Go Back
Korean ground beef sauce 1
Print Recipe

Korean Ground Beef Sauce Recipe

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Calories: 360kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef 90% lean works fine
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
  • 1 tablespoon gochujang adjust to heat preference
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 cup water or broth
  • 1 green onion sliced (for garnish)
  • Sesame seeds for topping
  • Optional: chili flakes for extra kick

Instructions

  • Heat a skillet over medium-high. Add sesame oil, then sauté the onion until it’s soft and a touch translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
  • Add garlic and ginger; stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Don’t let them burn—nobody wants bitter garlic.
  • Push the veggies aside and crumble in the ground beef. Cook, breaking it up, until it’s browned and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes.
  • Stir in soy sauce, gochujang, and brown sugar. Mix well so every bit of beef gets that glossy, spicy coating.
  • Pour in water or broth and simmer 2–3 minutes to let the flavors meld. If the sauce gets too thick, splash in a little more liquid.
  • Taste and adjust. If you want more sweetness, add a touch more brown sugar; for more heat, add chili flakes a pinch at a time.
  • Remove from heat. Scatter green onions and sesame seeds on top. Serve hot and pretend you planned this all along.