Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe
This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a quick and flavorful dish featuring lean ground beef cooked in a savory and slightly sweet sauce with garlic, ginger, and a hint of chili. Served over rice and topped with fresh vegetables and sesame seeds, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that combines simplicity with authentic Korean flavors.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (lean)
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (or 1/2 tsp ground ginger)
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower)
Optional Toppings
- Green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds
- Shredded carrots
- Cucumber slices
- Prepare Ingredients: Mince the garlic and ginger if using fresh. Cook your rice ahead of time or use leftover rice to save time.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the sesame oil and then the ground beef. Cook, stirring to break the meat apart until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Flavorings: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic, ginger, brown sugar, soy sauce, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine all flavors and simmer for another 3-5 minutes to let the sauce thicken and coat the beef.
- Assemble Bowls: Spoon the cooked rice evenly into serving bowls. Top with the Korean ground beef mixture.
- Add Toppings: Garnish with optional toppings such as sliced green onions, sesame seeds, shredded carrots, and cucumber slices for added freshness and texture.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to keep the dish lighter and reduce excess grease.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level according to your preference.
- Cauliflower rice is a great low-carb alternative to traditional rice if desired.
- For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Leftover beef mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated.
Keywords: Korean ground beef bowl, quick Korean recipe, easy weeknight meal, beef and rice bowl, Korean beef stir fry