Korean Beef Fried Rice Recipe

Looking for a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that brings a taste of Korea to your kitchen? Korean Beef Fried Rice is a perfect choice. This dish combines savory beef, vibrant vegetables, and fluffy rice, creating a harmony of flavors that can be enjoyed as a standalone meal or paired with other dishes. Let’s explore how to make this delicious recipe and why it stands out.

---

What Makes Korean Fried Rice Different?

Korean fried rice stands out because of its bold flavors and unique ingredients. Unlike traditional fried rice, which often relies on soy sauce as the main seasoning, Korean versions frequently incorporate gochujang (fermented chili paste) or gochugaru (Korean chili flakes). These ingredients give the dish a distinct spicy and slightly sweet flavor.

Additionally, sesame oil plays a key role in Korean fried rice, providing a nutty aroma and depth. The inclusion of kimchi, a fermented cabbage dish, is another common variation that adds tanginess and umami. Combined, these elements create a dish that is flavorful, aromatic, and undeniably Korean.

---

What to Eat With Korean Barbecue Rice

Korean Beef Fried Rice pairs beautifully with various side dishes and accompaniments that enhance its flavors and textures. Tangy and spicy kimchi makes an excellent companion, balancing the richness of the fried rice. Pickled vegetables, with their refreshing crunch and acidity, also work wonderfully to lighten the meal. 

For a more robust pairing, you can also serve it alongside grilled meats like bulgogi or galbi, which add layers of smoky and savory flavors. A warm bowl of miso soup or Korean seaweed soup provides comfort and depth, while a simple sesame or cucumber salad offers a fresh and crisp contrast to the hearty dish.

---

Korean Beef Fried Rice Ingredients 

• 2 cups leftover rice
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/4 cup finely sliced spring onion
• 2 green onions chopped
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 2 eggs
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• Toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Korean-style Beef Sauce Ingredients

• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp Gochujang
• 2 tsp sesame oil

---

How to Make Korean Beef Fried Rice

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

1. In a small bowl, combine the gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, and brown sugar.
2. Break up the ground beef with a wooden spoon. Add the 3 tablespoons of the sauce mixture to the ground beef and mix thoroughly until the beef is evenly coated. Set the remaining sauce aside. 
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Add the eggs and swirl to form a large omelet. Cook for a minute or until set. 
4. Flip the omelet over and cook for another half a minute. Transfer to a chopping board and roughly chop.
5. Heat the remaining tablespoons of oil in the same pan over medium-high heat. 
6. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, then stir-fry for a minute. 
7. Add the ground beef and stir-fry until just cooked through. 
8. Add rice, the remaining gochujang soy sauce mixture, and green onions to the pan. Stir-fry until the grains are evenly coated in the sauce.
9. Add the sliced omelets and the spring onion.
10. Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds.
11. Serve immediately. 

---

Korean Beef Fried Rice Recipe Tips

• The prep time of this stir fry recipe is around 10 minutes. 
• This recipe uses leftover jasmine rice but you can use any type of grain that you like.
• Instead of cooking the eggs into an omelet, you can also top the dish with raw egg yolks. Just make sure to separate the egg whites from the yolks. 
• You can replace the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken breast pieces. 
• Add vegetables of your choice! Use bok choy, cabbage, carrots, frozen peas, or frozen corn.
• For a gluten-free recipe, you can use tamari instead of soy sauce. 

---

Final Note

Rice with Korean-style beef is enjoyable as a quick lunch or a dinner centerpiece, or even as a weekly meal prep. Its bold flavors and satisfying textures make it a crowd-pleaser. Experiment with different toppings and side dishes to create your perfect Korean-inspired meal!

Check out our array of recipes for more delicious rice-based dishes to make for your family.

---

Frequently Asked Questions