Sometimes, after a long day, you just want dinner to feel like a warm hug. This high protein Korean beef recipe delivers that exact comfort—without leaving you drained or overwhelmed. The mix of savory soy, toasted sesame, and a hint of sweetness creates a flavor that’s both familiar and exciting. It’s one of those dishes that quietly steals the show at the dinner table, even if you’re only feeding yourself.

One evening, I remember juggling a million things—half-distracted by a buzzing phone and the faint scent of something burning in the oven (I swear it was just a false alarm). In that chaos, I started this Korean beef, stirring the sauce until it smelled just right. The sizzle when the beef hit the pan made me pause, and for a moment, I actually focused. By the time it was done, the kitchen was filled with this cozy aroma that made all the stress fade, even if only for a little while. I didn’t get to eat it perfectly plated—more like a quick scoop into a bowl—but it was exactly what I needed.

Here’s why this recipe is worth keeping in your back pocket:

Quick prep and cook time make it doable on busy evenings.
Uses lean ground beef, so it’s filling without feeling heavy.
The sauce has a nice balance—it’s slightly sweet but not overpowering, with just a touch of heat.
It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No fuss, just flavor.
Great as a main or tossed into noodles, rice bowls, or even wraps for variety.

Don’t worry if you’re new to Korean flavors or cooking with ground beef this way; it’s pretty forgiving. You’ll get the hang of the balance with a few tries, and it’s worth it.

High Protein Korean Beef

Print Recipe

A flavorful and high-protein Korean beef recipe made with lean ground beef, marinated in a savory and slightly sweet sauce, perfect for a nutritious and satisfying meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound lean ground beef (at least 90% lean)
3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons brown sugar
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
1/2 cup diced onion
1/4 cup water

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Instructions

In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well to create the marinade.
Add the lean ground beef to the marinade and mix thoroughly until the beef is evenly coated. Let it marinate for 5 minutes at room temperature.
Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Add the marinated ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Break the beef apart with a spatula and cook for 6-8 minutes until fully browned and cooked through.
Pour in 1/4 cup of water to the skillet and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
Remove from heat and stir in the chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
Serve the high protein Korean beef hot, garnished with additional green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

About kitchen stuff: You don’t need anything fancy here—a skillet or frying pan works perfectly. I usually serve this with steamed rice or sometimes mixed into a quick veggie stir-fry. If you want to mix things up, I’ve tried swapping out ground beef for turkey or chicken—though the flavor shifts a bit—and sometimes add shredded carrots or mushrooms for a veggie boost. Not sure how those will turn out every time, but it’s fun to experiment.

FAQ: How spicy is this? The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle kick, but you can always dial it back or up depending on your mood. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for a few days and reheat nicely—just watch that the sauce doesn’t dry out too much. You can double the recipe if you want extra for lunches, but I usually stick to the original portion.

Ready to make something that feels like a little reward after a busy day? Scroll down, save this recipe, and get cooking—your future self will thank you.