Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe

Introduction

This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring savory ground beef seasoned with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, it’s served over a bed of rice with fresh vegetables and optional toppings. It’s a comforting dish that’s easy to customize and sure to please the whole family.

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
• Vegetables of choice: bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, or spinach
• Egg (a fried egg on top for added richness)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Step 2: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
3. Step 3: Stir in the soy sauce, chopped green onions, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes to combine flavors.
4. Step 4: Meanwhile, prepare your vegetables by steaming or sautéing until tender but still crisp.
5. Step 5: Assemble the bowl by placing cooked rice at the bottom, then topping with the seasoned beef and vegetables.
6. Step 6: Add optional toppings like a fried egg, sesame seeds, sliced cucumber, kimchi, or pickled vegetables as desired.
7. Step 7: Garnish with extra green onions and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to beef.
• For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the beef mixture.
• Try mixing in fresh spinach or kale for a boost of greens right in the skillet.
• Serve with cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
• To make it vegetarian, substitute the beef with crumbled tofu or tempeh.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stove until warmed through. If you’ve added a fried egg on top, it’s best to make those fresh when serving again.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use tamari instead of regular soy sauce, as tamari is a gluten-free alternative.

What vegetables work best in this bowl?

Bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, and spinach all work well. Choose your favorites or whatever you have on hand, preparing them lightly steamed or sautéed for the best texture.

Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe

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4.9 from 64 reviews

This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal combining savory ground beef with aromatic garlic and ginger, complemented by soy sauce and sesame oil. Served over steamed rice and topped with fresh green onions and optional garnishes like sesame seeds and kimchi, this dish offers a delicious balance of textures and tastes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it can be customized with your choice of vegetables and a fried egg for extra richness.

• Author: Zane
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Korean
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beef Mixture

• 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

Base

• 2 cups cooked rice (jasmine, basmati, or brown rice)

Optional Toppings

• Sesame seeds
• Sliced cucumber
• Kimchi
• Pickled vegetables
• Vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, or spinach
• Egg (a fried egg on top for added richness)

Instructions

1. Prepare the rice: Cook 2 cups of your choice of rice (jasmine, basmati, or brown rice) according to package instructions or preferred method. This will serve as the base of your bowl.
2. Cook the aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the sesame oil. Add the minced garlic and ginger and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned to enhance the flavor base.
3. Brown the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until it’s fully browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary to avoid greasiness.
4. Season the beef: Stir in the soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free), chopped green onions, salt, and pepper to taste. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly reduce.
5. Prepare optional vegetables and egg: While the beef cooks, prepare any desired vegetables by sautéing or steaming them, or leave raw if preferred. If using a fried egg, heat a separate pan and fry the egg sunny side up or to your liking.
6. Assemble the bowl: Divide the cooked rice between bowls. Top each with a generous portion of the seasoned ground beef mixture, arranged vegetables, and a fried egg if desired.
7. Add garnishes: Sprinkle with additional chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and serve alongside kimchi or pickled vegetables for an authentic Korean touch.

Notes

• You can swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Adjust soy sauce quantity to control sodium levels or use low-sodium versions.
• For extra flavor, add a drizzle of gochujang (Korean chili paste) or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• This dish is great for meal prep; store components separately and assemble before eating.
• Use gluten-free tamari to make this dish gluten-free.

Keywords: Korean ground beef bowl, easy Korean recipes, quick dinner, beef stir-fry, healthy Korean meal, weeknight dinner, gluten-free Korean recipe