Delicious Korean Ground Beef Bowl
This Delicious Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a quick, flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights! Savory-sweet ground beef is cooked with garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of brown sugar, then served over steamed rice and topped with green onions and sesame seeds. It’s an easy, satisfying dish that delivers bold Korean-inspired flavors in just 20 minutes!
Ingredients
Main ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef 85% lean or similar
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
Toppings:
- Sliced green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Shredded carrots or cucumber slices
- Kimchi or quick-pickled veggies
Simple substitutions:
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
- Use cauliflower rice to make it lower in carbs.
- Try low-sodium soy sauce if you want less salt.
Instructions
1. Cook the Beef
- Place a large skillet on medium heat. Add the ground beef. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks.Cook for 5–6 minutes, until it’s no longer pink.Drain any extra fat.
2. Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.Pour this mix into the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir well.Let it simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the meat.Taste and adjust seasoning — add a little sugar for sweetness or soy sauce for saltiness.
3. Serve and Top
- Spoon the beef over bowls of warm rice.
- Add sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top.
- You can also add shredded carrots, cucumber slices, or a fried egg.
Video
Notes
📝 Notes
- Beef Choice: Use lean ground beef (around 90%) for the best flavor and less grease in your bowl.
- Sweet-Savory Sauce: The soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic combo creates the perfect Korean-style glaze — adjust sugar to taste.
- Rice Base: Serve over steamed jasmine or brown rice. For a low-carb option, use cauliflower rice.
- Veggie Add-ins: Add shredded carrots, cucumbers, or sautéed spinach for a colorful, balanced bowl.
- Spice Level: For extra heat, mix in gochujang (Korean chili paste) or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days — great for lunches or quick dinners.
- Topping Ideas: Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or a fried egg for a restaurant-style finish.