Korean Ground Beef Bowl

Quick, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, this Korean Ground Beef Bowl is the perfect weeknight dinner made in under 30 minutes. It’s got the savory-sweet-umami magic of Korean BBQ, tender ground beef, fluffy rice, and a sprinkle of fresh garnishes for crunch and contrast. Made with pantry staples and customizable to your taste, this dish brings bold Korean-inspired flavor to your table—fast.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ready in 30 Minutes – Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
Bold Korean Flavor – Sweet, salty, garlicky, and just a touch spicy.
One-Pan Simplicity – Easy to make and clean up.
Family Favorite – Kid-friendly and loved by picky eaters.
Customizable – Swap proteins, adjust spice, or add veggies your way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Ground Beef:

• 1 lb lean ground beef (or ground chicken/turkey)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar (or honey)
• 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste) or ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 green onion, finely chopped (white and green parts separated)
• 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds

For Serving:

• 3 cups cooked white or brown rice
• Julienned carrots
• Sliced cucumbers
• Steamed or sautéed spinach
• Fried or soft-boiled egg (optional)
• Extra sesame seeds and green onions

Tools You’ll Need
Large skillet
Mixing spoon or spatula
Grater or microplane
Cutting board and knife
Rice cooker or saucepan (for rice)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, gochujang (or red pepper flakes), rice vinegar, and black pepper.
2. Stir well until sugar dissolves and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Break up the meat with a spatula as it cooks.

Step 3: Add Garlic, Ginger, and Sauce

1. Stir in minced garlic, grated ginger, and the white part of the chopped green onion.
2. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir to coat the beef evenly.
4. Reduce heat and let simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

1. Scoop rice into serving bowls.
2. Top with the Korean-style ground beef mixture.
3. Add fresh veggies like julienned carrots, cucumbers, and sautéed spinach.
4. Top with a fried or soft-boiled egg if using.
5. Sprinkle with green onion tops and sesame seeds for garnish.

Tips for the Best Korean Beef Bowls
Use Lean Ground Beef – Keeps the dish flavorful without excess grease.
Balance the Sweet & Heat – Adjust sugar and spice to your liking.
Make It a Bowl Bar – Let everyone customize their own toppings.
Meal Prep Friendly – Make ahead and store for grab-and-go lunches.

Serving Suggestions
Kimchi – Classic Korean fermented cabbage for tang and heat.
Pickled Radish – Adds brightness and crunch.
Miso Soup – A warm and comforting side.
Seaweed Salad – Light and packed with umami.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store beef and rice separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze the beef for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Reheat the beef over medium heat until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Use crumbled tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based meat substitute instead of beef.

2. What is gochujang, and do I need it?
Gochujang is a Korean fermented chili paste that adds sweet and spicy depth. If you don’t have it, use red pepper flakes or sriracha for heat.

3. Is this dish spicy?
Mild to medium. You control the heat by adjusting the gochujang or chili flakes.

4. Can I use a different grain?
Absolutely. Try quinoa, cauliflower rice, or soba noodles for a fun twist.

5. What vegetables work best?
Carrots, cucumbers, spinach, shredded cabbage, zucchini, or edamame all pair beautifully.

Final Thoughts
This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a fast and flavorful dish that brings big taste with little effort. It’s versatile, nutritious, and totally satisfying—perfect for a weeknight win or easy meal prep. With its sweet-savory-spicy flavor profile and fresh toppings, it’s bound to become a regular on your dinner rotation.

Give it a try and let me know what you think! Share your version online and tag it—I’d love to see how you make it your own!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: Korean-Inspired

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – based on 4 servings):
Calories: 430 | Protein: 26g | Carbohydrates: 34g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 680mg

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