This Korean Ground Beef over Wilted Napa Slaw is a savory and flavorful dish that combines tender, seasoned ground beef with a light and refreshing slaw. The ground beef is cooked with garlic, ginger, brown sugar, soy sauce, and sriracha, giving it a slightly sweet and spicy kick. The wilted napa slaw provides a crisp contrast, making this dish both satisfying and easy to prepare. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that’s packed with flavor and a touch of Asian-inspired flair.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Ground Beef:

• 1 pound lean ground beef

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced

• ½ cup brown sugar

• ¼ cup lite soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon sriracha

• 2 green onions (only the green parts)

For the Wilted Slaw:

• 6 cups napa cabbage, sliced

• 2 carrots, grated

• 2 green onions, diced (from tip to tail, excluding the root)

• 2 teaspoons sesame oil

• 1 teaspoon canola oil

Directions

1. Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Brown the meat, breaking it apart as it cooks.

2. Add Sauces and Simmer: Drain 75% of the fat from the pan, then add the brown sugar, soy sauce, and sriracha. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the meat becomes shiny but not soupy.

3. Garnish: Top the beef with green onions, toss everything together, and set aside.

4. Wilt the Slaw: In the same pan, add napa cabbage, grated carrots, sesame oil, and canola oil. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the cabbage wilts and the water has evaporated.

5. Serve: Plate the wilted slaw and top with the Korean ground beef mixture. Serve hot.

Nutrients

Per Serving (Approx.)

• Calories: 350 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 22g

• Protein: 30g

• Fat: 20g

• Saturated Fat: 5g

• Sodium: 550mg

• Potassium: 600mg

• Fiber: 4g

• Sugar: 14g

• Vitamin A: 2500 IU

• Vitamin C: 40mg

• Calcium: 80mg

• Iron: 3mg

The Perfect Harmony of Flavors

One of the standout features of Korean Ground Beef over Wilted Napa Slaw is the incredible flavor profile. The ground beef is cooked in a flavorful base of sesame oil, garlic, and ginger, which infuses the meat with aromatic depth. Brown sugar is added to provide a touch of sweetness that complements the savory soy sauce and spicy sriracha. This combination of sweet and savory is the hallmark of many Korean dishes, where umami and heat work together in perfect harmony.

The sriracha adds just the right amount of heat, creating a subtle spicy kick without overpowering the other flavors. As the beef simmers in the sauce, the liquid is absorbed, allowing the meat to take on a shiny, flavorful coating that’s irresistible. The green onions add a touch of brightness and freshness to the dish, bringing a final layer of flavor that ties everything together.

The wilted napa slaw, on the other hand, provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory ground beef. As the napa cabbage wilts in the pan, it softens slightly while retaining its crispness, giving it the perfect texture to complement the tender beef. The grated carrots bring a touch of sweetness and color to the slaw, balancing the savory richness of the meat.

Quick and Easy Preparation

Korean Ground Beef over Wilted Napa Slaw is an incredibly easy dish to prepare, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. The entire dish comes together in under 30 minutes, allowing you to enjoy a delicious, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

The ground beef is cooked first with garlic and ginger, then simmered with brown sugar, soy sauce, and sriracha, creating a flavorful and aromatic meat mixture. Meanwhile, the napa cabbage and carrots are quickly sautéed in a bit of sesame and canola oil, allowing them to wilt while retaining their crunch. The combination of these two components results in a satisfying and balanced dish that’s both hearty and light.

Since this dish is made in just one pan, cleanup is also a breeze, making it even more appealing for those looking for quick and simple meal ideas. The dish can also be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a day or two, making it an excellent option for meal prep.

Health Benefits of the Ingredients

Korean Ground Beef over Wilted Napa Slaw is not only flavorful but also packed with nutrients. The ground beef provides a solid source of protein, with approximately 30 grams per serving, making it a filling and satisfying main course. Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair, and it helps keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer.

The napa cabbage, which forms the base of the slaw, is a great source of vitamins and minerals. It’s rich in vitamin C, which supports immune function and promotes healthy skin. Napa cabbage also contains fiber, which aids in digestion and supports gut health. The grated carrots add additional fiber and are a good source of vitamin A, which is important for eye health and immune support.

The sesame oil used in both the ground beef and the slaw is high in healthy fats, including monounsaturated fats, which can help support heart health. Additionally, the use of low-sodium soy sauce helps to keep the dish balanced in terms of sodium content, ensuring that the flavors are rich without being overly salty.

Customizing the Dish

While this dish is already incredibly flavorful on its own, it offers plenty of room for customization based on your preferences. For those who like more heat, feel free to increase the amount of sriracha or add other chili-based sauces to the ground beef mixture. You can also experiment with different types of cabbage, such as green cabbage or purple cabbage, for a slightly different flavor or texture in the slaw.

If you prefer a more substantial meal, you can add additional vegetables to the slaw, such as sliced bell peppers or radishes, for added crunch and flavor. For those who want to add more protein, try mixing in some cooked tofu or tempeh to the ground beef mixture, or add extra greens to the slaw for more variety.

For a gluten-free version of the dish, simply swap out the soy sauce for tamari, which is a gluten-free alternative that provides the same savory, umami flavor. You can also adjust the sweetness of the dish by using less brown sugar or replacing it with a sugar alternative, such as maple syrup or coconut sugar.

Serving Suggestions

Korean Ground Beef over Wilted Napa Slaw is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. It’s perfect as a stand-alone meal, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve it over a bed of steamed rice or quinoa to create a more filling meal. The mild flavor of the rice complements the bold flavors of the beef and slaw, creating a balanced and satisfying dish.

For a low-carb option, serve the ground beef and slaw with lettuce wraps or alongside roasted vegetables. The crunchy, fresh lettuce acts as a perfect vessel for the savory beef, allowing you to enjoy the dish in a lighter form.

To round out the meal, consider serving a side of kimchi or pickled vegetables for an added burst of flavor and to introduce a fermented element that complements the dish. The tanginess of the kimchi pairs perfectly with the savory beef and the fresh slaw, enhancing the overall experience.

Nutritional Information

Korean Ground Beef over Wilted Napa Slaw is a nutrient-dense dish that provides a balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, making it a satisfying meal that won’t leave you feeling overly stuffed. The 30 grams of protein per serving help to support muscle health, while the 4 grams of fiber promote digestive health and help keep you feeling full. The dish also contains a good amount of potassium (600mg), which is important for heart health and proper muscle function.

With only 5 grams of saturated fat and a reasonable amount of sodium (550mg), this dish is a healthy choice that doesn’t skimp on flavor. It’s a great option for anyone looking to enjoy a balanced, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and full of nourishing ingredients.

Conclusion: A Delicious and Healthy Meal

Korean Ground Beef over Wilted Napa Slaw is the perfect combination of savory, spicy, and fresh. The tender, flavorful ground beef paired with the crisp, lightly wilted napa slaw creates a satisfying dish that’s full of umami and just the right amount of heat. With a quick cooking time, simple ingredients, and customizable options, this dish is an excellent choice for busy weeknights or a healthy, flavorful dinner that the whole family will love. Whether served with rice, in lettuce wraps, or alongside roasted vegetables, this dish offers endless possibilities and is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.