Korean Ground Beef Bowl

This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a quick, satisfying, and flavor-packed dish you can whip up in under 30 minutes. Sweet, savory, and a little spicy, it’s made with lean ground beef, garlic, ginger, and a simple Korean-style sauce that’s bursting with umami. Served over warm rice and topped with fresh vegetables, it’s the perfect weeknight meal that’s as easy as it is delicious.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
30-Minute Meal – Quick, simple, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Big Flavor – Gochujang, garlic, and soy bring classic Korean flavor to your table.
Budget-Friendly – Made with ground beef and pantry staples.
Customizable – Easily switch up the protein or toppings.
Meal Prep Ready – Stays fresh in the fridge and reheats beautifully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Ground Beef:

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 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
• 2 green onions, chopped (white and green parts separated)
• 1 tsp sesame seeds

For Serving:

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

Tools You’ll Need
Large skillet or wok
Mixing spoon or spatula
Rice cooker or saucepan
Cutting board and knife

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, gochujang, rice vinegar, and black pepper.
2. Stir well and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

1. Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon (about 5–6 minutes).
3. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Add Garlic, Ginger, and Sauce

1. Stir in garlic, ginger, and the white part of the green onions.
2. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Pour in the sauce and stir to coat the beef.
4. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

1. Spoon hot cooked rice into serving bowls.
2. Top with a generous portion of the Korean-style beef.
3. Add fresh vegetables—carrots, cucumbers, and steamed greens.
4. Top with a fried egg, if using.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

1. Sprinkle with green onion tops and sesame seeds.
2. Serve warm with your favorite condiments or a side of kimchi.

Tips for the Best Korean Beef Bowls
Use Lean Ground Beef – Reduces grease without sacrificing flavor.
Adjust the Spice – Add more gochujang or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Meal Prep – Double the beef mixture and store with rice and veggies for quick lunches.
Balance the Bowl – Sweet, savory, crunchy, and creamy elements make it perfect.

Serving Suggestions
Kimchi – Classic fermented side that adds bold flavor.
Pickled Radish – Bright and tangy contrast.
Miso Soup – Light and warming to complete the meal.
Seaweed Salad – Adds freshness and texture.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store the beef and rice in separate containers for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Beef can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Reheat the beef in a skillet over medium heat until warm.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken works great and is a leaner alternative.

2. What is gochujang, and can I skip it?
Gochujang is a Korean fermented chili paste. If you don’t have it, use red pepper flakes or sriracha for heat.

3. Is this dish spicy?
Mild to medium depending on how much gochujang or chili flakes you use.

4. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Use crumbled tofu or a plant-based ground meat substitute.

5. What kind of rice should I use?
White jasmine rice, short-grain rice, or brown rice all work well.

Final Thoughts
This Korean Ground Beef Bowl brings together bold flavors and simple ingredients for a dish that’s easy to love. With sweet, spicy, and savory notes in every bite, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or make-ahead lunches. Customize it with your favorite toppings and enjoy a flavorful bowl that feels like Korean takeout—without the wait.

Try it and let me know how yours turns out! Snap a photo and tag your bowl—I’d love to see your delicious twist.

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

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – based on 4 servings):
Calories: 435 | Protein: 25g | Carbohydrates: 35g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 640mg

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