INTRODUCTION
This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a fast, tasty meal you can make on a weeknight. It uses simple ingredients and a skillet. You will have a warm bowl of rice topped with savory, slightly sweet beef in about 15 minutes. If you like easy beef dinners, you may also enjoy a classic Chinese beef and broccoli recipe for another quick meal idea.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this recipe because it is quick and full of flavor. The soy sauce and brown sugar make a rich sauce that coats the beef. Garlic adds a bright note. Sesame oil gives a nutty finish, and a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a gentle heat. This meal is great for busy nights, lunch prep, or when you need something comforting and simple. It also uses few tools and common pantry items, so you can start right away. If you enjoy slow cooker dinners, you might like the flavor ideas in this crockpot beef and vegetable soup to plan more meals for the week.
HOW TO MAKE Korean Ground Beef Bowl
This dish cooks in one pan and comes together fast. First, brown the beef in a skillet. Then add garlic and seasonings. Mix until the flavors come together. Finally, spoon the beef over rice and top with green onions. The recipe is very forgiving. You can tweak the heat, sweetness, and salt to match your taste. Below you will find a clear list of what you need and exact step-by-step instructions.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Rice cooker or pot for rice
- Serving bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need :
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 green onions, sliced
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes; cook for another 2-3 minutes to combine flavors.
- Serve the beef mixture over cooked rice and top with sliced green onions.
HOW TO SERVE Korean Ground Beef Bowl
Serve the beef hot over plain steamed rice or brown rice for more fiber. Add sliced green onions on top for a fresh finish. You can also add a soft fried egg on top for extra protein and a silky yolk that blends with the sauce. For a lighter meal, serve the beef over a bed of mixed greens or cauliflower rice. If you want more variety, try pairing this bowl with a quick side like the sweet and garlicky shrimp bowls found at honey garlic shrimp bowls for a surf-and-turf style weeknight menu.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Korean Ground Beef Bowl
Store the cooled beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the rice separate if possible to keep texture nice. To reheat, warm the beef in a skillet over medium heat until hot, then serve over fresh rice. For freezing, place cooled beef in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Do not freeze rice and beef together if you want the best texture after reheating.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Top with a fried or soft-boiled egg.
- Add steamed vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas.
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch.
- Drizzle a little extra sesame oil or a squeeze of lime for brightness.
For a warm bowl with extra veggies, consider pairing this beef with a classic soup like old fashioned vegetable beef soup on a cold day.
VARIATIONS
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter bowl.
- Make it spicy by adding more red pepper flakes or a squirt of gochujang (Korean chili paste).
- Add vegetables to the pan like shredded carrots, peas, or bell peppers to boost nutrition.
- Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free or lower-sodium option.
- Add a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice at the end for a fresh, tangy note.
FAQs
Q: Can I use lean ground beef?
A: Yes. Lean ground beef works well. You may not need to drain fat if it is very lean.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes. Use a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Q: How do I reduce the salt?
A: Use low-sodium soy sauce and taste before adding more. You can also add a little water to dilute the sauce.
Q: Can I double this recipe for meal prep?
A: Yes. Double the ingredients and cook in a large skillet or in two batches. Store in meal containers for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I add more vegetables while cooking?
A: Yes. Stir in small vegetables like peas or corn in the last few minutes. For harder vegetables like carrots, cook them first until tender.
Q: Is this safe for kids?
A: Yes. Omit or reduce red pepper flakes to keep the dish mild for children.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Korean Ground Beef Bowl
Make the beef up to 3 days before you plan to eat it. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Cook rice ahead of time and keep it chilled in a separate container. When ready to serve, reheat the beef in a skillet and warm the rice in the microwave or on the stove. You can also freeze single portions of the beef. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat for a quick meal.
Conclusion
This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a simple and fast meal that fits busy schedules and small kitchens. For another take on this style of bowl and more tips, see Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls | The Recipe Critic. If you want a different but related version to compare, check out Korean Beef Bowl – Damn Delicious.
Korean Ground Beef Bowl
Ingredients
Method
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes; cook for another 2-3 minutes to combine flavors.
- Serve the beef mixture over cooked rice and top with sliced green onions.