My kitchen often feels like the heart of our home, a place where memories are made and tummies are happily filled. As a mom of three, I’m always searching for recipes that are simple, nourishing, and universally loved. One chaotic Tuesday evening, with sports practices and homework looming, I whipped up what quickly became a family obsession: the Korean Ground Beef Bowl.
It’s pure magic how quickly this flavorful Korean Ground Beef Bowl comes together. My kids devour this Korean Bowl every time, asking for seconds. This delightful Korean Ground Beef Bowl truly delivers on taste and convenience.
When you need a quick, delicious meal, this easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl recipe is your new best friend. You’ll love bringing this comforting Ground Beef Bowl to your dinner table.
Table of Contents
Korean Ground Beef Bowl
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple, nourishing, and universally loved Korean Ground Beef Bowl that comes together quickly. It's a flavorful and convenient meal that kids devour, making it a family obsession perfect for a quick dinner.
Ingredients
1 lb Ground Beef (lean)
1/4 cup Soy Sauce (low sodium)
2 tbsp Brown Sugar (packed)
1 tbsp Sesame Oil
2 cloves Garlic (minced)
1 tsp Fresh Ginger (grated)
1 tsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste, optional)
2 tbsp Water
2–3 Green Onions (sliced, for garnish)
1 tsp Sesame Seeds (for garnish)
4 cups Cooked Rice (for serving)
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef
- Cook the beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet
- While the beef cooks, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, gochujang (if using), and water in a small bowl
- Pour the sauce mixture over the cooked beef in the skillet
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and coats the beef
- Remove from heat
- Serve immediately over hot cooked rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds
Notes
Use lean ground beef for less fat to drain.
Freshly minced garlic and grated ginger make a huge difference in flavor.
Simmer just until the sauce thickens. Overcooking can make the beef tough.
Taste the sauce before adding it to the beef. Adjust sweetness or saltiness as needed.
Store cooked Korean ground beef in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Store rice separately if possible.
Freeze the cooked Korean ground beef mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat the Korean ground beef on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed. Alternatively, microwave individual portions until heated through.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Korean, Ground Beef, Quick, Easy Dinner
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You absolutely need this Korean Ground Beef Bowl in your dinner rotation. First, it’s incredibly fast. You get a delicious Ground Beef Bowl on the table in under 30 minutes.
Plus, cleanup is a breeze. This easy Korean recipe uses just one pan for the main dish. Moreover, it’s packed with amazing flavors.
This savory and slightly sweet Korean Ground Beef Bowl satisfies everyone. Furthermore, you can customize your Korean Ground Beef Bowl endlessly. Serve this versatile Korean Ground Beef Bowl with whatever you have.
Finally, it’s a wholesome option. Enjoy a nourishing Korean Ground Beef Bowl without guilt.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
Gathering your ingredients for this Korean Ground Beef Bowl is simple. You likely have most items already!
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground Beef (lean) | 1 lb |
| Soy Sauce (low sodium) | 1/4 cup |
| Brown Sugar (packed) | 2 tbsp |
| Sesame Oil | 1 tbsp |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Fresh Ginger (grated) | 1 tsp |
| Gochujang (Korean chili paste, optional) | 1 tsp |
| Water | 2 tbsp |
| Green Onions (sliced, for garnish) | 2-3 |
| Sesame Seeds (for garnish) | 1 tsp |
| Cooked Rice (for serving) | 4 cups |
SUBSTITUTIONS & VARIATIONS
Feel free to get creative with your Korean Ground Beef Bowl. You can easily adapt this delightful Korean Ground Beef Bowl recipe to your family’s preferences.
- Protein Swap: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based crumble instead of beef.
- Veggies Galore: Add grated carrots, diced bell peppers, or spinach directly to the pan.
- Spice It Up: Increase the gochujang for a spicier Korean Ground Beef Bowl. A pinch of red pepper flakes also works wonders.
- Gluten-Free: Opt for tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the brown sugar to your taste. Maple syrup also works. Exploring different Korean flavors and spice levels can open up a world of culinary delights beyond your beef bowl. If you enjoy the savory kick of gochujang, you’ll definitely want to try this warming Kimchi Soup Recipe (Kimchi Jjigae) for another authentic taste of Korea.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Making your very own Korean Ground Beef Bowl is incredibly straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect meal.
Note: This video is for demonstration purposes and may use a slightly different method.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef.
- Cook the beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- While the beef cooks, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, gochujang (if using), and water in a small bowl. This creates the delicious sauce for your Korean Ground Beef Bowl.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the cooked beef in the skillet.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and coats the beef. This creates a rich flavor for your Korean Ground Beef Bowl.
- Remove from heat.
- Serve immediately over hot cooked rice. Garnish your Korean Ground Beef Bowl with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
PRO TIPS FOR SUCCESS
Making your Korean Ground Beef Bowl truly shine is easy with a few simple tricks.
Lean Beef: Use lean ground beef for less fat to drain. This ensures a healthier Korean Ground Beef Bowl.
Fresh Aromatics: Freshly minced garlic and grated ginger make a huge difference in flavor for your Korean Ground Beef Bowl.
Don’t Overcook: Simmer just until the sauce thickens. Overcooking can make the beef tough.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce before adding it to the beef. Adjust sweetness or saltiness as needed. This ensures your Korean Ground Beef Bowl is perfect.
Perfecting the flavors in your Korean Ground Beef Bowl ensures a delightful meal every time. If you’re keen on exploring more bold and comforting Korean tastes, you must check out this Korean Gochujang Rice Bowl, a 20-minute wonder packed with flavor.
STORAGE & REHEATING TIPS
Leftovers of this amazing Korean Ground Beef Bowl are fantastic for quick lunches!
- Refrigerator: Store cooked Korean ground beef in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Store rice separately if possible.
- Freezer: Freeze the cooked Korean ground beef mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat the Korean ground beef on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed. Alternatively, microwave individual portions until heated through.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH THIS RECIPE
This versatile Korean Ground Beef Bowl pairs beautifully with many sides.
Rice: White or brown rice is the classic base for a Korean Ground Beef Bowl.
Quinoa: A great whole-grain alternative to rice.
Lettuce Wraps: Serve the beef in crisp lettuce cups for a lighter, low-carb option.
Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, edamame, or asparagus add extra nutrition.
Kimchi: A side of fermented kimchi offers a tangy, spicy contrast to your Korean Ground Beef Bowl.
Fried Egg: Top your Korean Ground Beef Bowl with a sunny-side-up egg for extra richness.
While rice is a classic pairing for your ground beef bowl, there are countless ways to enjoy Korean-inspired meals. For another hearty and flavorful option that puts a twist on a beloved classic, consider making these delicious Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls with Spicy Cream Sauce.
FAQS
Can I make this Korean Ground Beef Bowl spicy?
Absolutely! Increase the amount of gochujang (Korean chili paste) in the sauce. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the beef.
Is this Korean Ground Beef Bowl gluten-free?
Yes, it can be! Simply substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Can I use ground turkey for this Korean Ground Beef Bowl?
Yes, ground turkey works wonderfully for this Korean Ground Beef Bowl. Follow the same cooking instructions.
A Korean Ground Beef Bowl, often referred to as ‘Bulgogi-style’ or ‘Korean BBQ-inspired,’ brings together savory ground beef marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, typically served over rice with various toppings. This popular dish is a quick and accessible way to enjoy the vibrant flavors of Korean cuisine in a single, satisfying meal.
NUTRITION INFORMATION (PER SERVING)
(Estimated, per serving, without rice or toppings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 28g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Carbohydrates | 8g |
| Sodium | 650mg |