This Korean Ground Beef with Napa Cabbage Slaw is the ultimate weeknight meal savory, spicy, and packed with bold flavors! The rich umam packed beef pairs perfectly with the refreshing crunch of the lightly dressed slaw, creating a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and tang. It’s an easy meal that delivers restaurant quality taste in just 25 minutes.
If you’re looking for a meal that’s both satisfying and simple, this dish is for you. Serve it over a bed of steaming rice or wrap it in lettuce for a low carb option. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or cooking a quick dinner, this recipe is sure to impress with its mouthwatering Korean inspired flavors!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch piece ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp sesame seeds
- 4 cups Napa cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (for slaw)
- 1 tsp sesame oil (for slaw)
- 1 tsp honey (for slaw)
- Cooked white or brown rice, for serving
Directions:
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
- Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, gochujang, rice vinegar, red pepper flakes, and black pepper.
- Pour the sauce over the beef, stirring to coat. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine Napa cabbage, carrot, and green onions.
- In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, sesame oil, and honey. Drizzle over the slaw and toss to combine.
- Serve the beef over cooked rice with the slaw on the side. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal per serving | Servings: 4
Korean Ground Beef with Napa Cabbage Slaw: A Flavorful and Quick Meal
Korean cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors, vibrant colors, and well balanced dishes. One such dish that perfectly embodies these qualities is Korean Ground Beef with Napa Cabbage Slaw. This dish brings together rich, savory, and slightly spicy ground beef with a refreshing, crunchy cabbage slaw, making it a well rounded meal that is as nutritious as it is delicious.
If you’re looking for a quick yet flavorful dish that satisfies your cravings for Korean flavors, this recipe is an excellent choice. With a perfect balance of umami, sweetness, spice, and tang, it’s ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even as a unique dish to impress guests.
The Inspiration Behind This Dish
Korean food is deeply rooted in tradition, emphasizing fresh ingredients, fermented components, and a variety of seasonings that create deep and complex flavors. Bulgogi, a well known Korean dish, is a prime example of this. It consists of thinly sliced beef marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and sesame oil, then grilled or stir fried to perfection.
This recipe takes inspiration from bulgogi but simplifies it by using ground beef instead of thinly sliced cuts. The result is a dish that retains all the rich flavors of traditional Korean cuisine but comes together in a fraction of the time. The addition of Napa cabbage slaw enhances the dish by adding a refreshing contrast to the savory beef, making it a wellbalanced and satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are many reasons why this dish has become a favorite among home cooks:
Quick and Easy – With just 25 minutes from start to finish, this meal is perfect for those busy nights when you need something fast but still crave a flavorful homemade dish.
Budget-Friendly – Ground beef is an affordable protein, making this recipe a great option for families or individuals looking to enjoy delicious food without breaking the bank.
Packed with Flavor – A combination of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and gochujang creates a bold and savory taste with just the right amount of heat and sweetness.
Nutritious and Well-Balanced – This dish includes a protein packed beef mixture and a nutrient dense cabbage slaw, providing a well rounded meal with vitamins, fiber, and protein.
Versatile – Serve it over rice for a hearty meal, wrap it in lettuce leaves for a low carb option, or enjoy it on its own as a flavorful bowl.
The Role of Ingredients in This Dish
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in bringing out the dish’s signature flavors and textures.
- Ground Beef – The main protein in this dish, ground beef absorbs the savory sweet sauce beautifully while remaining juicy and tender.
- Soy Sauce & Brown Sugar – These create the signature sweet and salty umami flavor that defines many Korean dishes.
- Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste) – Adds depth, spice, and a slightly smoky taste, elevating the flavor profile of the dish.
- Sesame Oil & Garlic – Essential for giving the beef a rich and nutty aroma while enhancing the overall taste.
- Napa Cabbage & Carrots – Provide crunch, freshness, and a slightly sweet contrast to the spicy beef.
- Rice Vinegar & Honey – These balance out the flavors in the slaw, adding acidity and a hint of sweetness.
Tips for Making the Best Korean Ground Beef with Napa Cabbage Slaw
To take your dish to the next level, keep these tips in mind:
1. Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh garlic, ginger, and green onions will add much more flavor than their pre packaged counterparts. If possible, opt for high quality soy sauce and real gochujang for an authentic taste.
2. Don’t Overcook the Beef – Ground beef cooks quickly, so stir it frequently to prevent drying out. Cooking it just until browned will keep it tender and juicy.
3. Balance the Sauce – The sweet, salty, and spicy elements in the sauce should be well balanced. If you prefer a sweeter dish, add a bit more brown sugar; for more spice, increase the gochujang.
4. Let the Slaw Marinate – The slaw tastes even better when allowed to sit for a few minutes before serving, as this helps the flavors meld together.
5. Customize the Dish – Add sliced cucumbers, radishes, or even a fried egg on top for extra texture and flavor. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version of the dish.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is incredibly versatile and can be served in multiple ways:
With Rice – A classic option, serving this dish over steamed white or brown rice helps soak up the delicious sauce and creates a comforting meal.
In Lettuce Wraps – For a low carb alternative, serve the beef and slaw in crisp lettuce leaves, making a fresh and crunchy wrap.
Over Noodles – Try serving this dish over soba or rice noodles for a delicious Asian inspired noodle bowl.
As a Bowl Meal – Simply layer the beef, slaw, and any additional toppings like kimchi or avocado in a bowl for a beautifully presented meal.
How This Dish Fits Into a Healthy Lifestyle
Despite its rich and bold flavors, this dish can be a healthy addition to your diet:
- High in Protein – The ground beef provides a substantial protein boost, essential for muscle growth and satiety.
- Rich in Fiber – Napa cabbage and carrots offer fiber, which supports digestion and overall gut health.
- Lower in Carbs (If Served Without Rice) – Opting for lettuce wraps or serving with cauliflower rice makes this a great low-carb meal option.
- Healthy Fats – The sesame oil adds healthy fats that contribute to heart health and satiety.
Conclusion:
Korean Ground Beef with Napa Cabbage Slaw is a meal that proves you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy bold and satisfying flavors. Combining the deep umami taste of seasoned beef with the refreshing crunch of cabbage slaw creates a well-balanced dish that’s as delicious as it is nourishing.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, an easy meal prep option, or a new way to enjoy Korean-inspired flavors, this dish is a fantastic choice. Plus, with so many serving options and ways to customize it, you can enjoy it in different ways throughout the week without getting bored.
So why not give it a try tonight? With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this Korean-inspired dish might just become a new favorite in your recipe collection!