Mealtime can feel like a rush, but cooking at home brings such joy and connection. This Korean Ground Beef Bowl offers a perfect solution for busy weeknights, delivering incredible flavor in minutes. It is a simple, satisfying dish that captures the essence of classic Korean-inspired flavors, making it a new family favorite. Get ready to create a delicious memory around your table tonight.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Korean Ground Beef Bowl
This delightful Korean Ground Beef Bowl quickly becomes a go-to recipe in any home kitchen. It truly embraces simplicity and deliciousness.
- You can have this incredible meal ready in just 20 minutes, from start to finish.
- It uses minimal, accessible ingredients you likely already have or can easily find.
- The rich, savory, and slightly sweet flavor profile makes every bite irresistible.
- This dish is incredibly family-friendly, appealing to both adults and picky eaters alike.
- It is the perfect choice for busy weeknights when you crave something homemade and comforting.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your flavorful Korean Ground Beef Bowl:
- 1 pound lean ground beef 90% lean
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups hot cooked white or brown rice
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Notes & Substitutions
Using quality ingredients truly enhances the flavors in your Korean Ground Beef Bowl.
Lean Ground Beef: We recommend 90% lean ground beef for less grease. You can also use ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter protein option.
Soy Sauce: Reduced-sodium soy sauce helps control the saltiness. Feel free to use regular soy sauce or even tamari for a gluten-free alternative.
Sesame Oil: Toasted sesame oil provides a distinct nutty aroma and deep flavor. Do not substitute it with plain sesame oil for the same effect.
Ginger: Freshly grated ginger offers the brightest flavor, but ground ginger works perfectly in this recipe for convenience.
Red Pepper Flakes: Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to suit your preferred spice level. Omit them entirely for a mild dish.
Equipment
You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this easy meal:
How To Make Korean Ground Beef Bowl
Creating this delicious Korean Ground Beef Bowl is incredibly straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect meal every time.
- First, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the 1 pound of lean ground beef and the minced garlic. Break the beef into small crumbles with a spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking until the ground beef is no longer pink and is nicely browned.
- This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet. Removing the grease ensures your dish is not oily and the sauce can properly coat the beef.
- While the beef cooks, prepare your flavorful sauce. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, reduced-sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, ground ginger, crushed red pepper flakes, and pepper.
- Use a whisk to thoroughly combine all the ingredients until the brown sugar has dissolved and the sauce is smooth. This savory and sweet mixture is what gives our easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl its signature taste.
- Pour the prepared sauce directly over the cooked and drained ground beef in the skillet. Stir well to ensure every piece of beef is coated in the delicious sauce.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for just another minute or two. This brief simmering time helps the flavors meld together and slightly thickens the sauce, clinging beautifully to the beef. Do not overcook it, as you want the sauce to remain vibrant.
- Finally, it is time to serve your wonderful creation. Spoon the hot Korean ground beef mixture generously over individual servings of hot cooked white or brown rice.
Finish each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh sliced green onions and a dash of sesame seeds for garnish. These garnishes add a lovely fresh crunch and visual appeal to your homemade Korean Ground Beef Bowl.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieve the best results with these helpful tips for your Korean Ground Beef Bowl.
- Browning Ground Beef: Do not overcrowd your skillet when browning the beef. Cook it in batches if necessary for even browning.
- Draining Grease: Always drain excess grease after cooking the beef to prevent a greasy final dish. Use a spoon or tilt the skillet carefully.
- Adjusting Spice Level: Start with half the red pepper flakes and taste the sauce before adding more if you prefer less heat.
- Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a much more potent and delicious flavor than garlic powder.
- Internal Temperature: Always cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for food safety. The USDA provides food safety guidelines for cooking ground beef to prevent foodborne illness.
- Perfect Rice: Use a 2:1 water-to-rice ratio, bring to a boil, then simmer covered on low until water is absorbed.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
This versatile Korean Ground Beef Bowl adapts beautifully to your preferences and needs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this flavorful dish over fluffy white rice or hearty brown rice. Boost your meal with fresh vegetables like steamed broccoli florets, shredded carrots, or a crisp cucumber salad on the side. For an extra treat, top your bowl with a fried egg, a dollop of kimchi, or a drizzle of sriracha mayo.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover Korean Ground Beef Bowl in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the cooked beef mixture (separate from the rice) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw frozen beef in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Variations
Easily swap the protein for ground chicken, ground turkey, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option. Experiment with different rice types like jasmine, basmati, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. Stir in extra vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms during the last few minutes of simmering the beef.
Nutrition
Understanding the nutritional breakdown helps you enjoy this meal mindfully.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 238kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 16g |
| Protein | 25g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 70mg |
| Sodium | 610mg |
| Potassium | 448mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 14g |
| Vitamin C | 0.7mg |
| Calcium | 28mg |
| Iron | 3.1mg |
Note: Nutritional information is an approximation and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best type of rice for a Korean Ground Beef Bowl?
White short-grain or medium-grain rice is traditional, offering a soft texture that absorbs the sauce well. Brown rice is also a great option for added fiber and a nuttier flavor.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works wonderfully as a lighter alternative. Adjust cooking times slightly as they may cook faster than beef.
How do I adjust the spice level?
Start with a smaller amount of crushed red pepper flakes, or omit them entirely for no heat. You can always add more to your individual bowl if you prefer extra spice.
Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?
You can cook the beef mixture a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat and serve with freshly cooked rice for a quick meal.
Is Korean Ground Beef Bowl freezer-friendly?
Yes, the cooked ground beef mixture freezes well. Store it in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months, then thaw and reheat.
How do I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Simply double all the ingredients and use a larger skillet to ensure even cooking and browning of the beef. Cook in batches if your skillet is too small.
Final Thoughts
This easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl truly brings simple joy and deliciousness to your family table. It is a testament to how quick, minimal ingredients can create an incredibly satisfying and flavorful meal. We hope this recipe helps you create wonderful memories and connections through the shared experience of good food. Please try it tonight and let us know what you think in the comments below! We always love hearing from you.
Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef and minced garlic over medium heat until the beef is no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, red pepper flakes, and pepper. Pour this sauce over the cooked ground beef and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve the Korean ground beef mixture immediately over hot white or brown rice. Garnish each serving with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Notes
Hi there, I’m chef living in New York City. Every morning, I wake up to the sounds of my little one’s laughter and the comforting routine of preparing breakfast for my family my husband, our child, and my beloved mother, who’s become both my rock and my inspiration since my father passed away. As the only daughter left in our family, I feel a deep responsibility to carry on his memory whenever I step into the kitchen.
- Dominique
- Dominique
- Dominique
- Dominique
