This Korean-Style Ground Beef Ramen is the kind of quick, hearty dinner that feels like pure comfort but takes less than 30 minutes to make. It’s a mashup of two family favorites — the easy Korean ground beef bowl and a ramen stir-fry — that somehow tastes even better than either one on its own.
The first time I made this, it was actually my kid’s idea. I was planning to make Korean beef rice bowls, but they asked if we could try it with ramen instead. I hesitated for a second — then thought, why not? The result was so good it instantly joined our weeknight rotation. The noodles soak up that sweet-salty-savory sauce and turn into something that feels indulgent but still easy enough for a Tuesday night.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something nostalgic about ramen noodles, and this version turns them into a full, satisfying meal. The sauce — a mix of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, sesame oil, and a touch of red pepper — gives you that signature Korean-style balance of sweet and heat.
I love that this recipe uses pantry staples I always have on hand: ground beef, instant ramen, soy sauce, and garlic. It’s also budget-friendly and cooks all in one pan — no fancy ingredients or special techniques required. Just bold flavor, tender noodles, and dinner on the table in under half an hour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything that goes into this Korean-inspired beef ramen:
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1 lb lean ground beef – quick to cook and full of flavor.
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5 cloves garlic, crushed – fresh garlic makes all the difference here.
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1 tbsp freshly grated ginger – adds that warm, zesty background note.
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1 tbsp sesame oil – gives a nutty aroma and depth to the sauce.
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2 ½ cups water – helps cook the noodles right in the sauce.
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½ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce – the base of the umami flavor.
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⅓ cup packed light brown sugar – balances the saltiness and gives that sticky glaze effect.
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¼ tsp crushed red pepper – for a gentle heat (add more if you like it spicy).
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4 (3-ounce) beef ramen noodle packets, seasoning packets divided – use three for flavor, save or discard the last.
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6 green onions, chopped – for a fresh bite at the end.
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1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds – a little crunch and a nutty finish.
How to Make Korean-Style Ground Beef Ramen
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Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles (about 5–7 minutes). Drain any excess grease.
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Build flavor: Add the garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Stir for about 2 minutes until fragrant — this step is what makes your kitchen smell amazing.
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Create the sauce: Stir in water, soy sauce, brown sugar, crushed red pepper, and three ramen seasoning packets. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium.
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Cook the noodles: Break up the ramen noodles and add them to the pan. Stir occasionally as they cook and soak up all that flavorful liquid (about 5–6 minutes).
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Finish and serve: Once the noodles are tender and most of the sauce is absorbed, turn off the heat. Stir in chopped green onions and top with toasted sesame seeds before serving.
This dish is all about timing — the noodles cook fast, so keep an eye on them and don’t walk away.
My Kitchen Tips and Notes
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Use lean ground beef: It keeps the dish flavorful but not greasy.
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Don’t skip the sesame oil: It’s what gives this recipe its signature toasty aroma.
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For extra veggies: Toss in shredded carrots, bell peppers, or baby spinach right at the end. They add color and freshness.
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Leftover hack: Reheat leftovers in a skillet with a splash of water or soy sauce — it brings the noodles back to life.
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Boost the heat: Add gochujang (Korean chili paste) or sriracha if you like a spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is filling enough to serve on its own, but if you’re making it part of a spread, here are some ideas:
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Cucumber salad with sesame and rice vinegar for freshness.
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Kimchi for that classic Korean tang.
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Steamed broccoli or bok choy for a simple green side.
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Fried egg on top — a personal favorite. The runny yolk makes the noodles even richer.
FAQs
Is this ramen recipe spicy?
It has a mild heat from the crushed red pepper, but you can easily adjust the spice level up or down.
Can I use a different protein?
Yes! Ground turkey, pork, or even tofu all work beautifully here.
Do I need to cook the ramen separately?
No — the noodles cook right in the sauce. That’s what makes them so flavorful.
Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best eaten fresh, but leftovers reheat well. Just add a splash of water before reheating to loosen the sauce.
What if I only have chicken ramen packets?
That’s fine — the seasoning flavor changes slightly, but it still works great.
Korean-Style Ground Beef Ramen
Upgrade your instant noodles with this Korean-Style Ground Beef Ramen — a quick, flavor-packed meal that comes together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 5 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2½ cups water
- ½ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
- ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 4 (3-ounce) packages beef-flavored ramen noodles, seasoning packets divided
- 6 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Warm a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula until browned and crumbly, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add garlic, ginger, and sesame oil to the pan with the beef and cook for about 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the water, soy sauce, brown sugar, crushed red pepper, and three of the ramen seasoning packets. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and add the ramen noodles. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 5–6 minutes.
- Spoon the noodles and beef into bowls and top with green onions and toasted sesame seeds for a finishing touch of flavor and crunch. Serve warm and enjoy your quick, Korean-inspired dinner!
Notes
- For extra heat, sprinkle more red pepper flakes or drizzle with sriracha before serving. You can also add shredded carrots or spinach for extra texture and nutrients.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 537Total Fat 22gSaturated Fat 8gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 12gCholesterol 101mgSodium 1764mgCarbohydrates 43gFiber 3gSugar 16gProtein 40g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thought
This Korean-Style Ground Beef Ramen is everything I love in a weeknight dinner: quick, comforting, and full of flavor. It’s the kind of dish that feels special without being complicated — and my family never complains when it’s on the menu.
If you’re craving something cozy but fast, grab a few ramen packets and a pound of beef — this recipe might just become your new favorite too.
