Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a quick and satisfying meal that packs a punch of flavor. Inspired by Korean cuisine, this dish is both savory and slightly sweet, making it a family favorite.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to create the perfect Korean Ground Beef Bowl:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 scallions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Rice of choice, cooked (e.g., white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice)
Equipments
To prepare this delightful bowl, ensure you have the following:
- Frying pan or wok
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife for mincing and slicing
- Can I use other meats? Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken makes a healthier substitute, while maintaining deliciousness.
- Is this dish gluten-free? To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
- Can I add vegetables directly? Yes, adding vegetables such as bell peppers or carrots while cooking the beef will integrate more textures and flavors.
- What type of rice works best? Jasmine or basmati rice is recommended, although any rice can be used based on preference.
- ground beef
- soy sauce
- brown sugar
- sesame oil
- garlic cloves
- grated ginger
- crushed red pepper flakes
- scallions
- sesame seeds
- Rice of choice
- Prepare your ingredients by slicing the scallions, mincing garlic, and grating ginger.
- Brown the ground beef in a frying pan over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Add garlic and ginger to the browned beef and sauté until fragrant.
- Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper in a bowl, then pour over beef and mix.
- Serve beef over rice and garnish with scallions and sesame seeds.
How to Make Korean Ground Beef Bowl – Step By Step
Step 1: Prepare your ingredients. Start by washing and slicing your scallions. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger to have everything ready for cooking. This preparation ensures a smooth workflow once you start cooking.
Step 2: Cook the ground beef. In a frying pan over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook it until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spatula to ensure even cooking. Leave any excess fat in the pan for added flavor in the next steps.
Step 3: Infuse flavors. Reduce the heat slightly and add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan with the beef. Stir together to release the aromatic flavors. Being careful, let these cook just for a minute until the ginger and garlic are fragrant.
Step 4: Create the sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Pour this mixture over the browned beef, tossing it continuously to ensure the beef soaks up every drop of the sauce.
Step 5: Serve and garnish. Once the sauce has reduced slightly, your beef is ready to serve. Place a generous scoop over your choice of rice. Garnish your bowl with freshly sliced scallions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a delightful finish.
How to Serve Korean Ground Beef Bowl
This dish shines when served hot in bowls, nestled on a bed of steamed rice of your choice. For added vibrancy, complement the dish with some steamed or stir-fried vegetables for extra nutrients and colors.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
When making Korean Ground Beef Bowls, achieving the right balance between sweet and savory is crucial. For more depth, add a dash of chili paste or Sriracha if you enjoy a kick of spice. Be sure not to overcook the beef; it should stay moist and tender.
Pumping Up the Protein: High Protein Korean Beef Bowl
If you’re looking to increase the protein in your diet, pair your Korean Ground Beef with quinoa or lentils instead of rice. These alternatives not only add protein but also an exciting texture to the dish. Incorporating additional protein sources such as a poached or boiled egg on top of each bowl can also elevate both the protein content and the visual appeal.
Low Carb Korean Beef Bowl Delight
Enjoying Korean flavors without the carbs is possible! Swap the traditional rice base with cauliflower rice to create a low-carb masterpiece. This not only keeps the dish light but also enhances the sublimely spicy and sweet beef. Cabbage or spinach can be sautéed as additional greens to pack the bowl with vitamins while keeping carbohydrates low.
Storage Instructions
This recipe makes for excellent meal prep or leftovers. Store any unused beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For extended preservation, the beef can be frozen for up to one month. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave to maintain moistness.
FAQs
Final Thoughts on This Flavorful Bowl
This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a perfect example of how simple ingredients and quick prep can transform into a delicious meal. It offers flexibility in its preparation, allowing customization to satisfy different dietary needs or preferences. Share your favorite twists on this recipe in the comments and don’t forget to share this delightful recipe with friends and family!
