Korean Ground Beef Bowls
Korean Ground Beef Bowls are a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal combining tender ground beef seasoned with savory and slightly sweet sauces, served over fluffy rice with fresh vegetables and garnishes. Ready in under 30 minutes, this easy Korean-inspired dish balances protein, carbs, and veggies, perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 3 cups cooked rice (jasmine, sticky white, or preferred variety)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Prep Ingredients: Finely mince the garlic and grate fresh ginger. Thinly slice the green onions. Measure out the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and have cooked rice ready for serving.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Finish with Sesame Oil and Green Onions: Remove the skillet from heat. Drizzle the sesame oil over the beef mixture and toss in the sliced green onions. Stir quickly to combine and finish the dish with fresh flavor.
- Assemble the Bowls: Spoon warm cooked rice into bowls and top generously with the Korean ground beef mixture. Add any extra desired garnishes such as toasted sesame seeds or fresh herbs like cilantro or basil.
Notes
- Use fresh ginger and garlic for the best flavor depth.
- Properly brown the beef to develop a rich, caramelized taste.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar to balance sweet and savory according to your preference.
- Don’t skip sesame oil; its nutty aroma is essential to authentic Korean flavor.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
- Add red pepper flakes gradually to control the spice level.
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, adjusting cook time accordingly.
- For a vegetarian version, use crumbled tofu or tempeh instead of beef.
- Use gluten-free tamari as a soy sauce substitute to make this recipe gluten-free.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Korean ground beef, quick dinner, weeknight meal, easy recipe, Korean inspired, beef bowl, healthy bowl, family-friendly, gluten free