livens up the dish with heat but also gives it that authentic Korean street food vibe.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple steamed white rice to soak up all the sauce. For a fresh side, consider quick pickled cucumbers or kimchi—both add crunch and tang that cut through the richness of the beef perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn this into a hand-held delight by serving the beef tucked inside warm lettuce wraps with a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Or make a quick bowl by adding steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms on the side for extra veggies. This recipe’s versatility means you can dress it up or down depending on your mood.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Quick Korean Beef Recipe keeps exceptionally well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the sauce from thickening too much.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the cooked beef mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing to preserve flavor and texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir occasionally until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to prevent drying out the beef.

FAQs

Can I use other meats instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground pork, chicken, or turkey can be swapped in for beef. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure they’re completely cooked and tender.

Is this recipe spicy? Can I make it milder?

The base recipe is mild, but it’s easy to add spiciness with sriracha or chili flakes on top. If you prefer very mild, simply skip the spicy garnishes and enjoy the naturally sweet and savory flavors.

Can I prepare the ingredients in advance?

Yes! Dice the veggies and measure out the sauce ingredients ahead of time for a super quick assembly when you’re ready to cook.

What can I substitute for the beef oxo cube?

If you don’t have an oxo cube, use beef stock or broth concentrate, or simply extra soy sauce and a pinch of salt to boost the umami flavor.

Is this Quick Korean Beef Recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and a gluten-free oxo cube to keep the dish safe for gluten sensitivities without compromising flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Quick Korean Beef Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to meals because it’s bursting with flavor, easy to make, and wonderfully satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for a fast dinner fix, this dish delivers all the comforting vibes with absolutely no complication. Give it a try and watch it become one of your own kitchen staples!