Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a quick, flavorful meal that combines savory, sweet, and spicy notes for a satisfying dish. The ground beef is cooked with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and a touch of brown sugar or honey, creating a caramelized, deeply flavorful mixture. Served over steamed rice and topped with fresh garnishes like green onions, sesame seeds, and a fried egg, it’s a bowl full of comfort and bold flavors.
I first made Korean Ground Beef Bowl on a busy weeknight when I needed something fast yet delicious, and it became an instant favorite! The tender, flavorful beef pairs perfectly with the fluffy rice, while the toppings add texture and freshness. What I love most about this dish is how versatile it is—you can add sautéed veggies like zucchini, carrots, or broccoli for extra nutrients, or swap the rice for cauliflower rice to keep it low-carb. Korean Ground Beef Bowl is perfect for a quick dinner, meal prep, or whenever you’re craving bold, Korean-inspired flavors!
Perfect for:
- Quick weeknight dinners
- Meal prep
- Korean food enthusiasts
- Busy individuals
- Ground beef lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why this Korean Ground Beef Bowl will become your go-to dish:
- Bold Flavors: The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger creates a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for when you’re short on time but still want something delicious.
- Savory Ground Beef: The ground beef is cooked to perfection, absorbing all the flavor from the sauce.
- Versatile Base: Serve it over steamed rice, quinoa, or even lettuce for a low-carb option.
- Affordable Ingredients: Made with common pantry staples, this dish is budget-friendly.
- One-Pot Meal: No need to dirty up multiple pans—everything cooks in one skillet for easy cleanup.
- Family-Friendly: The mild yet flavorful taste appeals to both kids and adults.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level to suit your preference or swap ingredients to fit dietary needs.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: It keeps well in the fridge and tastes great the next day.
- Addictive: The savory sauce and tender beef make it hard to stop at just one bowl.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 28g, Carbs: 22g, Fat: 18g
Ingredients
For the Ground Beef:
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced
For Serving:
- Steamed rice (or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option)
- Optional garnishes: additional sesame seeds, sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots, or cilantro
Ingredient Highlights
- Ground Beef: The base of this dish, offering rich flavor and protein.
- Gochujang: Adds a unique spicy-sweet flavor to the sauce.
- Sesame Oil: Provides a nutty and fragrant undertone that complements the dish.
- Soy Sauce: The key to the savory depth of the sauce.
- Rice Vinegar: A hint of acidity balances the sweetness of the brown sugar.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Ground Beef:
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook Beef: Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Add the sesame oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and gochujang. Stir to combine and cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the beef to absorb the flavors.
- Finish: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Serve:
- Prepare the Rice: While the beef cooks, prepare your rice according to package instructions.
- Assemble the Bowl: Serve the Korean ground beef over rice and garnish with additional sesame seeds, cucumbers, shredded carrots, or cilantro if desired.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Korean Ground Beef Bowl:
- Over Steamed Rice: The classic way to enjoy this dish.
- With Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb version, serve with cauliflower rice.
- With Stir-Fried Veggies: Pair with stir-fried veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas for added crunch.
- As a Wrap: Wrap the beef in lettuce leaves for a Korean-inspired lettuce wrap.
- With Kimchi: A side of kimchi adds an authentic and flavorful touch.
- As a Meal Prep: Portion the beef and rice into containers for an easy lunch or dinner throughout the week.
- With a Fried Egg: Top with a fried egg for extra protein and richness.
- For a Spicy Kick: Add extra gochujang or a sprinkle of chili flakes for more heat.
- With Pickled Vegetables: Serve with pickled radish or cucumber for a tangy contrast.
- For a Quick Dinner: Serve with a side of steamed edamame for a quick and complete meal.
Additional Tips
- Adjust Sweetness: If you like your dish sweeter, add a bit more brown sugar or honey to the sauce.
- Use Ground Turkey: For a leaner option, swap out the ground beef for ground turkey.
- Add Vegetables: Toss in some sliced mushrooms, carrots, or spinach for added nutrition and texture.
- Spice Level: Adjust the spice level by adding more or less gochujang (Korean chili paste) or red pepper flakes.
- Marinate Beef: For extra flavor, marinate the ground beef in soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
- Serve with Rice: Serve the beef bowl over steamed white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
- Pickled Vegetables: Top the bowl with pickled cucumbers or kimchi for an authentic Korean touch.
- Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for a crunchy texture and extra flavor.
- Egg Topping: Add a fried or soft-boiled egg on top for extra richness and flavor.
- Fresh Herbs: Garnish with freshly chopped green onions, cilantro, or basil to add a burst of freshness.
Recipe Variations
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Spicy Korean Ground Beef: Add extra gochujang or chili flakes to the beef for more heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the beef with crumbled tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version.
- Sweet and Spicy Pork: Swap out beef for ground pork for a different flavor profile.
- Low-Carb Version: Serve with zucchini noodles or a salad instead of rice for a lower-carb alternative.
Special Equipment
- Large Skillet: For cooking the ground beef and sauce.
- Rice Cooker: To perfectly cook rice every time.
- Grater or Microplane: To easily grate fresh ginger.
- Wooden Spoon: For breaking up the ground beef while cooking.
FAQ Section
- Can I use frozen ground beef?
Yes, you can use frozen ground beef, just be sure to thaw it before cooking. - How long does this dish last in the fridge?
Leftovers will keep for up to 3 days in an airtight container. - Can I freeze the beef mixture?
Yes, freeze the cooked beef mixture for up to 2 months. Reheat before serving. - Can I use a different sauce for the beef?
You can substitute the soy sauce with coconut aminos for a gluten-free version. - How do I make the sauce thicker?
If the sauce isn’t thick enough, simmer it longer or mix in a teaspoon of cornstarch with a bit of water. - Can I add vegetables to the beef mixture?
Absolutely! Add diced bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture. - Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, use tofu or tempeh instead of ground beef for a plant-based version. - Can I add a fried egg on top?
A fried egg on top is a perfect addition for extra richness and flavor. - What can I use instead of gochujang?
If you don’t have gochujang, use sriracha mixed with a little honey for a similar flavor profile. - How can I make this dish more spicy?
Add extra gochujang, chili flakes, or sliced fresh chili for more heat.
Conclusion
A Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This bowl features savory, slightly sweet ground beef that’s seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a hint of brown sugar or honey. It’s served over a bed of steamed rice and topped with fresh, crunchy vegetables like shredded carrots, cucumbers, or scallions for a balanced, satisfying meal.
For added depth, a drizzle of sesame oil and a sprinkle of sesame seeds enhance the dish’s nutty, aromatic flavor. You can also spice things up with a dollop of gochujang or sriracha for some heat. The versatility of this bowl makes it easy to customize with your favorite toppings or swap out the rice for cauliflower rice or quinoa to suit your dietary preferences.
I can’t wait to see how your Korean Ground Beef Bowl turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!