Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe

This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a quick and flavorful dish that brings the rich, savory-sweet taste of Korean cuisine to your table in just 20 minutes. Made with simple ingredients like ground beef, soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil, it’s an easy, budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it over warm rice for a satisfying dinner the whole family will love!

What Is a Korean Ground Beef Bowl?

A Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a simplified version of Korean bulgogi, featuring ground beef cooked in a sweet and savory sauce. It delivers the classic flavors of Korean barbecue without the need for marinating or grilling. The dish is often served over rice and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for added texture and freshness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes with minimal prep.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples and affordable ground beef.
• Full of Flavor: A perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors.
• Customizable: Adjust spice levels, swap proteins, or add veggies to suit your taste.
• Family-Friendly: A meal that both kids and adults will enjoy.

Ingredients

For the Beef:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup (60ml) soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

For Serving & Garnish:

• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
• 2 cups (400g) cooked rice

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Ground Beef

• Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes).
• Drain excess grease if necessary.

2. Make the Sauce

• Add minced garlic, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes to the skillet.
• Stir well to coat the beef in the sauce.
• Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

3. Garnish & Serve

• Remove from heat and stir in sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
• Serve the beef mixture over warm rice and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

• With Vegetables: Add steamed broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
• With a Fried Egg: A sunny-side-up egg on top makes this dish even better.
• Lettuce Wraps: Skip the rice and serve the beef in lettuce cups for a low-carb option.
• Spicy Kick: Drizzle with sriracha or gochujang for more heat.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave.

Freezing Instructions

• Let the beef mixture cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Recipe Variations

• Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: A leaner alternative with the same great flavor.
• Make It Vegan: Swap ground beef for crumbled tofu or plant-based meat.
• Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
• Lower Sugar: Reduce the brown sugar or replace it with honey.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the beef mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for quick meals throughout the week.

What can I use instead of ground beef?
Ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled tofu work well as substitutes.

Is this dish spicy?
No, but you can add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or gochujang for heat.

This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a simple, delicious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With bold flavors, easy preparation, and versatile serving options, it’s sure to become a household favorite. Try it today and let us know how you like it!

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