On the hunt for a quick, flavorful meal that captures the heart of Korean cuisine? The Korean Ground Beef Bowl might just become your new weeknight favorite. It’s easy to prepare and replete with savory, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors—a tribute to the traditional bulgogi but without the prolonged marination.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Equipments
- Skillet
- Spatula
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or fork
How to Make Korean Ground Beef Bowl – Step By Step
Step 1: Begin by preparing the sauce.
In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, sesame oil, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Stir well until the brown sugar has dissolved completely. This vibrant concoction is what will infuse your ground beef with that irresistible Korean flavor.
Step 2: Cook the ground beef.
Heat your skillet over a medium-high flame. Add the ground beef, using a spatula to break it into small pieces as it cooks. Cook for 5–7 minutes or until browned thoroughly. Drain any excess fat to maintain a healthy balance while keeping every ounce of flavor.
Step 3: Infuse the beef with the sauce.
Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked ground beef in the skillet. Stir well to make sure it coats all the beef evenly. Allow it to simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes, letting the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 4: Serve over rice and garnish.
Arrange a bed of cooked rice in your serving bowl. Generously spoon the Korean ground beef over, then sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds to complete the dish.
How to Serve Korean Ground Beef Bowl
This dish is perfectly delightful served hot, fresh from the skillet over fluffy white rice. You can also pair it with a side of kimchi for that traditional Korean touch or a light salad to balance the meal. Adding a fried egg on top can add an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
For the best outcome, always ensure your ground beef is fresh and of high quality. If you prefer a spicier kick, adjust the red pepper flakes to your liking. This recipe is versatile, so feel free to add additional veggies such as shredded carrots or bell peppers for a nutritious touch.
Packed with Protein – High Protein Korean Beef Bowl
If you’re looking for a high-protein meal option, this dish can truly shine. Simply replace white rice with quinoa or brown rice, which are both higher in protein. Additionally, doubling the beef amount will give you an extra protein punch. You can also experiment by adding tofu cubes, providing both texture and an increase in protein content without altering the classic taste profile.
Low-Carb Delight – Slim Down Korean Ground Beef Bowl
To transform this dish into a low-carb delight, replace the traditional rice with cauliflower rice. Zucchini noodles or shredded cabbage are also fantastic alternatives. This variation captures all the savory flavors while keeping your carbohydrate intake to a minimum, making it perfect for those following a ketogenic or low-carb diet.
Storage Instructions
Leftovers of the Korean Ground Beef Bowl can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or sauté on a skillet until warm. This dish also freezes well for up to two months—ideal for meal prep enthusiasts!
FAQs
- Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option and works just as well with the same flavor-enriching sauce.
- How do I make this dish spicier? Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of Sriracha for a kick of heat to suit your palate.
- Can I prepare this in advance? Yes, you can make the sauce and cook the beef ahead of time, then combine and serve when ready.
- Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian? Certainly. Substitute the ground beef with plant-based proteins like crumbled tofu or tempeh for a delicious vegetarian version.
Final Thoughts: Share the Flavor
The Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a dish that promises not only satisfaction and flavor but also versatility. Share this recipe with your friends and family, and let them in on this delightful secret. Feedback, comments, or modifications you make are always welcome!
Korean Ground Beef Bowl
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ground beef
- soy sauce
- brown sugar
- garlic
- sesame oil
- ginger powder
- red pepper flakes
- cooked rice
- green onions
- sesame seeds
Instructions
Steps
- In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, sesame oil, ginger, and red pepper flakes until the brown sugar dissolves.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high flame and cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it into small pieces.
- Pour the sauce over the browned beef, stirring to coat evenly, and let simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes.
- Serve the beef on a bed of rice, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.