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Korean Ground Beef Bowl: Easy Recipe for a Quick Meal

Korean Ground Beef Bowl: Craving a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This recipe delivers an explosion of savory-sweet flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. Forget takeout – this is your new weeknight dinner champion!

While not a traditional dish passed down through generations in Korea, the Korean Ground Beef Bowl draws inspiration from the beloved flavors of Korean cuisine, particularly bulgogi. Bulgogi, meaning “fire meat,” is traditionally thinly sliced marinated beef grilled to perfection. This bowl takes those iconic flavors – the umami-rich soy sauce, the sweetness of brown sugar, the pungent garlic and ginger – and reimagines them in a convenient and accessible format using ground beef.

What makes this dish so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy. The ground beef, simmered in a flavorful sauce, becomes incredibly tender and juicy. Served over a bed of fluffy rice and topped with your favorite garnishes like sesame seeds, green onions, and a drizzle of sriracha mayo, each bite is a symphony of textures and tastes. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables, making it a healthy and delicious option for the whole family. I know you’ll love how easy it is to make this Korean Ground Beef Bowl!

Korean ground beef bowl this Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste), adjust to taste
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Cooked rice, for serving
  • Optional toppings:
    • Scallions, thinly sliced
    • Sesame seeds
    • Fried egg
    • Kimchi
    • Shredded carrots
    • Cucumber, thinly sliced
    • Spinach, lightly sauteed

Preparing the Korean Ground Beef:

Alright, let’s get started! This Korean ground beef is super easy and comes together in a flash. The key is to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. Trust me, it makes the whole process smoother.

  1. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants greasy beef!
  2. Add Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, or it’ll get bitter. The aroma should be amazing at this point!
  3. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, gochujang, and rice vinegar. Make sure the brown sugar is fully dissolved. Taste the sauce and adjust the gochujang to your liking. If you like it spicier, add a little more! If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less and add more gradually.
  4. Combine and Simmer: Pour the sauce over the ground beef mixture in the skillet. Stir well to combine, ensuring that all the beef is coated in the delicious sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and the beef is heated through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Finishing Touches: Stir in the sesame seeds and red pepper flakes (if using). Give it one last stir to make sure everything is evenly distributed. Now, take a little taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Maybe a pinch more soy sauce? Or a touch more gochujang? It’s all up to you!

Assembling the Bowls:

Now for the fun part – building your Korean ground beef bowls! This is where you can really get creative and customize your bowl to your own taste. I love adding a variety of toppings for different textures and flavors.

  1. Prepare the Rice: Make sure your rice is cooked and ready to go. I prefer using short-grain rice for this, but any type of rice will work. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
  2. Layer the Bowl: Spoon a generous amount of cooked rice into each bowl. Top with the Korean ground beef. Don’t be shy with the beef!
  3. Add Toppings: This is where you can let your creativity shine! Arrange your desired toppings around the ground beef. Here are some of my favorites:
    • Scallions: Thinly sliced scallions add a fresh, oniony flavor.
    • Sesame Seeds: A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a nutty crunch.
    • Fried Egg: A fried egg with a runny yolk is a must-have for me! The yolk adds richness and creaminess to the bowl.
    • Kimchi: Kimchi adds a spicy, fermented kick.
    • Shredded Carrots: Shredded carrots add a touch of sweetness and crunch.
    • Cucumber: Thinly sliced cucumber adds a refreshing coolness.
    • Spinach: Lightly sauteed spinach adds a healthy dose of greens.
  4. Serve Immediately: Serve your Korean ground beef bowls immediately and enjoy! Encourage everyone to mix everything together before eating to get all the flavors in each bite.

Tips and Variations:

This recipe is incredibly versatile, so feel free to experiment and make it your own! Here are a few tips and variations to get you started:

  • Spice Level: Adjust the amount of gochujang to control the spice level. If you’re not a fan of spice, you can omit it altogether or use a milder chili paste.
  • Sweetness: Adjust the amount of brown sugar to control the sweetness. If you prefer a less sweet dish, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or use a sugar substitute.
  • Protein: You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even plant-based ground meat. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  • Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the skillet along with the garlic and ginger. Diced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms would all be great additions.
  • Sauce Variations: For a richer sauce, you can add a tablespoon of oyster sauce or hoisin sauce. For a tangier sauce, you can add a squeeze of lime juice.
  • Serving Suggestions: These Korean ground beef bowls are also great served over noodles instead of rice. You can also use the ground beef as a filling for lettuce wraps or tacos.
  • Make Ahead: The Korean ground beef can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it before serving.
  • Freezing: The Korean ground beef can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Detailed Ingredient Notes:

Let’s dive a little deeper into some of the key ingredients to ensure you get the best possible flavor in your Korean ground beef bowls.

  • Ground Beef: I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and texture. The higher fat content will keep the beef moist and flavorful. However, you can use leaner ground beef if you prefer. Just be sure to drain off any excess grease after browning.
  • Sesame Oil: Sesame oil adds a distinctive nutty flavor to the dish. Be sure to use toasted sesame oil for the best flavor. A little goes a long way, so don’t overdo it!
  • Garlic and Ginger: Freshly minced garlic and grated ginger are essential for adding aromatic flavor to the dish. Don’t use garlic powder or ginger powder – the flavor just isn’t the same.
  • Soy Sauce: I recommend using low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish. You can also use tamari if you’re gluten-free.
  • Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the sauce. You can use light or dark brown sugar, depending on your preference.
  • Gochujang: Gochujang is a Korean chili paste made from red chili powder, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, and salt. It has a complex, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor. You can find gochujang at most Asian grocery stores or online.
  • Rice Vinegar: Rice vinegar adds a touch of acidity to the sauce, balancing out the sweetness and spiciness.
  • Sesame Seeds: Sesame seeds add a nutty crunch and visual appeal to the dish. You can use white or black sesame seeds, or a combination of both.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Red pepper flakes add an extra kick of heat to the dish. Use them sparingly if you’re sensitive to spice.
  • Rice: Any type of rice will work for this dish, but I prefer using short-grain rice for its slightly sticky texture.
  • Scallions: Scallions add a fresh, oniony flavor and a pop of color to the dish.
  • Fried Egg: A fried egg with a runny yolk is a classic topping for Korean dishes. The yolk adds richness and creaminess to the bowl.
  • Kimchi: Kimchi is a fermented Korean side dish made from vegetables, typically napa cabbage and Korean radish, with a variety of seasonings. It has a spicy, sour, and umami flavor.
  • Shredded Carrots: Shredded carrots add a touch of sweetness and crunch to the dish.
  • Cucumber: Thinly sliced cucumber adds a refreshing coolness to the dish.
  • Spinach: Lightly saute

    Korean ground beef bowl

    Conclusion:

    So, there you have it! This Korean ground beef bowl recipe is truly a game-changer for weeknight dinners. I know I’ve said it before, but the combination of savory, slightly sweet, and subtly spicy flavors is just irresistible. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s incredibly satisfying – everything you could possibly want in a meal after a long day. But beyond the convenience, it’s the sheer deliciousness that makes this a must-try. It’s a vibrant explosion of Korean-inspired goodness that will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds!).

    Why is this recipe a must-try? Because it’s a flavor bomb that requires minimal effort. You’re essentially creating a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen in under 30 minutes. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the spice level to your liking, swap out the vegetables based on what you have on hand, and even use different types of ground meat. It’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity!

    Serving Suggestions and Variations:

    The beauty of this Korean ground beef bowl lies in its adaptability. While I love serving it over fluffy white rice, you could also try it with brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. For a bit of extra crunch, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts on top. A drizzle of sriracha mayo adds a creamy, spicy kick. And don’t forget the kimchi! A side of kimchi is the perfect complement to the savory beef and adds a delightful tang.

    Looking for variations? Consider adding some sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the beef mixture. You could also incorporate some shredded carrots or zucchini for added nutrients. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a fried egg on top for a protein-packed and visually appealing dish. For a vegetarian option, you can easily substitute the ground beef with crumbled tofu or plant-based ground meat. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

    Another fun variation is to turn this into Korean ground beef lettuce wraps! Simply spoon the beef mixture into crisp lettuce cups and top with your favorite garnishes. This is a great option for a light and refreshing meal, especially during the warmer months.

    I truly believe that this Korean ground beef bowl will become a staple in your recipe rotation. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or even meal prepping. The possibilities are endless, and the flavor is simply unforgettable.

    So, what are you waiting for? Get in the kitchen and give this recipe a try! I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. And when you do, please share your experience! I’d love to hear about your variations, your serving suggestions, and your overall thoughts on this delicious and easy meal. Tag me in your photos on social media, or leave a comment below. I can’t wait to see what you create!

    Happy cooking!

    Korean Ground Beef Bowl: Easy Recipe for a Quick Meal

    Savory Korean ground beef bowls ready in under 30 minutes! Flavorful ground beef simmered in a sweet and spicy gochujang sauce, served over rice with your favorite toppings.

    Save This Recipe
    Prep Time10 minutes
    Cook Time15 minutes
    Total Time25 minutes
    Yield4 servings
    👨‍🍳By: Lana
    📂Category: Dinner
    📊Difficulty: Easy
    🌍Cuisine: American
    🍽️Yield: 4 servings
    🥗Dietary: Vegetarian

    Ingredients

    Instructions

    Recipe Notes

    • Adjust the amount of gochujang to control the spice level.
    • Adjust the amount of brown sugar to control the sweetness.
    • You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even plant-based ground meat.
    • Feel free to add other vegetables to the skillet along with the garlic and ginger. Diced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms would all be great additions.
    • For a richer sauce, you can add a tablespoon of oyster sauce or hoisin sauce. For a tangier sauce, you can add a squeeze of lime juice.
    • These Korean ground beef bowls are also great served over noodles instead of rice. You can also use the ground beef as a filling for lettuce wraps or tacos.
    • The Korean ground beef can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it before serving.
    • The Korean ground beef can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    → How do I ensure the bread stays moist?
    Use fresh, ripe ingredients and avoid overmixing the batter. Store in an airtight container.
    → Can I substitute ingredients?
    Yes, you can substitute similar ingredients while maintaining the basic ratios for best results.
    → How long does this bread keep?
    Store tightly wrapped at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
    → What if I don't have all the spices?
    You can adjust spices to taste or substitute with similar warming spices.
    → Can I freeze this bread?
    Yes, wrap individual slices and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

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