Korean Spicy Beef and Rice

Korean Spicy Beef and Rice is a flavorful, satisfying dish featuring tender ground beef seasoned with a bold blend of spices and served over fluffy white rice. It captures the essence of Korean-inspired cooking with simple ingredients and a spicy kick, all prepared in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty, quick, and full of flavor. It requires minimal ingredients, most of which are pantry staples, and it delivers maximum taste with minimal effort. Its balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes makes it appealing to a wide range of palates, and it’s easily customizable depending on your dietary preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef

• Garlic cloves, minced

• Brown sugar

• Soy sauce

• Sesame oil

• Fresh ginger, grated

• Crushed red pepper flakes

• Black pepper

• Cooked white rice

• Green onions, sliced

• Sesame seeds

Directions

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

2. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

3. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, crushed red pepper flakes, and black pepper.

4. Pour the sauce over the beef in the skillet. Stir to coat the beef evenly and simmer for 2–3 minutes to let the flavors meld.

5. Serve the spicy beef mixture over freshly cooked white rice.

6. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Preparation Time: 5 minutes

• Cooking Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Different Proteins: Try using ground chicken, turkey, or pork instead of beef.

• Vegetarian Version: Use crumbled tofu or a plant-based meat substitute.

• Add Vegetables: Bell peppers, shredded carrots, or chopped spinach can add nutrition and texture.

• Mild Version: Omit or reduce the red pepper flakes for a less spicy dish.

• Low-Carb Option: Serve the beef over cauliflower rice instead of white rice.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water or soy sauce if the mixture seems dry.

FAQs

What can I use instead of ground beef?

You can substitute ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or a meatless alternative like crumbled tofu.

Can I use pre-cooked rice?

Yes, pre-cooked rice works well and can save time. Just reheat before serving.

How spicy is this dish?

It’s moderately spicy, but you can adjust the red pepper flakes to increase or decrease the heat.

Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes, the beef mixture can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, the cooked beef mixture can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat before serving.

What side dishes go well with this?

Steamed vegetables, kimchi, or a simple cucumber salad pair well with this dish.

Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?

Yes, low-sodium soy sauce helps control the saltiness without compromising flavor.

How do I add more vegetables?

You can stir in vegetables like bell peppers or spinach during the last few minutes of cooking.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, simply double all the ingredients to make more servings.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. Store the beef and rice separately in containers for easy reheating throughout the week.

Conclusion

Korean Spicy Beef and Rice is a quick, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or prepping meals for the week, this dish delivers bold flavor and comforting satisfaction every time.