There’s something about the sizzle of ground beef hitting a hot pan that instantly signals the start of a good meal. This High Protein Korean Beef recipe is one of those dishes that sneaks up on you—not in a flashy way, but with steady, comforting confidence. It’s the kind of dinner you throw together when the clock is ticking and the craving for something savory and warming hits hard.
I remember the first time I made this, the kitchen filling with the aroma of garlic and ginger that somehow felt both familiar and exciting. I was halfway through prepping when my phone buzzed—someone at the door, the timer for laundry, something distracting that made me lose track of exactly how long the beef had been cooking. It ended up just right, though, a little less precise than I originally planned. The sauce thickened beautifully, clinging to every bit of beef, while the toasted sesame seeds sprinkled on top added a little crunch that surprised me. That imperfect moment made it all feel a bit more real, like a meal made with hands juggling a dozen things at once.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Loaded with protein but still lean, striking a nice balance for a filling meal.
- Bold Korean flavors that come together quickly—no hours of marinating needed.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. You won’t spend all evening in the kitchen.
- Versatile enough to serve over rice, noodles, or even wrapped in lettuce for a light bite.
And if you’re worried about leftovers, this dish keeps well for a few days, making it a go-to for meal prep without feeling like a boring repeat.
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High Protein Korean Beef
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A flavorful and high-protein Korean beef dish made with lean ground beef, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Perfect for a quick, nutritious meal packed with authentic Korean flavors.
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef (at least 90% lean)
3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon brown sugar
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, sesame oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, crushed red pepper flakes, and black pepper until well combined.
Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the lean ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked beef and stir to coat evenly.
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef.
Remove from heat and stir in the sliced green onions.
Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Kitchen Notes:
You don’t need fancy equipment for this; a good skillet and a spatula will do just fine. I usually serve this with steamed jasmine rice and a side of quick pickled cucumbers to cut through the richness. Sometimes I toss in a handful of shredded carrots or swap green onions for fresh cilantro, depending on what’s in the fridge. If you want to dial up the heat, a few extra red pepper flakes work wonders, but I tend to keep it on the mild side for dinner guests.
FAQ:
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? A: You can, though the flavor profile shifts a bit and the fat content changes, which might affect the sauce’s texture.
Q: How spicy is this dish? A: It has a gentle kick from the crushed red pepper flakes, but it’s easy to adjust to your preference.
Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers? A: Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently to avoid drying out the beef.
Ready to turn your weeknight dinner into something memorable? This High Protein Korean Beef is waiting to become your new quick-fix favorite.