This Korean-style Sauteed Beef with Bean Sprouts and Cabbage is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish that brings together the savory richness of beef, the crunch of bean sprouts, and the freshness of cabbage. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is packed with sweet and savory flavors that will please your palate in just 20 minutes! It’s a one-pan stir fry that’s both nutritious and satisfying.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

¼ cup soy sauce (or Coconut Aminos for paleo/gluten-free)
¼ cup brown sugar (or raw honey for paleo)
2 teaspoons sesame oil
2-3 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
1 lb ground beef
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup carrots, julienned or shredded
2 cups cabbage, shredded or chopped
1 pack bean sprouts (about 3 cups)

Directions

In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and fresh ginger to create the seasoning sauce. Set aside.
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and crispy, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Increase the heat and add the carrots. Stir fry for 1 minute.
Add the cabbage and bean sprouts and cook for another 1 minute, just until they are tender-crisp.
Pour the seasoning sauce over the beef and vegetable mixture and stir to combine. Cook for another minute, just until everything is heated through.
Serve immediately, ideally over a bed of steamed rice. Enjoy!

Nutrients (Per Serving)

Calories: 222
Carbohydrates: 17g
Protein: 19g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Sodium: 615mg
Potassium: 485mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 13g
Vitamin A: 3599 IU
Vitamin C: 18mg
Calcium: 46mg
Iron: 3mg

This Korean-style dish is a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Give it a try and enjoy the savory richness with the crunchy textures of bean sprouts and cabbage.

The Appeal of Korean Cuisine

Korean cuisine has garnered popularity worldwide for its bold and balanced flavors. It brings together savory, spicy, sweet, and sour elements, often with fermented ingredients and fresh vegetables. Dishes like bibimbap, bulgogi, and kimchi are staples that reflect the diverse tastes found in Korean food. One of the reasons Korean cuisine is so well-loved is the harmony between different textures and flavors in a single dish. The combination of crunchy vegetables, tender meats, and flavorful sauces makes Korean food a unique and satisfying culinary experience.

This Korean-style sauteed beef dish embodies these elements. The sweet and savory seasoning sauce infuses the beef with rich flavor, while the crunchy bean sprouts and cabbage provide texture and freshness. The addition of sesame oil and fresh ginger enhances the flavor profile, adding a hint of nuttiness and spice. With just a few ingredients, this dish offers a wonderful snapshot of Korean culinary traditions.

The Perfect Weeknight Dinner

When you’re juggling work, family, and other responsibilities, finding time to cook can be challenging. This Korean-style sauteed beef recipe is ideal for busy individuals or families who still want to enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With only 20 minutes of cooking time, this dish offers a quick solution for anyone looking for a fast yet flavorful meal.

What sets this dish apart is the fact that it’s made in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. The simplicity of the recipe means you can spend more time enjoying your meal and less time on preparation and cleanup. The combination of ground beef and vegetables also means that it’s a filling dish that will leave you satisfied without feeling overly heavy.

A Healthy Meal with Fresh Ingredients

Not only is this Korean-style sauteed beef with bean sprouts and cabbage quick and easy, but it’s also a healthy choice. The dish incorporates a variety of fresh ingredients, including cabbage, bean sprouts, and carrots, which are rich in vitamins and minerals.

Cabbage, for instance, is a great source of vitamin C and fiber. It helps boost the immune system, aids digestion, and provides antioxidants that support overall health. Bean sprouts, commonly used in Korean cuisine, are packed with essential nutrients like protein, fiber, and vitamin C. They also contain a significant amount of folate, which is important for cell function and overall growth.

Ground beef provides a high-quality source of protein and iron, essential for maintaining muscle mass and healthy blood circulation. By using lean ground beef, you can keep the fat content in check, making this dish a great option for those looking to maintain a balanced diet. For a paleo or gluten-free alternative, you can swap out the soy sauce for coconut aminos, ensuring everyone can enjoy this dish without any dietary restrictions.

Flavorful Seasoning Sauce

What truly elevates this dish is the seasoning sauce. Made with soy sauce, brown sugar (or raw honey for a paleo version), sesame oil, and fresh ginger, the sauce creates a wonderful balance of sweet and savory flavors. The combination of these ingredients gives the dish its signature Korean taste, with the savory soy sauce providing depth, the brown sugar or honey offering sweetness, and the sesame oil contributing a rich, nutty flavor. Fresh ginger adds a zing of spiciness, tying everything together.

For those with specific dietary preferences, the seasoning sauce is easy to adjust. Coconut aminos can replace soy sauce for a gluten-free version, and raw honey can be substituted for brown sugar to make the dish paleo-friendly. This versatility allows you to personalize the recipe to suit your dietary needs without compromising on flavor.

How to Serve Korean-Style Sauteed Beef

While this Korean-style sauteed beef dish can be enjoyed on its own, serving it with a bed of steamed rice is a fantastic option. The rice acts as a perfect base to soak up the savory sauce, making every bite more satisfying. You can opt for white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice if you’re looking for a low-carb alternative.

For a complete meal, you can serve the beef stir fry with a side of pickled vegetables, such as kimchi, or a light salad with a tangy vinaigrette. This adds an extra layer of flavor and complements the dish perfectly.

This recipe also works well for meal prep. You can make a large batch and store it in the fridge for up to three days, making it a great option for lunch the next day. Simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stove for a quick and easy meal that tastes just as fresh as when it was first made.

A Versatile Recipe

The beauty of this Korean-style sauteed beef with bean sprouts and cabbage recipe is its versatility. While it’s already a well-balanced meal, you can easily customize it by adding other vegetables or proteins. For example, you can swap the ground beef for ground chicken, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. You could also add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra texture and flavor.

This dish can also be adapted to suit different tastes. If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add chili paste or red pepper flakes to the seasoning sauce. If you’re not a fan of ginger, you can reduce the amount or leave it out entirely. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to create a dish that perfectly matches your preferences.

Conclusion

Korean-style sauteed beef with bean sprouts and cabbage is the perfect quick and easy dinner for busy nights when you want something flavorful and nutritious. Packed with tender beef, fresh vegetables, and a savory-sweet seasoning sauce, this dish offers a satisfying combination of flavors and textures. With the flexibility to accommodate different dietary preferences and the ability to customize with additional vegetables or proteins, this recipe is a versatile addition to your weekly dinner rotation.

Whether you’re cooking for one or preparing a meal for the whole family, this Korean-style stir fry is sure to please. It’s a dish that brings together the richness of Korean flavors with the simplicity of a one-pan meal, making it a perfect choice for anyone looking for a meal that’s quick, delicious, and full of nutrients. Give it a try today and enjoy a taste of Korea in the comfort of your own home.

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