Name: Korean Beef and Rice
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 5
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 4 cloves of garlic; 1 small onion; 2 cups cooked rice; 1/4 cup of soy sauce; 1/2 cup of brown sugar; 1 tsp of ginger; 1/4 tsp of crushed red pepper flakes

Jump to Recipe

While cooking the Korean beef, start your rice. I like using Minute Brown Rice, not as quick to make as white but I prefer the taste of brown.

As I cook the beef I am always breaking it up. You want it to be small pieces, not large chunks. Cook it all the way through. Drain the fat. I always dump my fried ground beef in a large strainer and then run it under water. Nothing ruins a meal for me like greasy taste or texture.

Over low heat, with your ground beef, onion and garlic in your pan, add 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1 tsp of ginger, 1/4 tsp of crushed red pepper flakes.

I use 1/2 cup of brown sugar, I love sweet, you don’t have to add that much if you don’t are for sweet flavors as much, or maybe you want to add more, go for it.

Same goes for the crushed red pepper flakes, too much and my little guy will complain that it is a too spicy for him.

Korean Beef ingredients in measuring spoons

Mix and simmer for at least 15 minutes. We like to have some of the sauce/liquid for our our rice. Try these magnetic measuring spoons from Amazon on this recipe.

Serve over rice.

This is my go to ground beef recipe. I love the beef. The sweet the heat. And did I mentioned that everyone in our house likes this. Last night Brookland not only ate all of her supper before anyone else but wanted and ate more. That never happens!

A 30 Minute Meal Idea

Oh, did I mention that this is a cheap and quick meal? Using Minute Rice this is a meal you can get on your table in well under 30 minutes, and even with traditional rice you can get on the table in 30 minutes.

This has become a go to meal for nights when I have forgotten to make or plan a supper, or for those days when we have been really busy running errands or going to homeschool groups or what have you.

Korean Beef and Rice

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

With this meal taking less than 30 minutes to make, this is a great meal idea for even the busiest of nights.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
4 cloves of garlic
1 small onion
2 cups cooked rice
1/4 cup of soy sauce
1/2 cup of brown sugar
1 tsp of ginger
1/4 tsp of crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

Brown your ground beef.
Chopped onion and garlic.
While cooking the beef, start your rice.
As you cook the beef break it up. You want it to be small pieces, not large chunks. Cook it all the way through.
Drain the fat.
Over low heat, with your ground beef, onion and garlic in your pan, add 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1 tsp of ginger, 1/4 tsp of crushed red pepper flakes.
Mix and simmer for at least 15 minutes.
Serve over your rice.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size:

1 grams
Amount Per Serving: Unsaturated Fat: 0g

Perfect Sides to Serve with Korean Beef and Rice

Looking to turn your easy Korean Beef and Rice into a well-rounded, satisfying meal? This flavorful dish—often made with ground beef, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil—pairs beautifully with a variety of Korean-inspired sides that enhance its bold, umami-packed taste. Whether you’re planning a quick family dinner or a casual meal prep session, these additions can make your table feel complete.

a bowl of food with chopsticks on a table — Kimchi

1. Kimchi

No Korean meal is truly complete without kimchi. This fermented cabbage side dish adds a spicy, tangy contrast to the savory beef and balances the richness with probiotics and crunch. Use store-bought or try your hand at a homemade version for added authenticity.

2. Steamed or Stir-Fried Vegetables

Steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach (sigeumchi namul), or stir-fried zucchini are excellent ways to add color, nutrition, and texture. They’re quick to prepare and offer a refreshing complement to the meat and rice.

3. Pickled Radish (Danmuji)

These bright yellow, slightly sweet pickled radish slices are a common Korean side dish (banchan). They provide a cool and tangy crunch that helps cut through the savory meat.

4. Korean Egg Roll (Gyeran Mari)

Rolled omelets seasoned with green onions, carrots, and sometimes seaweed, these are a kid-friendly and protein-rich option that adds visual appeal to your plate.

5. Miso or Doenjang Soup

While not always served with beef and rice, a light soup such as Korean soybean paste soup (doenjang-guk) or even a simple miso soup rounds out the meal with warmth and depth.

6. Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim)

This quick, spicy cucumber salad is a refreshing side that contrasts well with hot rice and savory beef. It’s light, hydrating, and easy to make in under 10 minutes.

Meal Tips and Serving Ideas

Make it a bowl: Serve the Korean beef and rice over steamed jasmine or short-grain white rice, then top with sesame seeds, chopped scallions, and a fried egg for extra richness.
Add gochujang: For spice lovers, a drizzle of Korean red pepper paste (gochujang) adds authentic heat and depth.
Meal prep friendly: This dish keeps well in the fridge and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for weekly meal planning.

Watch this Recipe Cooked Step-by-Step