Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a delightful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Korean cuisine right to your kitchen. As I first tasted this savory bowl, I was instantly captivated by the perfect balance of sweet and savory, combined with the satisfying texture of ground beef. This dish has its roots in traditional Korean cooking, where marinated meats are often served over rice, making it a beloved staple in many households. What I love most about the Korean Ground Beef Bowl is its convenience; it comes together in just a matter of minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner option. The rich umami flavor, paired with fresh vegetables and a hint of sesame, creates a meal that is not only delicious but also visually appealing. Whether youre a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this Korean Ground Beef Bowl is sure to become a favorite in your home.

Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (preferably 80/20 for flavor)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown, your choice)
- 1 cup steamed broccoli (or any vegetable of your choice)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Preparing the Beef Mixture
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. I like to use a non-stick skillet for easy cleanup.
- Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, but be careful not to burn them.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the beef is browned and no longer pink.
- While the beef is cooking, in a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. This will be our delicious sauce that brings everything together.
- Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet. I usually tilt the skillet slightly and use a spoon to remove the fat, but you can also use a colander if you prefer.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the cooked beef. Stir well to combine, ensuring that all the beef is coated in that savory sauce. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Preparing the Rice and Vegetables
- While the beef is simmering, prepare your rice according to package instructions. I usually make a batch of rice in my rice cooker, which makes it super easy!
- If youre using fresh vegetables, steam them until they are tender but still crisp. I love using broccoli, but you can also use snap peas, carrots, or bell peppers. Just make sure they are vibrant and colorful!
- Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and set it aside. Its important to let it sit for a minute to cool slightly, which helps prevent it from becoming mushy when you assemble the bowl.
Assembling the Korean Ground Beef Bowl
- Grab your favorite bowl (I love using a deep bowl for this dish). Start by adding a generous scoop of rice at the bottom. This will be the base of your bowl.
- Next, spoon a hearty portion of the Korean ground beef mixture over the rice. Make sure to get some of that delicious sauce in there!
- Now, add your steamed vegetables on top of the beef. I like to arrange them in a colorful way to make the bowl visually appealing.
- For the finishing touch, sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the top. This adds a nice crunch and a pop of flavor!
- Feel free to customize your bowl with additional toppings like sliced cucumbers, pickled radishes, or even a fried egg if youre feeling indulgent.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the Korean ground beef bowl immediately while its hot. I love to enjoy it with a side of kimchi for an extra kick!
- If you have leftovers, store the beef mixture and rice separately in airtight containers in the fridge. They should keep well for about 3-4 days.
- To reheat, simply microwave the beef and rice until warmed through. You can also add a splash of water to the rice to help it steam back to life.
Tips and Variations
- If you want to make this dish healthier, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. Just be aware that the flavor
Conclusion:
In summary, this Korean Ground Beef Bowl is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their weeknight dinners with a burst of flavor and a touch of culinary adventure. The combination of savory ground beef, aromatic garlic, and the perfect balance of sweet and spicy notes from the sauce creates a dish that is not only satisfying but also incredibly easy to prepare. Plus, its a fantastic way to introduce your family to the delightful world of Korean cuisine! For serving suggestions, consider pairing this delicious bowl with a side of steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa to soak up all that amazing sauce. You can also add a colorful array of toppings such as sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or even a fried egg on top for an extra layer of richness. If youre feeling adventurous, try swapping out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or even go vegetarian by using crumbled tofu or tempeh. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this Korean Ground Beef Bowl a try! Its a dish thats sure to impress your family and friends, and Id love to hear about your experience. Dont forget to share your photos and any variations you come up with on social media. Lets spread the love for this delicious recipe together! Happy cooking! PrintKorean Ground Beef Bowl: A Delicious and Easy Recipe to Try Tonight
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a quick and delicious meal featuring savory ground beef in a flavorful sauce, served over rice and topped with steamed vegetables. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and easily customizable to suit your taste!
Ingredients
Scale- 1 pound ground beef (preferably 80/20 for flavor)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown, your choice)
- 1 cup steamed broccoli (or any vegetable of your choice)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the beef is browned and no longer pink.
- While the beef is cooking, in a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
- Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the cooked beef. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes.
- While the beef is simmering, prepare your rice according to package instructions.
- If using fresh vegetables, steam them until tender but still crisp.
- Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and set it aside.
- In a bowl, add a generous scoop of rice at the bottom.
- Spoon a hearty portion of the Korean ground beef mixture over the rice.
- Add your steamed vegetables on top of the beef.
- Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the top.
- Customize your bowl with additional toppings like sliced cucumbers, pickled radishes, or a fried egg if desired.
- Serve the Korean ground beef bowl immediately while hot, with a side of kimchi for an extra kick.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
- To reheat, microwave the beef and rice until warmed through, adding a splash of water to the rice if needed.
Notes
- For a healthier option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
- Adjust the level of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes