Quick & Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl – Better Than Takeout! Recipe
Introduction
This Quick & Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a flavorful, satisfying meal that comes together in minutes. Packed with savory, sweet, and spicy notes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something better than takeout.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (lean)
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium if you prefer)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower)
- Optional toppings: green onions, sesame seeds, shredded carrots, cucumber slices
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Step 2: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in the brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Let everything simmer for 2–3 minutes so the flavors can soak in.
- Step 4: Serve the beef hot over cooked rice and top with your favorite veggies, sesame seeds, or green onions.
Tips & Variations
- Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to beef.
- Add a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice for extra tang.
- For more heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add sriracha.
- Serve with steamed or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. If stored separately, rice reheats best when sprinkled with a little water and covered.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free tamari or soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
What can I use instead of cooked rice?
You can substitute cooked quinoa, cauliflower rice, or noodles depending on your preference or dietary needs.
PrintQuick & Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl – Better Than Takeout! Recipe
This Quick & Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a flavorful and simple dish that combines savory, sweet, and spicy elements for a delicious home-cooked meal that’s better than takeout. Ground beef is seasoned with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and brown sugar, then served over steamed rice with optional fresh toppings, making it perfect for a fast weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (lean)
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium if you prefer)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower)
Optional Toppings
- Green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds
- Shredded carrots
- Cucumber slices
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the pan to prevent greasiness.
- Sauté garlic and ginger: Add the minced garlic and fresh or ground ginger to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for about one minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Add seasonings: Stir in the brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer flavors: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken.
- Serve: Spoon the Korean ground beef hot over cooked rice of your choice. Garnish with your preferred toppings such as sliced green onions, sesame seeds, shredded carrots, or cucumber slices to add freshness and texture.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and calories.
- Low sodium soy sauce is recommended to control salt intake but regular soy sauce works fine.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level or omit altogether.
- Cauliflower rice is a great low-carb substitute for regular rice.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free.
Keywords: Korean ground beef bowl, quick Korean recipe, easy weeknight dinner, Asian beef bowl, ground beef rice bowl
