Looking for a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal? This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a simple yet flavorful dish that comes together in just 20 minutes. Made with savory-sweet ground beef and served over steaming hot rice, it’s the perfect midweek meal and a great time-saver.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes!
- Incredible Flavor: A balance of sweet, savory, and spicy.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry staples.
- Customizable: Adjust spice levels and toppings to your liking.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Stores well for quick lunches or dinners.
Tools Needed
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- Non-Stick Skillet: Ideal for browning ground beef evenly.
- Mixing Bowls: Perfect for preparing the sauce ahead of time.
- Sharp Knife: Essential for chopping onions, garlic, and ginger.
- Rice Cooker: Ensures perfect fluffy rice every time.
Ingredients
For the Beef:
🍖 1 lb lean ground beef
🧅 1 small onion, sliced
🛢️ 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
🥢 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
🍯 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
🌿 1 teaspoon sesame oil
🧄 3-4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
🥢 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, chopped
🌶️ 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
⚫ 1 teaspoon black pepper
For Serving:
🍚 Steamed jasmine or basmati rice
🟢 2 green onions, chopped
🔥 1 red chili, sliced (optional for extra heat)
⚪ Sesame seeds
Directions
- Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Stir well until sugar is dissolved.
- Cook the Beef: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it up while cooking until browned.
- Add Onion: Stir in sliced onions and cook until translucent.
- Combine with Sauce: Pour in the sauce and stir everything together. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Serve: Spoon the beef mixture over a bowl of hot steamed rice.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with green onions, red chili slices, and sesame seeds for extra flavor.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Tips for Perfect Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger enhance the flavors.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the brown sugar.
- For Extra Heat: Increase red pepper flakes or add Sriracha.
- Use Lean Beef: Helps avoid excess grease while maintaining flavor.
- Make It a Bowl: Add steamed broccoli, kimchi, or a fried egg for extra variety.
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add gochujang (Korean chili paste) for extra depth.
- Vegetarian Option: Use crumbled tofu instead of beef.
- Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water.
- Freeze: Store beef mixture separately for up to 2 months.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Beef: Cook just until browned to keep it juicy.
- Adding Sauce Too Early: Wait until beef is fully cooked before adding sauce.
- Skipping the Garnish: Green onions and sesame seeds enhance the dish’s flavor and presentation.
- Not Adjusting to Taste: Always taste and tweak seasoning before serving.
- Using High Heat for Sauce: Simmer gently to prevent burning the sugar.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this dish spicier?
A: Yes! Add more red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of gochujang.
Q: What type of rice works best?
A: Jasmine or basmati rice are great options, but any rice will work.
Q: Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead?
A: Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey are great lean alternatives.
Q: How do I meal prep this dish?
A: Store beef and rice separately in containers for easy reheating.
Q: What can I serve with this dish?
A: Try kimchi, pickled cucumbers, or steamed vegetables.
Conclusion
This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy nights. With its balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, it’s sure to be a family favorite. Try it today and enjoy a taste of Korea in your kitchen!
