Name: Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Korean-American
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 2 teaspoons sesame oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 2 cups cooked white rice; 2 green onions, sliced; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds; Steamed vegetables (optional)

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If you’re looking for a lightning-fast meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor, the Korean Ground Beef Bowl just might become your new weeknight hero. Picture this: perfectly seasoned beef caramelized with brown sugar and garlic, bathed in a glossy, soy-sesame glaze, and spooned generously over fluffy white rice. Finished with fresh green onion and crunchy sesame seeds, it’s savory, sweet, and a little spicy—all the irresistible tastes of Korean BBQ, ready in just 20 minutes. The Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a dream come true for busy nights and hungry bellies!

Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about the Korean Ground Beef Bowl is how each simple ingredient earns its keep in every bite. Nothing fancy, just everyday staples that come together for a meal that feels totally special.

Lean ground beef: Opt for a lean blend so you get all the flavor without extra grease weighing things down.
Brown sugar: Adds a lovely caramel note and balances the salty soy sauce, giving that classic bulgogi sweetness.
Low-sodium soy sauce: Essential for the rich, deep umami we love—using low-sodium ensures things don’t get too salty.
Sesame oil: Just a splash provides an unmistakable toasty aroma and authentic Korean flair.
Garlic, minced: Three cloves bring heaps of savory, punchy flavor; fresh is always best!
Fresh ginger, grated: Brightens up the dish with a touch of zest and warmth—don’t skip it.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Gives a subtle kick; adjust to your heat preference.
Cooked white rice: The perfect blank canvas, soaking up every drop of the savory sauce.
Green onions, sliced: Sprinkle on top for color and a gentle oniony bite.
Sesame seeds: An easy finishing touch for nuttiness and crunch.
Steamed vegetables (optional): Broccoli or carrots bulk up the bowl with color and extra nutrition.

How to Make Korean Ground Beef Bowl

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef straight in, breaking it up with a wooden spoon so it cooks evenly. You’ll want to stir occasionally, keeping the pieces small and letting the beef get nicely browned—no pink should remain. Once it’s done, drain off any excess fat so your bowl stays light and flavorful.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Ginger

Scoop in your minced garlic and grated ginger next. Let them sizzle and bloom for about a minute, just until your kitchen starts to smell incredible. In this stage, you’re building the Korean Ground Beef Bowl’s unmistakable layers of flavor, so don’t rush it!

Step 3: Stir in the Sauce

With the aromatics singing, pour in the brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Mix everything thoroughly so the beef is coated in that glossy, sticky, sweet-and-savory sauce. Lower the heat to medium now and let things simmer gently for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally—the sauce will thicken and cling to every bit of meat.

Step 4: Serve Over Rice

Spoon your luscious beef right over a bed of warm, fluffy white rice. If you’ve prepped steamed vegetables, nestle them alongside or even mix them in. The rice might seem plain, but it soaks up the sauce and makes each forkful comforting and delicious.

Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy

Last but not least, sprinkle your Korean Ground Beef Bowl with a flurry of sliced green onions and sesame seeds. These little touches brighten up the bowl and add just the right pop of crunch and color. Dig in while it’s hot!

How to Serve Korean Ground Beef Bowl

Garnishes

Garnishing is more than decoration—it adds that final burst of freshness and texture that makes a great Korean Ground Beef Bowl unforgettable. Generous green onions bring sharpness, while sesame seeds lend a nutty finish. Try adding thinly sliced chilies for extra heat or a drizzle of sriracha if you want more spice!

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with classic Korean sides: think crisp kimchi for tartness, a simple cucumber salad for coolness, or quick-pickled carrots for a tangy punch. Steamed broccoli, snap peas, or sautéed mushrooms are all perfect for rounding out the plate and adding more veggies to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling playful, turn your Korean Ground Beef Bowl into lettuce wraps for a fresh, handheld twist—just spoon the beef into crisp romaine leaves. Or, try topping a bowl with a sunny-side egg for a restaurant-style touch that adds extra richness. Even layering everything in a mason jar works for meal prep on busy days!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The beauty of the Korean Ground Beef Bowl is that it stores beautifully. Cool leftovers to room temperature, then tuck them in an airtight container. Beef and rice can stay fresh in the fridge for up to four days, making lunch or another dinner a breeze.

Freezing

If you want to plan ahead, the cooked ground beef portion freezes like a dream! Portion the cooled beef into freezer bags, remove extra air, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or gently reheat from frozen for a super-fast meal.

Reheating

To reheat, splash a tablespoon of water over the beef and microwave on medium until hot, stirring halfway through. You can also warm it up in a skillet over medium-low heat, covered, to keep everything moist and flavorful. Just add the fresh toppings and you’re ready to go!

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken both work wonderfully as lighter alternatives in a Korean Ground Beef Bowl. You might want to add a touch more oil or seasoning to boost the flavor, since these meats are leaner than beef.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

If you substitute the soy sauce for tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce, you can easily make your Korean Ground Beef Bowl gluten-free. Double-check any other condiments and toppings to ensure they’re gluten-free as well.

Can I make the sauce sweeter or spicier?

Definitely! Increase the brown sugar for more sweetness or add a bit more crushed red pepper flakes, gochujang, or sriracha if you crave extra heat. The beauty of a Korean Ground Beef Bowl is adjusting the balance to perfectly suit your taste buds.

What’s the best rice for this recipe?

Classic short- or medium-grain white rice is perfect for soaking up the sauce, but jasmine or brown rice also work very well. For a low-carb twist, try serving your beef over cauliflower rice—still delicious and satisfying!

Can I prep this meal in advance for meal prep?

You sure can! It’s one of the reasons the Korean Ground Beef Bowl is such a meal-prep superstar. Divide the cooked beef and rice into containers, add your steamed veggies, and keep garnishes separate until ready to eat for ultimate freshness.

Final Thoughts

With big, bold flavors and a cozy, satisfying base, the Korean Ground Beef Bowl is the kind of dish you’ll want to put on repeat. It’s quick enough for the busiest nights, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to please everyone around your table. Give it a try this week and watch it disappear!

Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A quick and easy recipe for Korean Ground Beef Bowl that is packed with flavor. This dish features savory ground beef cooked in a sweet and tangy sauce, served over steamed white rice and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 pound lean ground beef
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 teaspoons sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Additional Ingredients:

2 cups cooked white rice
2 green onions, sliced
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Steamed vegetables (optional)

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Instructions

Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Add Flavors: Add the garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
Simmer: Reduce heat to medium and let the mixture simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef.
Serve: Serve the beef mixture over warm cooked rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Add steamed vegetables on the side for a complete meal.