A flavorful and protein-packed Korean beef fried rice made with lean ground beef, vegetables, and a savory gochujang sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
4 cups cooked jasmine rice, preferably day-old and chilled
3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 large eggs
3 green onions, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the lean ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
Stir in the shredded carrots and thawed peas. Cook for another 2 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.
Push the beef and vegetable mixture to one side of the skillet. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the empty side of the skillet.
Crack the eggs into the oil and scramble them until just set, about 1-2 minutes.
Mix the scrambled eggs into the beef and vegetables.
Add the chilled cooked rice to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
In a small bowl, whisk together the gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper.
Pour the sauce over the rice mixture and stir thoroughly to coat all the rice and beef evenly.
Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the rice is heated through and slightly crispy on the bottom.
Remove from heat and stir in the sliced green onions.
Transfer to serving plates and garnish with toasted sesame seeds before serving.