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Korean Ground Beef Bowl

Korean Ground Beef Bowl

A quick and flavorful Korean Ground Beef Bowl combining classic ingredients like garlic, ginger, and soy sauce with tender ground beef served over fluffy rice. Ready in under 20 minutes, this comforting dish offers bold, savory, and slightly sweet flavors perfect for busy weeknights or any time you crave an easy, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 3 cloves garlic, freshly minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 4 cups cooked rice (white, jasmine, brown, or alternatives like cauliflower rice)

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Ingredients: Finely mince the garlic and grate fresh ginger. Thinly slice the green onions for garnish. Measure out soy sauce and brown sugar to have everything ready before cooking.
  2. Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up into small pieces with a spatula. Drain excess fat if desired for a leaner dish.
  3. Add Flavorings: Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the sauce to thicken slightly, coating the beef evenly.
  4. Finish with Sesame Oil and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in a drizzle of sesame oil to add nutty aroma. Top with sliced green onions for freshness and color.
  5. Serve Over Rice: Spoon the Korean ground beef mixture over warm cooked rice. Optionally, add a fried egg, kimchi, or steamed vegetables on the side to enhance the meal.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic and ginger for best flavor instead of powders or pastes.
  • Allow the beef to brown properly to develop rich caramelized flavors.
  • Adjust brown sugar and soy sauce to balance sweetness and saltiness to taste.
  • Add sesame oil off heat to preserve its delicate aroma and flavor.
  • Cook rice ahead of time for quick assembly.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen up to 2 months.
  • Reheat gently and add a splash of water if beef seems dry.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean ground beef, quick dinner, weeknight meal, savory beef bowl, easy Korean recipe, healthy Korean food