If you’re looking for a quick, delicious dinner that brings a taste of Korea to your kitchen, look no further than the Korean Ground Beef Bowl!
This dish is not only flavorful but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights.
Did you know that Korean cuisine is celebrated for its bold flavors and vibrant colors? With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a one pan meal that will impress your family and friends.
Let’s dive into the ingredients, preparation, and some tips to make this dish truly shine!
Ingredients for Korean Ground Beef Bowl
To create the perfect Korean Ground Beef Bowl, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Essential Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for optimal flavor)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice (jasmine, basmati, or brown rice)
- Optional toppings: sesame seeds, sliced cucumber, kimchi, or pickled vegetables.
Optional Ingredients
- Vegetables: bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, or spinach.
- Egg: a fried egg on top for added richness.
How to Prepare the Ground Beef
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Brown until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Flavors: Drain excess fat if necessary. Then, add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Season It Up: Stir in the soy sauce, sesame oil, and chopped green onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow it to simmer for a couple of minutes so the flavors meld together.
Making the Perfect Rice Base
While the beef cooks, you can prepare the rice:
- Stove Method: Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine with 2 cups of water in a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
- Rice Cooker: Add rinsed rice and water to your rice cooker, close the lid, and let it cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Instant Pot: Combine rinsed rice and water in the pot. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 3 minutes, then allow a natural release.
Assembly: Bringing It All Together
Once your beef and rice are ready, it’s time to assemble your bowl!
- Start with Rice: Spoon a generous amount of cooked rice into the bottom of your bowl.
- Layer the Beef: Top the rice with the seasoned ground beef mixture.
- Add Veggies: If you’re using any additional vegetables, such as steamed broccoli or sliced bell peppers, add them on top or around the beef.
- Garnish: Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and any other toppings you prefer, like kimchi or a fried egg.
Variations and Customizations
One of the great things about the Korean Ground Beef Bowl is its versatility!
- Vegetable Additions: Try adding sautéed vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or snap peas for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Alternative Proteins: Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat to suit your dietary preferences.
- Spicy Kick: For those who like heat, add a drizzle of Sriracha or a sprinkle of gochujang (Korean chili paste) to elevate the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Korean Ground Beef Bowl with a side of pickled vegetables or a fresh cucumber salad to balance out the savory flavors.
Pair it with a refreshing beverage like iced green tea or a light Asian beer for a complete meal.
Conclusion
In just a few simple steps, you’ve created a vibrant and satisfying Korean Ground Beef Bowl that is sure to become a family favorite.
Whether you enjoy it as a quick weeknight dinner or as a meal prep option for busy days, this dish is packed with flavor and nutrition.
Don’t hesitate to get creative with your toppings and ingredients – there’s no limit to how you can customize this recipe!
Try it today and experience the deliciousness for yourself!
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well as a lean alternative to beef.
What should I serve with the Korean Ground Beef Bowl?
It pairs nicely with pickled vegetables, a fresh salad, or kimchi for an authentic Korean experience.
How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Korean Ground Beef Bowl (25-Minutes)
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef 80/20 for optimal flavor
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger minced
- 2 green onions chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked rice jasmine, basmati, or brown rice
- Optional toppings: sesame seeds, sliced cucumber, kimchi, or pickled vegetables.
Optional Ingredients
- Vegetables bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, or spinach.
- Egg a fried egg on top for added richness.
Instructions
Prepare the Rice
- Stove Method: Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine with 2 cups of water in a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
- Rice Cooker: Add rinsed rice and water to your rice cooker, close the lid, and let it cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Instant Pot: Combine rinsed rice and water in the pot. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 3 minutes, then allow a natural release.
Cook the Ground Beef
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Brown until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Flavors: Drain excess fat if necessary. Then, add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Season It Up: Stir in the soy sauce, sesame oil, and chopped green onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow it to simmer for a couple of minutes so the flavors meld together.
Assemble the Bowl
- Start with Rice: Spoon a generous amount of cooked rice into the bottom of your bowl.
- Layer the Beef: Top the rice with the seasoned ground beef mixture.
- Add Veggies: If you’re using any additional vegetables, such as steamed broccoli or sliced bell peppers, add them on top or around the beef.
- Garnish: Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and any other toppings you prefer, like kimchi or a fried egg.
Video
Notes
Made this recipe?
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Made By You:
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Delicious, the whole family loved it.
Thank you!❤️ So happy everyone loved it!
Yumm, family really enjoyed this dish. So simple and quick to make, but really flavorful. We mixed sirracha with mayo to drizzle over it. Also added some edemame and fried egg. Dish is a keeper. Thank you.
Thank you for your feedback!
I never thought of using ground beef to make stir fry. Worked out great! I did marinate the meat like I normally do and it turned out the same way shredded beef does…super tender when you do it a couple hours before hand. I used 1 T of white wine, 1 T soy sauce, 3 t corn starch and 1/2 t baking soda and just massaged it into beef. I also used dried red peppers and brown sugar in sauce.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and feedback! Glad you enjoyed it❤️
Can I use ginger paste instead of minced?
Yes, that works!😊
Whatever picture was used here didn’t contain what was in the recipe. I’ve been cooking a long time and this was missing some things to look even remotely close to the picture. The beef to onion ratio was off and the whole recipe was overall disappointing. Once I had to start making changes that became my recipe, not this one.
Thanks so much for your feedback, Grace! I’m sorry to hear that the recipe didn’t turn out as expected for you. The recipe and video (video is attached at the bottom of the recipe card) both use the same ingredients and steps, and the finished dish in the video closely resembles the image. If something didn’t seem right, it could be worth reviewing the ingredients or steps again—everything should align. I really appreciate you sharing your thoughts!
Agree with previous review. Photo used is not a representation of the ingredients. I would encourage OP to make the recipe again because I’d assume ingredients are missing from the list. I added 2 tbsp brown sugar, a cornstarch slurry, and hoisin and I’m closer to the picture now to get more of that saucy, caramelized look instead of a watery hamburger look with just soy sauce and sesame oil as the sauce base.
I haven’t made the recipe but in the picture it looks like there’s a little sauce in the cooked hamberger. Am I not seeing that correctly?
Weekly meal prep for me. Love it
Thank you for the feedback❤️
Very easy to make and tastes great. I added some red pepper and shredded carrots to the meat along with the other ingredients in the recipe.
Thank you for sharing❤️
Phenomenal recipe. Thanks for sharing it. My husband asks me to make it all the time. We add bok choy, carrots, bell peppers, and mushrooms to it.
Thank you for sharing this! Im so happy to hear you both love it❤️
Just served this tonight and it’s a “Make Again” dish. Very quick and flavorful. I added julienned spinach, carrots and mushrooms. I plan on making it again soon because there were no leftovers!
Love it!! Thank you for sharing❤️
Well, I snagged this off the internet, cause I was looking for ideas to make something other than the same o same o with my ground beef. Followed the recipe so far and smells good, I may have added a touch more minced garlic and soy sauce and ginger than most as I kinda don’t measure much. Oops! But so far smells good. I dont have kimchi so… I made do with what I had. Waitin’ on my slow rice cooker… Mine, looks moderately close to what you show so… I did get a taste, and taste pretty amazing, Side dishes are rice and brocoli.
Well after eating, I’d do it again! I liked it, and most importantly, my wife liked it. That’s what counts imo!
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback, Eric! I really appreciate it, and I’m so glad you both liked it:)