Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe

The Ultimate Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe for Busy Nights

Savory korean ground beef bowls merge quick weeknight convenience with explosive flavor combinations you’ll absolutely love.

Home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients create restaurant-worthy meals in minutes.

Tender beef seasoned with classic korean spices brings incredible depth to every bite.

Fragrant garlic and soy sauce create mouthwatering layers of umami that dance across your palate.

Crisp vegetables add perfect texture and nutritional balance to this satisfying dish.

Rice serves as a delicious foundation that catches every delectable drop of sauce.

Jump into this culinary adventure and experience how effortlessly delicious dinner can be.

Why Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe Quick And Delicious Is So Popular
  • Speedster Cooking: Conquer this recipe in mere minutes with minimal prep work and straightforward ingredients that anyone can handle.
  • Flavor Explosion: Packed with bold Korean-inspired seasonings like soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil, creating a taste sensation that dances on your palate.
  • Budget-Friendly Feast: Uses affordable ground beef and pantry staples, making it an economical meal option for families and budget-conscious cooks.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or when you crave a quick international-inspired dish that satisfies everyone's hunger.

Must Have Ingredients For Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe Quick And Delicious

Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A rich and flavorful meat that serves as the primary protein for this Korean-inspired dish.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Soy Sauce, Brown Sugar: These ingredients create a perfect balance of salty and sweet that defines the classic Korean beef flavor profile.
  • Sesame Oil: Adds a distinctive nutty and aromatic essence to the beef mixture.
  • Garlic, Ginger: Provide depth and traditional Korean-style aromatics to the dish.
  • Black Pepper: Offers a subtle heat and additional seasoning to the beef.
Cooking and Garnish Ingredients:
  • Vegetable Oil: Used for cooking the beef and ensuring it doesn't stick to the pan.
  • Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Fresh garnishes that add color, texture, and additional flavor to the final dish.
Rice Base:
  • Rice: Serves as the perfect base for the flavorful ground beef, absorbing all the delicious sauce and creating a complete meal.

Instructions For Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe Quick And Delicious

Step 1: Marinate Ground Beef

In a mixing bowl, blend ground beef with soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure even flavor distribution. Let the beef absorb the marinade for maximum taste.

Step 2: Prepare Cooking Surface

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil and allow it to become hot and slightly shimmering. This creates the perfect cooking environment for the beef.

Step 3: Sizzle and Brown Beef

Pour the marinated beef into the hot skillet. Break apart the meat using a spatula, creating small, even pieces. Stir frequently and cook until the beef turns a rich brown color and loses its pink appearance. This should take approximately 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Enhance Flavor Profile

Remove skillet from heat and taste the beef. Adjust seasonings as desired:
  • Additional brown sugar for sweetness
  • Extra soy sauce for saltiness
  • Pinch of black pepper for heat

Step 5: Create Delicious Base

Scoop hot steamed rice into serving bowls. Generously top the rice with the flavorful ground beef mixture.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle final touches to elevate the dish:
  • Sliced green onions
  • Toasted sesame seeds

Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of Korean-inspired flavors!

Cooking Tips For Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe Quick And Delicious

  • Boost Beef Flavor: Marinate ground beef in soy sauce and spices for 15-30 minutes before cooking to intensify the taste and tenderize the meat.
  • Prevent Greasiness: Use lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) to reduce excess oil and create a cleaner, healthier dish without sacrificing flavor.
  • Perfect Rice Pairing: Choose short-grain or jasmine rice for an authentic Korean-style bowl that perfectly absorbs the savory beef sauce.
  • Control Spice Level: Adjust heat by adding gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) or sriracha according to your personal spice tolerance.
  • Quick Meal Prep: Make extra beef mixture and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing for fast, convenient meals during busy weeknights.

Fun Variations For Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe Quick And Delicious

  • Vegetarian Korean Tofu Bowl: Replace ground beef with crumbled extra-firm tofu, using the same marinade for a plant-based protein alternative that maintains authentic Korean flavors.
  • Cauliflower Rice Version: Swap traditional rice with riced cauliflower for a low-carb option that keeps the delicious Korean beef seasoning intact.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, perfect for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Spicy Korean Beef Bowl: Add gochujang or red pepper flakes to increase heat level, creating a more intense and fiery version of the original recipe.

Great Sides For Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe Quick And Delicious

  • Pair Perfectly with Bold Red Wines: Select a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel that complements the rich, savory beef flavors and cuts through the dish's sweetness.
  • Refresh with Korean Beverages: Serve alongside crisp soju or light Korean beer like Hite or Cass, which balance the meat's intense seasonings and provide a cool contrast.
  • Enhance with Crisp Side Salads: Create a light cucumber kimchi or green salad with rice vinegar dressing to add refreshing acidity that cleanses the palate between bites.
  • Elevate with Pickled Vegetables: Add banchan like pickled radishes or quick cucumber pickles to introduce tangy, bright notes that complement the beef's deep umami profile.

Storing Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe Quick And Delicious

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the beef completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer cooled beef to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Will maintain quality for 2-3 months when properly sealed. Label with date for easy tracking.
  • Place beef in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
  • Warm beef in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or beef broth to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent burning and heat until steaming hot throughout.

FAQs For Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe Quick And Delicious

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe isn’t inherently spicy, but you can add gochujang or red pepper flakes to increase heat level according to your preference.

  • Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken work well as substitutes for ground beef in this recipe with similar cooking methods.

  • How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use lean ground beef, reduce brown sugar amount, and serve over cauliflower rice or mixed vegetables instead of white rice for a lighter version.

  • Do I need special Korean ingredients?

No, most ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, and ginger are common in most kitchens, making this recipe very accessible and easy to prepare.

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Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe

Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe


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4.7 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 17 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling Korean Ground Beef Bowl blends bold flavors with irresistible comfort, delivering a quick weeknight meal packed with savory goodness. Tender beef mingles with aromatic spices, promising you a delightful culinary journey through authentic Korean cuisine.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Garnish and Serving:

  • 3 green onions, sliced
  • Sesame seeds
  • Cooked rice

Instructions

  1. Blend ground beef with soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated for maximum flavor infusion.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers, creating an ideal cooking surface for the beef mixture.
  3. Transfer seasoned beef into the hot skillet, using a spatula to break it into small, uniform pieces while cooking for 5-7 minutes at 350°F, stirring periodically until meat browns completely and loses its pink color.
  4. Verify beef’s doneness by checking its color and texture, then remove skillet from heat to prevent overcooking.
  5. Perform a quick taste test, adjusting seasonings as needed by adding extra soy sauce or brown sugar to balance the flavor profile.
  6. Construct the bowl by layering steamed white rice as a foundation, then generously top with the prepared beef mixture.
  7. Complete the dish by sprinkling chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the beef, creating a visually appealing and aromatic Korean-inspired meal ready to be savored immediately.

Notes

  • Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or gochugaru for spice lovers who want an extra kick.
  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier alternative that maintains similar flavor profiles.
  • Meal prep-friendly recipe that stays fresh in refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or busy weeknight dinners.
  • Consider using low-sodium soy sauce and reducing brown sugar for diabetic-friendly or heart-healthy dietary modifications without compromising authentic Korean taste.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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