Korean Ground Beef Bowl

Korean ground beef bowl
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Are you craving something flavorful and comforting? Look no further than the Korean Ground Beef Bowl! This dish is a perfect mix of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors, all wrapped up in one satisfying bowl. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just want a quick meal to enjoy, this recipe is a great choice.

The beauty of a ground beef bowl is in its simplicity and versatility. You can easily adjust the ingredients to match your preferences, making it perfect for picky eaters or those who love bold flavors. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly meal that doesn’t sacrifice taste. If you’ve never tried Korean ground beef before, you’re in for a treat!

This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is packed with tender ground beef, crispy vegetables, and delicious rice, making it a complete meal. It’s quick to prepare and can easily become a family favorite. Let’s dive into why this recipe is so amazing and how you can make it at home.


Why You’ll Love It

There are plenty of reasons to love this Korean Ground Beef Bowl. First, it’s super quick and easy to make, which is perfect for busy weeknights.

The beef is cooked in a savory sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of sugar to create a balanced sweetness that enhances the flavor.

Another reason you’ll fall for this recipe is its flexibility. You can serve it over rice or mix it with salad greens for a lighter version.

It’s also a great way to sneak in some extra veggies, like carrots or spinach, for added nutrition. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prepping—you can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week!


Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this tasty Korean Ground Beef Bowl:

For the Beef Bowl:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon gochujang (Korean chili paste) optional for spice
  • 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

For the Rice (optional):

  • 2 cups cooked white rice or brown rice

For the Salad (optional):

  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup spinach or lettuce
  • 1/4 cup sliced cucumbers

Kitchen Tools Needed

To make your Korean Ground Beef Bowl, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools:

  • Skillet or Frying Pan: For cooking the ground beef and making the sauce.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: To break up the beef as it cooks and stir everything together.
  • Measuring Spoons: For accurate measurements of the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and gochujang.
  • Knife and Cutting Board: To chop the garlic, green onions, and any vegetables you want to add to the dish.
  • Rice Cooker or Pot: If you’re making rice to go with the beef bowl.

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Rice (Optional):

  • Start by cooking your rice according to package instructions, either in a rice cooker or on the stovetop. Set it aside once done.

2. Cook the Ground Beef:

  • Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes).

3. Make the Sauce:

  • Once the beef is cooked through, add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan.
  • Stir for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Then, mix in the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and gochujang (if using).
  • Stir everything together until the beef is evenly coated with the sauce.

4. Add the Veggies:

  • Stir in the chopped green onions and sesame seeds, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until everything is well combined.

5. Assemble the Bowl:

  • To serve, spoon the cooked rice into bowls.
  • Top it with the savory Korean ground beef mixture and any optional salad ingredients, like shredded carrots, spinach, or sliced cucumbers.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

  • Garnish with extra green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
  • Enjoy your Korean Ground Beef Bowl hot and fresh!

More Recipes >>>>>> Easy Pickle de Gallo Recipe

a bowl of Korean ground beef

Tips and Tricks for Success

  • Customize the Heat: If you like your dish spicy, add extra gochujang or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. If you prefer it milder, you can skip the chili paste entirely.
  • Use Lean Beef: For a leaner option, choose ground beef with a lower fat content, like 90% lean. You can also substitute with ground turkey or chicken if you want a healthier version.
  • Rice Alternatives: If you’re following a low-carb diet, try using cauliflower rice or quinoa as a base instead of regular rice. This keeps the dish just as delicious but with fewer carbs!
  • Meal Prep: Make a big batch of the ground beef mixture and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can easily reheat it for quick meals throughout the week.
  • Make It Your Own: Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or even avocado for extra flavor and texture. This recipe is very versatile, so get creative with your toppings!

With these tips, your Korean Ground Beef Bowl will turn out perfect every time!

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

  • Ground Beef Substitutes: If you’re not a fan of beef, you can use ground chicken, turkey, or even pork as a substitute. Ground tofu or tempeh can be a great plant-based alternative for a vegetarian option.
  • Soy Sauce: If you need a gluten-free version, opt for tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
  • Brown Sugar: You can swap brown sugar with honey or maple syrup if you prefer a natural sweetener, or use coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option.
  • Rice: For a lower-carb alternative, try cauliflower rice or quinoa. You can also use noodles like soba or ramen for a different twist.
  • Veggies: Feel free to add or swap vegetables based on what you have on hand. Try bell peppers, bok choy, or even shredded cabbage for added crunch and nutrition.
  • Gochujang: If you can’t find gochujang, you can substitute with a mixture of regular chili paste and a touch of sugar, although it won’t have the exact flavor profile.

More Recipes >>>>>> Crispy Korean Fried Chicken


Serving Suggestions

This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is delicious on its own, but you can make it even better by serving it with some tasty sides or garnishes:

  • Pickled Vegetables: Serve with a side of quick-pickled cucumbers or kimchi to add some tangy crunch to balance the savory beef.
  • Fried Egg: Top your beef bowl with a fried egg for extra protein and a beautiful runny yolk that adds richness.
  • Steamed Vegetables: Serve alongside steamed broccoli, spinach, or bok choy for a well-rounded meal.
  • Noodles: If you want a different texture, serve the beef mixture over a bed of noodles, such as soba or rice noodles.
  • Sesame Seeds: Garnish with extra sesame seeds and green onions for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

  • Storage: Store leftover Korean Ground Beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure the beef is fully cooled before sealing the container to maintain freshness.
  • Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave the beef in a microwave-safe dish for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat with a little splash of water or soy sauce to keep it moist.
  • Freezing: If you want to keep leftovers for longer, you can freeze the beef mixture. Transfer the cooled beef into a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag and store for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as usual.

FAQ

1. Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes, you can easily make this dish spicier by adding extra gochujang or some red pepper flakes to the sauce. Adjust the spice level to your liking!

2. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken will work just as well in this recipe and offer a leaner option.

3. Can I prepare this in advance for meal prep?

Yes! You can make the Korean Ground Beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for later use.

4. Can I skip the rice?

Of course! You can serve this Korean Ground Beef over a salad, steamed vegetables, or even noodles if you prefer a carb-free or lower-carb meal.

5. How do I adjust the sweetness?

If you prefer a sweeter dish, add a little more brown sugar or honey. If you’d like less sweetness, cut back on the sugar or omit it entirely.

6. Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, if you use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari or coconut aminos), this dish can easily be made gluten-free.

Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out!

Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag me @tasiahub. I’d love to see your creations!

Korean ground beef bowl

Korean Ground Beef Bowl

This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is packed with tender ground beef, crispy vegetables, and delicious rice, making it a complete meal. It’s quick to prepare and can easily become a family favorite.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Korean
Servings 4 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Skillet or frying pan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring spoons
  • Knife and Cutting Board
  • Rice Cooker or Pot

Ingredients
  

For the Beef Bowl:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon ginger grated
  • 1 teaspoon gochujang Korean chili paste optional for spice
  • 1/2 cup green onions chopped
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

For the Rice (optional):

  • 2 cups cooked white rice or brown rice

For the Salad (optional):

  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup spinach or lettuce
  • 1/4 cup sliced cucumbers

Instructions
 

Prepare the Rice (Optional):

  • Start by cooking your rice according to package instructions, either in a rice cooker or on the stovetop. Set it aside once done.

Cook the Ground Beef:

  • Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes).

Make the Sauce:

  • Once the beef is cooked through, add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan.
  • Stir for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then, mix in the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and gochujang (if using).
  • Stir everything together until the beef is evenly coated with the sauce.

Add the Veggies:

  • Stir in the chopped green onions and sesame seeds, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until everything is well combined.

Assemble the Bowl:

  • To serve, spoon the cooked rice into bowls.
  • Top it with the savory Korean ground beef mixture and any optional salad ingredients, like shredded carrots, spinach, or sliced cucumbers.

Serve and Enjoy:

  • Garnish with extra green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
  • Enjoy your Korean Ground Beef Bowl hot and fresh!

Notes

Nutritional Value (per serving)
  • Calories: ~350-400 calories (without rice)
  • Protein: ~25g
  • Fat: ~20g 
  • Carbohydrates: ~15g (without rice)
  • Fiber: ~2g
  • Sugar: ~7g
  • Sodium: ~600mg (this may vary depending on the soy sauce used)
  • Cholesterol: ~50mg
Did you make this recipe? Leave a comment and rating!
Nutrition Disclaimer:
The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. It should not be used as a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Keyword ground beef recipes, Korean ground beef, Korean ground beef bowl, Korean ground beef rice bowl

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2 thoughts on “Korean Ground Beef Bowl

    1. Thank you! I’m so glad you like the post. I bet it’s going to turn out amazing when you make it! Let me know how it goes

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