There’s something about the smell of garlic and ginger sizzling in a pan that immediately brings a sense of comfort. That’s how my kitchen felt the other night when I whipped up this Korean Ground Beef Bowl. The moment the beef hit the skillet, releasing its rich aroma, I knew dinner was going to be worth the wait. The sweet and spicy sauce bubbles up, coating the meat in a glossy, mouthwatering glaze. As I spooned the savory beef over fluffy white rice, the crunch of fresh shredded carrots and crisp cucumber added a lively contrast. Sprinkling on toasted sesame seeds and green onions felt like the finishing touch on a simple moment made special. In less than half an hour, I had a bowl that warmed not just my stomach but my whole evening.
- Ready in just 25 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
- Balanced flavors of sweet, spicy, and savory in every bite.
- Fresh vegetables add a crunchy, refreshing texture.
- One skillet means easy cleanup after dinner.
- Comforting yet light, great for a satisfying meal.
If you’re worried about making something flavorful without spending hours, this bowl is your answer. It’s approachable and flexible, yet every bite feels thoughtfully crafted.
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Korean Ground Beef Bowl
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A quick and flavorful Korean Ground Beef Bowl featuring savory marinated beef served over steamed rice with fresh vegetables and a spicy-sweet sauce.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 cups cooked white rice
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup thinly sliced cucumber
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, crushed red pepper flakes, and black pepper.
Pour the sauce mixture over the cooked ground beef and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Divide cooked white rice evenly among four bowls.
Top each bowl of rice with the Korean ground beef mixture.
Garnish each bowl with shredded carrots, sliced cucumber, green onions, and toasted sesame seeds.
Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely. The beef mixture keeps well refrigerated for up to three days, so you can prepare it in advance and reheat gently before serving.
What can I swap for fresh veggies? Feel free to use whatever you have on hand—thinly sliced bell peppers or radishes add great crunch and color.
Is it spicy? The crushed red pepper flakes add a mild kick, but you can adjust to your taste or omit them for a milder version.
Can this be served with brown rice? Yes! Brown rice or even cauliflower rice works beautifully if you prefer a different base.
Give this Korean Ground Beef Bowl a try tonight and enjoy a quick, flavorful dinner that feels like a warm hug after a long day.