Name: Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 pound lean ground beef; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger); 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 1 teaspoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening); 2 cups cooked jasmine or white rice; 2 green onions, sliced; Sesame seeds for garnish

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If you’re craving a lightning-fast, flavor-packed meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, the Korean Ground Beef Bowl is your new weeknight hero. Imagine juicy, savory beef kissed with garlicky-sweet soy sauce, all nestled atop fluffy white rice and showered with crunchy green onions and sesame seeds. This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is not just a time-saver—it’s an explosion of umami, a little bit spicy, and endlessly adaptable for picky eaters and veggie lovers alike. Trust me, this dish is about to become your go-to comfort dinner!

Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how a handful of everyday staples come together to create such bold, crave-worthy flavors. Each ingredient in this Korean Ground Beef Bowl brings something special—whether it’s richness, freshness, or a little zing—making every bite a joy.

Sesame oil: Toasty and aromatic, it forms the flavor base for the beef and infuses the dish with classic Korean character.
Lean ground beef: Quick-cooking and hearty, it soaks up all the savory-sweet sauce for maximum satisfaction.
Garlic (minced): Adds that irresistible punch of flavor you expect in a great stir fry.
Brown sugar: Balances the salty soy and gives the sauce a glossy finish and subtle sweetness.
Low-sodium soy sauce: Delivers the essential savory, umami depth without making the dish too salty.
Fresh ginger (grated) or ground ginger: Brings a zingy warmth that brightens up every bite.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a gentle kick, this adds just the right amount of heat.
Rice vinegar: A splash of tang to balance out the sweet and savory elements.
Cornstarch (optional): For a thicker, glossy sauce that clings beautifully to the beef and rice.
Green onions (sliced): Fresh, crunchy, and colorful—these are a must for topping your bowl!
Cooked jasmine or white rice: Fluffy rice soaks up all that delicious sauce and makes the bowl hearty and satisfying.
Sesame seeds: A final sprinkle adds nutty crunch and classic Korean flair.

How to Make Korean Ground Beef Bowl

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add your ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until the beef is browned and crumbly, about 5–7 minutes. If there’s excess fat, go ahead and drain it off—this keeps your Korean Ground Beef Bowl from getting greasy while letting all the rich flavors shine.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Ginger

With the beef cooked through, stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Let them sizzle for about a minute. This step is where the magic begins—the aroma alone will have everyone wandering into the kitchen!

Step 3: Make the Sauce

While the beef is browning, whisk together the brown sugar, low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and cornstarch in a small bowl. This quick sauce is the secret behind the beef’s irresistible sweet-salty glaze.

Step 4: Simmer Everything Together

Pour the sauce over the beef and stir to coat each morsel. Let it all simmer for 2–3 minutes, just until the sauce thickens slightly and everything is piping hot. Those flavors meld together beautifully, turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Spoon the luscious beef mixture over warm, cooked jasmine or white rice. Finish with a generous sprinkle of sliced green onions and sesame seeds for crunch and color. Your Korean Ground Beef Bowl is ready—dig in while it’s hot!

How to Serve Korean Ground Beef Bowl

Garnishes

A finishing touch makes all the difference. Sprinkle each Korean Ground Beef Bowl with a handful of sliced green onions for a burst of freshness and scatter sesame seeds on top for subtle crunch and that authentic Korean look. If you like a bit of extra heat, a pinch of additional red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha can take things to the next level.

Side Dishes

Round out your meal with some simple sides. Steamed broccoli, sautéed zucchini, or shredded carrots add color and nutrition, making your bowl feel even more complete. For a truly Korean-inspired spread, try a little kimchi or a quick cucumber salad on the side—crisp, tangy, and perfect with the beef.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to get playful! Serve your Korean Ground Beef Bowl in lettuce cups for a fun, hands-on dinner, or spoon the beef mixture over cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carb twist. If you’re feeding a crowd, set up a DIY rice bowl bar with different toppings and veggies so everyone can build their own perfect bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a meal prep dream. Once cooled, pack the beef and rice in separate airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Keeping them separate helps the rice stay fluffy and the beef saucy.

Freezing

If you want to stock your freezer for busy nights, the cooked beef freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. For best results, freeze the rice separately or make fresh rice when serving.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave the beef and rice separately until hot, stirring halfway through. A splash of water or soy sauce can help revive the beef’s sauciness. If you prefer, warm everything together in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little extra sauce or broth if needed.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is super flexible. Ground turkey or chicken both work well and soak up the delicious sauce, making for a lighter but equally tasty version.

What kind of rice should I use?

Jasmine or plain white rice are classic choices, as they’re fluffy and neutral enough to let the beef shine. For extra nutrition, feel free to use brown rice, or opt for cauliflower rice if you’re watching carbs.

Is this dish spicy?

The heat is totally adjustable. The red pepper flakes add a gentle kick, but you can leave them out for a milder flavor or add more if you love spice. Try a squirt of sriracha for even more fire!

Can I add vegetables to my Korean Ground Beef Bowl?

Definitely! Stir in steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, sautéed bell peppers, or even spinach during the last few minutes of cooking. It’s a great way to sneak in extra veggies and color.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

For a thicker, glossy sauce, include the optional teaspoon of cornstarch when mixing your sauce ingredients. Let it simmer with the beef for a few minutes and you’ll get that perfect, clingy consistency.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a quick, flavor-packed dinner that will win over everyone at the table, give this Korean Ground Beef Bowl a try. It’s cozy, customizable, and just plain delicious—once you taste it, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a flavorful and easy-to-make weeknight dinner featuring savory ground beef cooked with garlic, ginger, and a sweet-savory sauce served over fluffy jasmine rice. Garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, it’s a comforting one-bowl meal inspired by classic Korean flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Mixture

1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 pound lean ground beef
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Sauce

1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

To Serve

2 cups cooked jasmine or white rice
2 green onions, sliced
Sesame seeds for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the Beef: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add Aromatics: Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, crushed red pepper flakes, and cornstarch if using.
Combine and Simmer: Pour the sauce mixture over the beef, stirring well to coat. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the beef is heated through.
Serve: Spoon the beef mixture over warm cooked rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

Add steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, or sautéed zucchini for extra vegetables.
For a low-carb version, serve the beef over cauliflower rice instead of jasmine or white rice.
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Korean-Inspired