Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl

Craving a delicious, savory meal that comes together in a flash? Look no further than this incredibly easy Korean ground beef bowl. This recipe delivers big on flavor with minimal effort, making it the perfect choice for busy weeknights. You will love how quickly you can whip up these flavorful Korean ground beef bowls using simple ingredients you likely already have. It is a hearty, satisfying dish that the whole family will adore, proving that incredible meals do not always require hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Korean Ground Beef Bowl

This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a true lifesaver when you need a quick and satisfying meal. Sarah’s mission is to make baking simple, and this recipe extends that philosophy to cooking too, focusing on beginner-friendly, time-saving dishes. Here are a few reasons why this dish will become a staple in your home:

• Lightning Fast: Prepare and cook this entire meal in just about 20 minutes, perfect for those hectic evenings.
• Simple Ingredients: You only need common pantry staples and fresh ground beef to make this flavorful dish.
• Irresistible Flavor: Enjoy a rich, savory, and slightly sweet profile with hints of garlic and ginger, creating a truly comforting bowl.
• Family-Friendly: Easily customize the spice level and toppings, making this Korean ground beef bowl a hit with everyone at the table.
• Easy Cleanup: Most of the cooking happens in one skillet, which means less washing up after dinner.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients for this easy Korean ground beef bowl recipe. You likely have most of them on hand already! This combination creates the signature sweet and savory flavor that makes this dish so popular.

• 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 cups hot cooked white or brown rice (for serving)
• Sliced green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish)

Notes & Substitutions

Selecting the right ingredients ensures the best flavor and texture for your meal. Remember, cooking should be adaptable and fun.

• Ground Beef: Use 90% lean ground beef for the best results. It provides enough fat for flavor without making the dish greasy. If you only have higher fat content beef, simply drain off more grease after browning.
• Ginger: Freshly minced ginger offers a brighter, more pungent flavor. If you have it, use about 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger instead of ground ginger for your Korean ground beef bowl.
• Soy Sauce: Reduced-sodium soy sauce helps control the saltiness. Feel free to use tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative.
• Other Proteins: Ground chicken or turkey work wonderfully as leaner substitutes. You can also try thinly sliced beef or pork.
• Rice: White rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice are all excellent choices for the base. Quinoa or cauliflower rice offer low-carb alternatives.

Equipment

You won’t need many special tools to create this fantastic meal. These essential kitchen items make preparing your Korean ground beef bowl a breeze.

• Large skillet (10-12 inch)
• Small mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or wooden spoon for browning beef
• Sharp knife and cutting board (for garnishes)
• Optional: Rice cooker (for perfectly fluffy rice)

Instructions

Follow these straightforward steps to whip up this incredible Korean ground beef bowl in no time. Making delicious food simple is our goal, and these instructions are designed for beginners.

1. Brown the Beef: First, heat your large skillet over medium heat. Add the lean ground beef and the minced garlic to the pan. Use your spatula or wooden spoon to break the beef into small crumbles as it cooks. Stir frequently until the ground beef is completely browned and no longer pink. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
2. Drain the Grease: Once the beef is cooked through, carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet. You can tilt the pan and use a spoon to scoop out the fat, or transfer the beef to a colander lined with paper towels to absorb the fat, then return it to the skillet.
3. Whisk the Sauce: While the beef is cooking, prepare your flavorful sauce. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, reduced-sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, ground ginger, crushed red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Whisk all these ingredients together until the brown sugar is fully dissolved and the sauce is well combined. The sauce truly defines a great Korean ground beef bowl.
4. Simmer with Sauce: Pour the whisked sauce mixture directly over the cooked and drained ground beef in the skillet. Stir gently to coat all the beef evenly with the sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer on medium-low heat for just 1-2 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly and become glossy, clinging beautifully to the beef. Avoid over-simmering, as the sauce can reduce too much.
5. Serve Immediately: Remove the skillet from the heat. Spoon the hot Korean ground beef bowl mixture generously over bowls of freshly cooked white, brown, or jasmine rice.
6. Garnish: Finish each serving with a sprinkle of freshly sliced green onions and a dash of sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal. This enhances the vibrant flavor of your Korean ground beef bowl. Enjoy your homemade meal right away!

Pro Tips for Success

Achieving perfect results with your Korean ground beef bowl is easy with these simple tips. Even experienced cooks can benefit from these pointers.

• Cook Beef Thoroughly: Always ensure your ground beef reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for food safety. Break it into small crumbles for even cooking. For important food safety guidelines, the USDA provides comprehensive information on safe cooking temperatures for ground beef.
• Don’t Over-Simmer: The sauce only needs a minute or two to thicken and meld flavors. Over-simmering can make it too sticky and reduce its glossy appeal.
• Adjust Spice: The crushed red pepper flakes add a mild kick. For more heat, increase the amount or add a dollop of gochujang. For milder bowls, simply omit them.
• Balance Flavors: Taste the sauce before adding it to the beef. Adjust brown sugar for sweetness or soy sauce for saltiness, finding your perfect sweet-and-savory balance.
• Fresh Aromatics: Freshly minced garlic and grated ginger (if using) make a significant difference in the overall freshness and depth of your Korean ground beef bowl.

Serving & Storage

This versatile Korean ground beef bowl is fantastic for busy weeknights and meal prepping. Here is how to make the most of your delicious creation.

Serve your delicious Korean ground beef bowl hot over a bed of white, brown, or fragrant jasmine rice. Enhance your bowl with popular toppings like a fried egg, a drizzle of sriracha, a spoonful of kimchi, or quick pickled cucumbers. For extra nutrition, add steamed broccoli florets or shredded carrots alongside the beef mixture.

Enjoying your Korean ground beef bowl leftovers is easy. Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm the beef mixture in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. For best results, keep the rice and beef separate until serving. This recipe is also fantastic for meal prep. Cook a large batch of the beef and rice, then portion them into individual containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Variations

This adaptable Korean ground beef bowl offers many possibilities to suit your taste and dietary needs. Experiment with these simple changes.

• Protein Swaps: Easily swap ground beef for ground chicken, turkey, or even crumbled firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Vegetable Boost: Stir in finely diced bell peppers, shredded cabbage, spinach, or frozen peas during the last few minutes of simmering for added nutrients.
• Spice Level: Kick up the heat by adding a teaspoon of Korean gochujang (chili paste) to the sauce, or reduce the red pepper flakes for a milder flavor. To further explore this versatile ingredient, learn more about Gochujang, a Korean hot chili paste.
• Sauce Enhancements: For a deeper umami flavor, add 1 tablespoon of mirin (sweet rice wine) or a splash of rice vinegar to the sauce mixture.

Nutrition Information

This estimated nutrition information is per serving for the Korean Ground Beef Bowl, based on 4 servings of the beef mixture only. It does not include rice or additional toppings.

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimates and will vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Got questions about making your delicious Korean ground beef bowl? Here are some common inquiries.

• What kind of rice is best? White rice, like Jasmine or Basmati, is traditional and pairs well, but brown rice offers a healthier, nuttier alternative. Simply choose your favorite for the perfect base.
• Can I prepare this ahead of time? Absolutely! You can cook the beef mixture entirely, store it in the fridge, and reheat it when ready. Cook your rice fresh for the best texture.
• How do I make it spicier or milder? For more heat, add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of gochujang to the sauce. To make it milder, simply omit the red pepper flakes entirely.
• What are good side dishes? Steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, edamame, or shredded carrots complement the bowl wonderfully. A simple cucumber salad also adds a refreshing crunch.
• Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground? Yes, fresh ginger provides a brighter flavor. Use about 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger in place of the ground ginger.

Conclusion

This easy Korean ground beef bowl recipe truly proves that incredibly flavorful meals do not need to be complicated. It offers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and a hint of spice, all ready in under 20 minutes. It is a testament to simple, beginner-friendly cooking that saves you time without sacrificing taste. We encourage you to try this versatile family favorite and experience the joy of a homemade, delicious Korean ground beef bowl. Share your creations and comment below with your favorite toppings or variations!

Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl

This easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl recipe features savory seasoned ground beef served over hot rice. It's a quick and flavorful meal perfect for a weeknight dinner.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef 90% lean
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 cups hot cooked white or brown rice
• sliced green onions for garnish
• sesame seeds for garnish

Equipment

• Large Skillet
• Small Bowl
• Whisk

Method

 

Cooking Steps

1. Cook the ground beef and minced garlic in a large skillet over medium heat until the beef is no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, red pepper flakes, and pepper to create the sauce. Pour this mixture over the cooked ground beef and simmer for 1-2 minutes.
3. Serve the Korean ground beef mixture immediately over hot rice. Garnish with fresh sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, let the beef simmer a bit longer in the sauce to absorb more of the seasonings. Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.