Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Delicious Korean Ground Beef Bowl is not only easy to make but incredibly flavorful. The combination of ground beef and a savory-sweet sauce featuring soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and sesame oil creates a rich, mouthwatering taste that pairs perfectly with the neutral flavor of steamed rice. Plus, the quick cooking time makes it a fantastic option for a weeknight dinner. You can also customize the toppings with vegetables or a fried egg to add more texture and flavor. Whether you’re new to Korean cuisine or a seasoned fan, this recipe is sure to become a go-to!
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef
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1 tablespoon sesame oil
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2 tablespoons soy sauce
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2 tablespoons brown sugar
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar
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1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
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1 green onion, sliced (for garnish)
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1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
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Cooked rice, for serving
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
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Once the beef is cooked through, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
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In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using).
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Pour the sauce over the cooked beef and stir to coat evenly. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
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Remove from heat and serve the beef mixture over cooked rice.
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Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Preparation time: 5 minutes
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Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
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Total time: 15-20 minutes
Variations
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Add vegetables: You can stir in some diced bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms while cooking the beef to add extra flavor and texture.
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Spicy version: Add more red pepper flakes or a squirt of sriracha to kick up the heat.
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Protein options: You can replace the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a lighter option.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: You can freeze the cooked ground beef mixture for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
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Reheating: To reheat, warm the beef mixture in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different ground meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even ground pork.
2. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this dish is perfect for meal prep. Cook the ground beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat and serve over fresh rice when ready to eat.
4. Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe is mildly spicy due to the optional red pepper flakes. You can omit them or adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.
5. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, adding vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or spinach will enhance the flavor and add more nutrients to the dish.
6. What should I serve this with?
This dish pairs perfectly with steamed white or brown rice. You can also serve it with a side of kimchi or a simple salad for extra crunch.
7. Can I use brown sugar alternatives?
You can use coconut sugar or honey as an alternative to brown sugar, but it may slightly alter the flavor.
8. How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Use crumbled tofu or a plant-based ground meat substitute to create a vegetarian version of this Korean-inspired dish.
9. How long does this dish last in the fridge?
It will last for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
10. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook the ground beef in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours with the sauce ingredients. Brown the meat before adding it to the slow cooker for better flavor.
Conclusion
This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is an incredibly quick and flavorful meal that brings the delicious flavors of Korean cuisine right to your kitchen. With tender ground beef in a savory, sweet sauce, this dish is simple to make yet packs a punch. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, it’s sure to become a household favorite. Enjoy it with steamed rice and your favorite toppings for a complete and satisfying meal!
Delicious Korean Ground Beef Bowl (Quick & Easy)
This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a quick and easy meal that’s full of savory flavors. Made with ground beef and a delicious mix of Korean seasonings like soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner. Serve it over rice and top with fresh veggies for a satisfying, flavorful meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon gochujang (Korean chili paste) (optional for spice)
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced (for garnish)
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned (about 5-7 minutes).
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and gochujang (if using). Simmer the mixture for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the beef is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly, remove the skillet from heat.
- To serve, spoon the cooked beef mixture over a bowl of rice.
- Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, shredded carrots, and cucumber slices.
Notes
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of gochujang or add red pepper flakes to taste.
- You can also serve this dish with a fried egg on top for extra protein.
- This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
