Why I Keep Coming Back to This Korean Beef Bowl
Hey there! This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is the best thing to make if you want something quick, tasty, and like a small takeaway treat. I really do cook this at least once a week because it’s so easy to put together. Dinner will be ready in 20 minutes. Not a joke.
It has everything I love: sweet and salty flavors, a little bit of heat, and it goes great on a bowl of warm rice. You know how some meals are comfy but still a little exciting? This is one of those.
This meal may be quick, but it has a surprising amount of balance. Ground beef is a great source of protein, and when you add steaming rice and vegetables like sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots, or sautéed spinach, you have a whole dinner that will fill you up. Plus, you’re not getting the extra sweets and oils that come with takeout.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of lean ground beef
- 3 teaspoons of brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (you can use low-sodium soy sauce if you like)
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- Three cloves of minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger or 1/2 teaspoon of powdered ginger
- Two cups of cooked rice, which can be white, brown, or cauliflower
You can add green onions, sesame seeds, shredded carrots, and cucumber slices as toppings.
Instructions
- In a big skillet over medium heat, brown the ground meat. Get rid of any extra fat.
- Put the garlic and ginger in the pan and cook for approximately a minute, or until they smell good.
- Add the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Let everything cook for 2–3 minutes so the flavors can mix.
- Serve hot over rice that has already been cooked and add your favorite vegetables, sesame seeds, or green onions on top. That’s all!
Tips and Variations
- If you want to be keto, use cauliflower rice instead of ordinary rice.
- Spice Control: You may make it hotter by adding more gochujang or red pepper flakes, or you can leave them out if you want it mild.
- For a vegan version, use crumbled tofu or meatless ground and add a touch more soy and sesame oil to the sauce.
- Make it easy to prepare meals: Make twice as much and store it in the fridge for up to four days. It reheats perfectly!
- Put a fried egg on top: It’s not traditional, but I love how it provides an added layer of richness.
- If you can, use fresh ginger and garlic: It really changes the taste.
Did you taste this Korean ground beef bowl? I’d love to hear how it went for you! If you share a photo, tag me in it. If you put your own spin on it, leave a comment. And hey, if you’re on Pinterest, come on over! I’m always posting fast, tasty dinners like this one that you can make any time.