Korean Ground Beef Bowl

Featured in Fast and Simple Recipes for Busy Days.

This Korean Ground Beef Bowl transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful meal that's ready in just 25 minutes. The dish combines perfectly seasoned ground beef with aromatic garlic and ginger, all coated in a savory sauce made with soy sauce and sesame oil. Served over fluffy rice and garnished with fresh green onions, it offers the perfect balance of flavors and textures. What makes this recipe special is its versatility - it can be customized with various toppings like kimchi, vegetables, or a fried egg, making it perfect for both quick weeknight dinners and meal prep. It's a satisfying, budget-friendly meal that brings Korean-inspired flavors to your table with minimal effort.
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Updated on Sun, 23 Feb 2025 00:32:37 GMT
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A perfect harmony of savory and sweet flavors comes together in this Korean-inspired ground beef bowl. This dish transforms humble ground beef into something extraordinary with a blend of aromatic garlic, ginger, and rich soy sauce, all served over fluffy rice. It's the kind of meal that proves incredible flavor doesn't require hours in the kitchen.

When I first discovered this recipe, I was amazed by how a few simple ingredients could create such complex flavors. The moment the garlic and ginger hit the pan, filling my kitchen with their aroma, I knew this would become a regular in my dinner rotation.

Essential Components

  • Ground Beef: Choose 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and texture
  • Soy Sauce: Use naturally brewed soy sauce for deeper umami notes
  • Sesame Oil: Select pure toasted sesame oil for authentic nutty flavor
  • Fresh Aromatics: Fresh garlic and ginger are non-negotiable for the best flavor
  • Rice Selection: Premium short-grain rice provides the ideal texture
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Creating Your Bowl

Perfect The Rice:
Rinse rice thoroughly until water runs clear. Cook using your preferred method, allowing it to steam after cooking for fluffiest results.
Build The Base:
Heat pan until very hot. Add ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles. Let it develop a golden crust before stirring.
Layer The Flavors:
Add minced garlic and ginger once beef is nearly cooked. Stir until fragrant, allowing aromatics to bloom in the rendered fat.
Create The Sauce:
Pour in soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring to coat every morsel of beef. Let the sauce reduce slightly to concentrate flavors.
Complete The Bowl:
Serve hot beef over rice, garnishing with fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds for perfect finishing touches.

During my travels in Korea, I learned that the key to authentic flavor lies in balancing sweet, salty, and umami elements. Now, when I make this at home, the familiar aroma instantly transports me back to those tiny street-side restaurants.

Perfect Pairings

Elevate your bowl with thoughtfully chosen sides. Quick-pickled cucumbers provide a refreshing crunch and palate cleanser. A soft-fried egg adds luxurious richness when its yolk breaks into the rice. For authenticity, serve with kimchi on the side. Fresh steamed edamame makes an excellent starter.

Creative Adaptations

Transform this versatile bowl to suit any preference. Use ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version. Create a vegetarian alternative with crumbled firm tofu or tempeh. Add sautéed mushrooms for extra umami depth. Make it spicy by incorporating gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) or gochujang paste.

Storage Success

Store components separately for best results. Keep cooked beef mixture in an airtight container for up to three days. Rice stays fresh for two days when refrigerated properly. When reheating, add a splash of water to restore moisture, and garnish with fresh toppings.

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Temperature Mastery

Control your heat carefully through each step. Start with a hot pan to achieve proper browning, then reduce heat when adding aromatics to prevent burning. Let the sauce simmer gently to reduce without becoming too salty.

Through countless iterations of this recipe, I've found that success lies in respecting each ingredient's role. The careful balance of flavors, combined with proper technique, creates a bowl that's greater than the sum of its parts. This dish proves that comfort food can be both quick and sophisticated.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use ground turkey instead?
Yes, ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative. Just add a bit more oil since it's less fatty than beef.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store beef and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave.
→ Can I make this spicy?
Add gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) or sriracha sauce to taste for heat.
→ What vegetables work best?
Quick-cooking vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or pre-cooked broccoli work great in this recipe.
→ Is this good for meal prep?
Yes! Make a big batch and portion into containers with rice for easy lunches throughout the week.

Quick Korean Ground Beef Bowl

A quick and satisfying rice bowl featuring savory ground beef seasoned with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, ready in just 25 minutes.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes

Category: Quick & Easy

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Korean

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for optimal flavor)
02 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
03 1 tablespoon sesame oil
04 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
06 2 green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
07 Salt and pepper to taste
08 2 cups cooked rice (jasmine, basmati, or brown rice)

→ Optional Toppings

09 Sesame seeds
10 Sliced cucumber
11 Kimchi
12 Pickled vegetables
13 Vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, or spinach)
14 Fried egg

Instructions

Step 01

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.

Step 02

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Brown until it's no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 03

Drain excess fat if necessary. Then, add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 04

Stir in the soy sauce, sesame oil, and chopped green onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow it to simmer for a couple of minutes so the flavors meld together.

Step 05

Spoon a generous amount of cooked rice into the bottom of your bowl. Top the rice with the seasoned ground beef mixture. Add any additional vegetables if using. Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and any other toppings you prefer.

Notes

  1. Rice can also be prepared in a rice cooker or Instant Pot
  2. Customize with various vegetables and toppings
  3. Great for meal prep

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Rice cooker or pot
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 400
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~