Easy Korean Ground Beef with Napa Slaw

If you’re on the hunt for a quick, delicious weeknight meal that’s both satisfying and packed with flavor, this easy Korean ground beef recipe with napa slaw is a must-try. The vibrant combination of savory beef and crisp, fresh slaw offers a delightful twist on traditional flavors that will leave you and your family craving more.

I first stumbled upon this recipe during a family gathering when my cousin shared her latest culinary creation. It seemed simple yet unique, and after one bite, I was hooked. Over the years, it has become a staple at our dinner table, especially on busy weekdays when time is of the essence yet we crave something homemade and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for those evenings when you want something quick yet satisfying. It’s unique because it combines bold Korean flavors with the freshness of a crisp slaw, providing a delightful contrast in texture and taste. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it’s also versatile enough to serve as a main course or as a side dish, making it a practical choice for any occasion.

Ingredients Notes

The key to this recipe is using high-quality ground beef, preferably lean, to maintain a balanced flavor while keeping the dish light. Napa cabbage is ideal for the slaw, but you can substitute with regular cabbage if it’s more readily available. For an authentic touch, consider using sesame oil and soy sauce sourced from a Korean market.

Recipe Steps

Step 1

Begin by preparing the ground beef. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of sesame oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through.

Step 2

Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat and stir in garlic, soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 3

While the beef simmers, prepare the napa cabbage slaw. In a large bowl, combine thinly sliced napa cabbage, chopped green onions, and shredded carrots.

Step 4

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a pinch of salt. Pour this dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat evenly.

Step 5

To serve, layer the savory beef over a bed of crisp napa slaw and garnish with sesame seeds and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat.

Storage Options

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For freezing, store the cooked beef separately from the slaw to maintain freshness. To reheat, simply warm the beef in a skillet over medium heat before serving.

Variations & Substitutions

To cater to dietary preferences, you can use ground turkey or chicken as a substitute for beef. For a vegetarian twist, try using tofu crumbles instead. To add more flavors, consider tossing in some sliced bell peppers or sprouts into the slaw.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is versatile enough to be served as a light lunch or as part of a more elaborate dinner spread. Pair it with steamed rice or enjoy it as a filling for lettuce wraps if you’re looking for something low-carb.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish spicy? Absolutely! Feel free to add gochujang (Korean chili paste) or a dash of sriracha to amp up the heat level to your liking. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes also works wonders for providing a spicy kick.

Is it possible to prepare the slaw in advance? Yes, you can prep the slaw a few hours ahead of time. Just make sure to keep it chilled in the refrigerator and toss it with the dressing just before serving to maintain its crispness.

What if I can’t find napa cabbage? If napa cabbage is unavailable, regular green cabbage or even thinly sliced kale can serve as great alternatives. Just ensure that they’re finely shredded to achieve the desired texture.

Easy Korean Ground Beef with Napa Slaw

This easy Korean ground beef recipe features a delicious mix of savory beef paired with a crisp napa cabbage slaw.

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Course: Main Dish

Kitchen: korean-inspired

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

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• ▢ For the Korean Ground Beef:
• ▢ 1 lb ground beef 85/15 or leaner
• ▢ 3 cloves garlic minced
• ▢ 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• ▢ 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ▢ 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• ▢ 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional for heat
• ▢ 2 green onions chopped
• ▢ 1 teaspoon sesame seeds for garnish
• ▢ For the Napa Cabbage Slaw:
• ▢ 4 cups shredded Napa cabbage
• ▢ 1 medium carrot grated or julienned
• ▢ 2 green onions sliced
• ▢ 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• ▢ 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• ▢ 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
• ▢ Pinch of salt

Instructions

• Prepare the Slaw:
• In a mixing bowl, toss together Napa cabbage, carrot, and green onions.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, and salt.
• Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss well. Let it rest while you cook the beef.
• Cook the Beef:
• In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and cooked through—about 7–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
• Lower the heat and stir in garlic and ginger. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
• Add soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
• Stir in chopped green onions and remove from heat.
• Serve:
• Plate a scoop of Napa slaw, then top with warm Korean beef.
• Sprinkle with sesame seeds and extra green onion, if desired. Serve alone, with steamed rice, or wrapped in lettuce leaves.

Notes

You can add sliced green onions or sesame seeds as a garnish.