There's nothing quite like the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors found in a Korean Ground Beef Bowl. This dish is a true lifesaver on busy weeknights—quick to make, budget-friendly, and packed with bold flavors that the whole family will love.
I first discovered this recipe during a hectic workweek, looking for something easy yet satisfying. What started as a simple experiment quickly became a household favorite. Let me show you how to bring this delicious meal to your table.
Why You'll Love This Korean Ground Beef Bowl
Get ready to embrace your next go-to weeknight meal. This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is everything you’ve been looking for: simple, flavorful, and incredibly versatile.
First, it’s a total time-saver. You can whip this dish up in under 25 minutes from start to finish. No need to spend hours in the kitchen when you have this recipe in your back pocket.
It’s also wallet-friendly. Ground beef is a cost-effective protein, and the rest of the ingredients are pantry staples you likely already have on hand.
Another highlight? It’s super adaptable. Serve it over white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice if you’re cutting carbs. Add your favorite veggies to make it even more nutritious.
Finally, the bold Korean-inspired flavors—thanks to a mix of soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of brown sugar—are irresistible. A little drizzle of sriracha or gochujang on top adds just the right amount of heat.
Ingredients Notes
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, but each ingredient brings something essential to the table.
Ground beef is the star of the show here. Opt for lean ground beef to avoid excess grease while keeping the dish flavorful and hearty.
Soy sauce is the backbone of the sauce. Use low-sodium soy sauce if you want to control the saltiness without sacrificing flavor.
Brown sugar balances out the saltiness of the soy sauce and adds that signature sweetness found in Korean-style dishes. Light brown sugar works best, but dark brown sugar will do in a pinch.
Sesame oil provides a nutty, aromatic depth to the dish. A little goes a long way, so be sure not to overdo it.
Garlic and ginger are your go-to aromatics. Freshly minced garlic and grated ginger give the sauce a robust, authentic flavor.
Green onions not only add a pop of color but also bring a fresh, zesty note to balance the richness of the beef.
If you like some heat, consider adding a teaspoon of gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) or a dash of sriracha.
For serving, steamed rice is the traditional base, but you can also use quinoa or lettuce wraps for a lighter option.
How To Make This Korean Ground Beef Bowl
Making this dish is as easy as 1-2-3, and you’ll have dinner on the table in no time.
Start by browning your ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks, ensuring even browning. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
While the beef is cooking, prepare your sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. If you want extra heat, toss in some gochugaru or a squirt of sriracha.
Pour the sauce over the cooked beef, stirring well to coat each piece evenly. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This allows the beef to soak up all those delicious flavors.
Meanwhile, prepare your base. Cook your rice or other chosen accompaniment according to package instructions. If you’re adding vegetables, sauté them in a separate pan or steam them for a healthier option.
Serve the beef over your prepared rice and garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. For an extra burst of freshness, you can also add a handful of chopped cilantro.
This dish takes about 20-25 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy evenings or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Storage Options
Got leftovers? This dish stores beautifully, so you can enjoy it again later.
Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. It’s perfect for make-ahead lunches or dinners.
To freeze, transfer the cooked beef to a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Reheat the beef in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to refresh the flavors. Serve as usual, and it will taste just as good as the first time.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this Korean Ground Beef Bowl is its versatility. Here are a few ways to make it your own:
- Swap the protein: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled tofu as a lighter alternative to ground beef.
- Make it veggie-packed: Add shredded carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers to the skillet when cooking the beef. These veggies absorb the sauce beautifully while adding color and nutrients.
- Low-carb option: Serve the beef over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps for a keto-friendly meal.
- Try a different base: Swap white rice for brown rice, quinoa, or even soba noodles for a fun twist.
- Adjust the heat: Use more or less chili paste or flakes to suit your spice tolerance. For a milder flavor, omit them altogether.
Experimenting with this recipe is half the fun, so don’t be afraid to try new combinations. No matter how you customize it, this dish is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.
PrintDelicious Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe
This delicious Korean ground beef bowl recipe is a simple, flavorful meal made with ground beef, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic. Ready in no time, it’s the perfect quick dinner solution for busy weeknights. Pair it with steamed rice and veggies for a complete, satisfying meal your family will love.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Steamed rice, for serving
Instructions
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink.
- Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Stir in brown sugar, soy sauce, ground ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the beef mixture over steamed rice and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Add vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas for extra nutrition.
- Adjust the sweetness and spice levels to your taste preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 850mg
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