Craving something quick, flavorful, and satisfying? A Korean Ground Beef Bowl is your answer. Packed with bold, savory flavors, this dish is a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and umami goodness served over fluffy rice. Best of all, it’s ready in just about 20 minutes, making it a go-to for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This dish takes the complex flavors of Korean cuisine and simplifies them into an easy-to-make meal. It’s budget-friendly, versatile, and kid-approved. You can serve it as-is or jazz it up with your favorite toppings to create a meal that feels both comforting and exciting.
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Soy sauce
- Brown sugar
- Sesame oil
- Garlic, minced
- Ginger, grated
- Red pepper flakes
- Green onions, chopped
- Cooked rice
Full ingredient list and measurements can be found below.
Directions
Cook the Ground Beef
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess fat, if needed, but leave a little for flavor.
Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Pour the sauce over the cooked beef and stir to coat evenly. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Prepare the Rice
While the beef cooks, prepare your rice according to package instructions. Steamed jasmine or short-grain rice works best for this dish, but any rice you love will do.
Assemble the Bowl
Spoon the cooked rice into bowls and top with the flavorful beef mixture. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a finishing touch.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to avoid having to drain too much fat.
- Add Veggies: Toss in some shredded carrots, sliced bell peppers, or spinach for extra color and nutrition.
- Prep Ahead: Make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a faster meal.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Chicken or Turkey: Substitute ground chicken or turkey for the beef to lighten up the dish.
- Cauliflower Rice: Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Sweet and Spicy: Add a splash of gochujang (Korean chili paste) for an authentic kick of heat.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve your Korean Ground Beef Bowl with a side of kimchi for a tangy kick, or pair it with a fresh cucumber salad to balance the richness. For an added crunch, top with chopped roasted peanuts or crispy fried onions.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. If the beef looks dry, add a splash of soy sauce or water while reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground pork instead of beef?
Yes, ground pork works wonderfully and brings a slightly different flavor to the dish.
2. Is there a substitute for sesame oil?
You can use olive oil, but sesame oil adds an authentic nutty flavor that’s worth including if possible.
3. Can I freeze this dish?
The beef mixture freezes well! Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
4. What rice is best for this recipe?
Jasmine or short-grain rice complements the flavors best, but brown rice or quinoa are great healthier alternatives.
Conclusion
Korean Ground Beef Bowls are proof that a simple recipe can deliver incredible flavor. It’s a fuss-free meal that satisfies cravings for something hearty and flavorful without hours in the kitchen. Give this a try, and it just might become your new weeknight favorite!
Print
Korean Ground Beef Bowl
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a quick and flavorful dish with savory, sweet, and spicy flavors. Ground beef is cooked with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and brown sugar, then served over rice and topped with green onions and a fried egg for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 2 large eggs (fried, for topping)
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the beef, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- While the beef is simmering, cook the rice according to package instructions. In a separate pan, fry the eggs over medium heat until the yolk is cooked to your desired level.
- To assemble, divide the cooked rice into bowls. Spoon the Korean ground beef mixture over the rice and top each bowl with a fried egg. Garnish with chopped green onions.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a drizzle of sriracha or gochujang (Korean chili paste) on top.
- You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- This dish is great with some sautéed vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
What’s the rice vinegar for?