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Quick Korean Ground Beef Bowl

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A fast and flavorful Korean ground beef bowl recipe perfect for easy weeknight dinners, combining savory, sweet, and spicy notes with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) soy sauce, low sodium recommended
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced or finely pressed
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 cups cooked rice (about 800 grams), steamed white or brown rice or cauliflower rice
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Cook 4 cups (800 grams) of rice according to package instructions, about 15-20 minutes. Fluff with a fork once done.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon grated ginger, and 3 minced garlic cloves.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until browned but still juicy. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Pour the sauce mixture over the beef. Stir well to coat evenly and simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the beef absorbs the flavors.
  5. Stir in 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes if using. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve beef over warm rice, garnished with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.

Notes

Use low sodium soy sauce to control saltiness. For gluten-free, substitute tamari or coconut aminos for soy sauce. If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water to loosen. Brown meat well for best flavor. Fresh ginger and garlic are key for authentic taste. Ground turkey or chicken can be used as leaner alternatives. Serve with quick-pickled cucumbers or shredded carrots for added crunch and brightness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean ground beef bowl, quick dinner, weeknight meal, easy Korean recipe, ground beef recipe, savory beef bowl