Name: Korean Ground Beef Bowl
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ginger, grated; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 2 tablespoons water; 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown); Sliced green onions, sesame seeds, sriracha sauce, kimchi, fried egg (optional toppings)

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Ever crave a meal that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor? Look no further than this easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl recipe! Imagine tender ground beef simmered in a savory-sweet sauce, served over fluffy rice and topped with your favorite goodies. It’s a quick and satisfying dish, perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a delicious meal in a flash. Inspired by the vibrant flavors of Korean cuisine, this bowl is sure to become a new favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Korean Ground Beef Bowl

This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is more than just a meal; it’s an experience! Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore it:

Ready in Under 30 Minutes: Perfect for those busy weeknights.
Savory-Sweet Flavor Explosion: The sauce is an irresistible blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like green onions, sesame seeds, or a fried egg.
One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup required!
Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the sweet and savory taste.
Healthy & Balanced: Packed with protein and customizable with your choice of rice and toppings.

The aroma that fills your kitchen as this dish simmers is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s simple enough for even beginner cooks to master!

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious Korean Ground Beef Bowl. Let’s gather our ingredients:

Ground Beef: 1 pound (450g)
Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons (30ml)
Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml) – Adds a nutty aroma.
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced (about 6g) – Use fresh for the best flavor.
Ginger: 1 teaspoon, grated (about 2g) – Adds a warm, spicy note.
Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup (50g) – Light or dark, depending on your preference.
Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (0.5g) – Optional, for a little heat.
Water: 2 tablespoons (30ml)
Cooked Rice: 2 cups (400g) – White or brown rice works perfectly.

Toppings (Optional):

Sliced Green Onions
Sesame Seeds
Sriracha Sauce
Kimchi
Fried Egg

For the best results, choose high-quality ground beef and fresh aromatics. Lightly toasting your sesame seeds will enhance their nutty flavor! Remember, fresh ingredients always elevate the dish. You might also love: Mediterranean Chickpea Feta Salad – A light and refreshing pairing for your Korean Beef Bowl!

Essential Equipment List

Having the right tools makes cooking a breeze. Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:

Large Skillet: For browning the ground beef and simmering the sauce evenly.
Measuring Spoons and Cups: Ensuring accurate measurements is key to a perfectly balanced sauce.
Rice Cooker or Pot for Rice: Cook your rice to fluffy perfection.
Bowls for Serving: For assembling your delicious bowls.

A good quality skillet will distribute heat evenly, preventing hot spots and ensuring your ground beef browns perfectly. And while a rice cooker is convenient, a pot works just as well!

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy

Scale up for a family gathering, or easily halve the recipe for a quick solo meal.

Korean ground beef bowl with sesame seeds.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own amazing Korean Ground Beef Bowl!

Prepare the Beef

In a large skillet, brown the 1 pound of ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks.
Once the beef is fully browned, drain any excess grease. This step is crucial for preventing a greasy final dish.

Add Flavor to Ground Beef

Add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of grated ginger, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet.
Stir well to combine all the ingredients with the ground beef. Make sure the brown sugar is evenly distributed to prevent clumping.

Simmer the Mixture

Add 2 tablespoons of water to the skillet. This helps create a luscious sauce.
Let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and coats the beef nicely. Adjust heat as needed to prevent burning.

Prepare the Rice

While the beef is simmering, cook 2 cups of rice according to package directions. If you already have cooked rice, fluff it with a fork.
Make sure your rice is cooked perfectly. Grains should be tender but not mushy.

Assemble the Bowls

Divide the cooked rice evenly between bowls.
Top with the Korean ground beef mixture. Be generous with the beef – it’s the star of the show!

Add Toppings

Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, sriracha sauce, kimchi, and a fried egg, if desired.
The toppings are where you can really personalize your bowl!

Serve Immediately

Serve your delicious Korean Ground Beef Bowl immediately and enjoy!
Dig in while it’s hot and flavorful.

If the sauce becomes too thick, simply add a tablespoon of water at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Check out: Thai Peanut Noodle Salad– Another great one-bowl meal!

Tips for Success

Mastering this Korean Ground Beef Bowl is easy with these handy tips:

Don’t Overcook the Beef: Overcooked beef can become dry and tough. Cook until browned but still tender.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce while it simmers and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Add more soy sauce for saltiness, brown sugar for sweetness, or red pepper flakes for heat.
Use Fresh Garlic and Ginger: Fresh aromatics make a huge difference in flavor.
Toast Sesame Seeds: Toasting sesame seeds in a dry pan for a few minutes enhances their nutty flavor.
Don’t Skip the Sesame Oil: Sesame oil adds a distinct and essential flavor to the dish.

A microplane is perfect for grating ginger quickly and easily. Pre-measuring your ingredients can also save time and ensure accuracy!

Variations & Substitutions

Get creative with your Korean Ground Beef Bowl! Here are a few ideas:

Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite chili sauce.
Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with crumbled tofu or plant-based ground.
Different Rice: Try quinoa, barley, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Extra Veggies: Add chopped bell peppers, carrots, or spinach to the skillet while the beef is simmering.

Honey can be used as a substitute for brown sugar, but keep in mind it’s slightly sweeter. For a gluten-free version, ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free!

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Korean Ground Beef Bowl

Complete your meal with these delicious pairings:

Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette.
Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, or edamame.
Kimchi: Adds a spicy and tangy kick.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks: Iced tea or sparkling water with a lemon wedge.

This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering. Stack the bowls high and drizzle the sriracha sauce artfully for an impressive presentation!

Health Benefits

This Korean Ground Beef Bowl isn’t just tasty – it’s good for you too!

Protein: Ground beef provides essential protein for muscle building and repair.
Carbohydrates: Rice is a great source of energy.
Vitamins & Minerals: Toppings like green onions and kimchi add valuable vitamins and minerals.

Fiber from the rice aids digestion, while protein keeps you feeling full and satisfied. One serving of this bowl can be a balanced and nutritious meal!

Storage & Reheating

Maximize the life of your delicious creation with these tips:

Storage: Store leftover beef and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat the beef in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Reheat the rice separately to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooked beef in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Cool the beef and rice completely before storing to prevent spoilage. Reheating in the oven helps maintain the texture of the beef!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double this recipe to serve a larger crowd. Just be sure to use a large enough skillet to accommodate all the ingredients, and you may need to increase the cooking time slightly.

How do I avoid soggy rice?

To avoid soggy rice, make sure to cook it according to the package directions. If using pre-cooked rice, fluff it with a fork before adding it to the bowls. Do not add the rice to the skillet with the beef.

Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground plant-based meat. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

What if I don’t have brown sugar?

If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use white sugar or honey as a substitute. Honey is slightly sweeter than brown sugar, so use a little less.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like chopped bell peppers, carrots, or spinach to the skillet while the beef is simmering. This will add more nutrients and flavor to the dish.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe can be gluten-free if you use a gluten-free soy sauce. Be sure to check the label to ensure it is certified gluten-free.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 450
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fat: 20g

Exact stats need a nutrition calculator. Carbs: 40g from wholesome grains.

More Delicious Dishes to Explore: Bowl Edition!

Craving more easy and flavorful bowl recipes? Check out these gems!

Thai Peanut Noodle Salad – A vibrant and flavorful salad with a creamy peanut dressing.
Mediterranean Chickpea Feta Salad – A refreshing and healthy salad with a tangy lemon vinaigrette.
Slow Cooker Taco Chicken and Rice – A hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a crowd.

Conclusion

This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is fast, flavorful, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Whip it up tonight—tag us with your masterpiece! Share this recipe with your friends and family who would love it! Join our vibrant community on Facebook and Pinterest for daily recipe inspiration, cooking tips, and more tasty ideas! Let us know how it goes—comment below! Happy cooking!

Korean Ground Beef Bowl