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Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe

4.8 from 137 reviews

This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a quick and flavorful meal featuring savory ground beef seasoned with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce served over fluffy rice. Enhanced with optional fresh vegetables, sesame seeds, and a fried egg, this bowl offers a perfect balance of protein, veggies, and umami goodness for an easy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for optimal flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon ginger (minced)
  • 2 green onions (chopped, plus extra for garnish)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups cooked rice (jasmine, basmati, or brown rice)

Optional Toppings and Vegetables

  • Sesame seeds
  • Sliced cucumber
  • Kimchi
  • Pickled vegetables
  • Vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, or spinach (steamed or fresh)
  • Fried egg (for added richness)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Rice: Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine with 2 cups of water in a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork. Alternatively, cook rice in a rice cooker following the manufacturer’s instructions, or use an Instant Pot by cooking on high pressure for 3 minutes with natural release.
  2. Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Use a spatula to break the meat into smaller pieces as it cooks. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the beef is browned and no longer pink.
  3. Add Flavors: Drain excess fat from the skillet if necessary. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the beef and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Season the Beef: Stir in the soy sauce, sesame oil, and chopped green onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  5. Assemble the Bowl: Spoon a generous amount of cooked rice into the bottom of a bowl. Top the rice with the seasoned ground beef mixture.
  6. Add Vegetables and Garnish: Add any optional vegetables such as steamed broccoli or sliced bell peppers on top or around the beef. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and any additional toppings like kimchi or a fried egg for extra richness.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari.
  • You can use any rice variety such as jasmine, basmati, or brown rice according to preference.
  • Adding a fried egg on top adds creaminess and additional protein.
  • Customize with fresh or pickled vegetables for added texture and nutrition.
  • For leaner meat option, choose 90/10 ground beef but flavor might be less rich.

Keywords: Korean ground beef bowl, quick Korean recipe, beef rice bowl, easy weeknight dinner, Korean beef, soy sauce beef bowl