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Korean Ground Beef Bowls Flavorful and Easy Recipe

by on February 14, 2025

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Are you ready to dive into a delicious and easy dinner? Korean Ground Beef Bowls are perfect for a weeknight meal! You’ll enjoy savory ground beef, tasty sauce, and fresh veggies all in one bowl. In this post, I’ll guide you step-by-step to create this flavorful dish. Whether you’re a cooking pro or just starting, this recipe will make you feel like a kitchen star. Let’s get cooking!

- 1 pound ground beef (85% lean) - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, finely grated - 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce - 2 tablespoons brown sugar - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste) - 1 cup green onions, chopped (keeping the white and green parts separate) - 2 cups cooked jasmine rice - 1 cup shredded carrots - 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish) - Optional: Kimchi, for serving When making Korean Ground Beef Bowls, the right ingredients matter. Start with ground beef that is 85% lean. This keeps the dish juicy. I like to use sesame oil for cooking. It adds a nutty flavor. Fresh garlic and ginger give a nice aroma and depth. For the sauce, low-sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness. Brown sugar adds sweetness. Rice vinegar gives a tangy kick, while gochujang brings heat. Adjust the gochujang to your spice level. When serving, I chop green onions, keeping the white and green parts separate. Cooked jasmine rice makes a great base. Shredded carrots add color and crunch. Thinly sliced cucumbers cool down the dish. Finally, sprinkle sesame seeds for texture. If you want, add kimchi for an extra burst of flavor. These ingredients work together to create a satisfying meal you will love. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. - Sauté minced garlic and grated ginger for 1 minute. Start by warming the sesame oil in your skillet. The oil adds a rich flavor to the dish. After the oil gets hot, toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Keep an eye on it! You want them to turn fragrant, not burnt. - Add ground beef and brown for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked. - Prepare sauce: whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and gochujang. Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break the meat apart. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it nicely browned and fully cooked. While the beef cooks, grab another bowl. In this bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and gochujang. It should turn into a smooth mixture. - Pour sauce over cooked beef, simmer for 2-3 minutes. - Add white parts of green onions and shredded carrots, cook for 2 minutes. Once the beef is ready, pour the sauce over it. Stir well to coat the meat. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. This helps the flavors mix together. Now, add the white parts of the green onions and the shredded carrots. Cook everything together for 2 more minutes. The carrots should soften just a bit. - Place jasmine rice as the base in each bowl. - Top with Korean ground beef, cucumbers, and remaining green onions. - Garnish with sesame seeds and optional kimchi. Now, it's time to build your bowls! Start with a scoop of jasmine rice at the bottom. This serves as the base. Next, spoon the Korean ground beef mixture on top of the rice. Add some thinly sliced cucumbers for crunch. Finally, sprinkle the green parts of the green onions on top. For a finishing touch, add sesame seeds. If you like, serve with kimchi on the side for extra flavor. Enjoy your delicious Korean Ground Beef Bowls! - Use an 85% lean beef for best flavor and texture. This ratio keeps the meat juicy. - Adjust gochujang to suit your spice preference. Start with a small amount if unsure. - Serve with a side of kimchi for color and flavor contrast. It adds zest to your dish. - Sprinkle additional sesame seeds on top for extra crunch. They also make the dish look nice. - Add sesame oil to the serving bowl for extra richness. It deepens the flavor of the meal. - Experiment with pickled vegetables for added depth. They provide a nice tang and crunch. Pro Tips Adjust Spice Level: Depending on your spice tolerance, you can increase or decrease the amount of gochujang used in the recipe. Start with a smaller amount and taste as you go to find your perfect balance. Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh garlic and ginger. This will enhance the overall taste of your Korean ground beef bowls, making them more aromatic and delicious. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings such as avocado, radishes, or pickled vegetables to your bowls for a personalized touch and extra texture. Meal Prep Friendly: This dish is great for meal prep! Cook a larger batch of the ground beef mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it easy to assemble quick meals during the week. {{image_4}} You can easily change this dish to fit your needs. For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. This will give you less fat while keeping the flavor. If you want a low-carb meal, try cauliflower rice instead of jasmine rice. It has a nice texture and soaks up the sauce well. Feel free to get creative with your ingredients! Adding extra veggies can make your bowl even better. You can mix in bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch and color. If you want to switch up the flavors, try using different sauces like teriyaki or sweet chili. Each sauce will give your dish a unique twist. For a more authentic taste, consider using marinated beef bulgogi instead of ground beef. This will give your meal a richer flavor that is hard to beat. You can also serve your bowls with traditional Korean side dishes. A cucumber salad pairs well and adds a refreshing crunch. - Store cooked Korean ground beef in an airtight container. - Keep jasmine rice stored separately to prevent sogginess. This helps keep your rice fluffy and fresh. - Leftovers can last in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. - Make sure to reheat thoroughly before serving. This ensures you enjoy the full flavor and safety. - Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. This is great for meal prep. - Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating. This method keeps the meat juicy and tasty. You can use sriracha or chili garlic sauce as alternatives. Both have a nice kick. If you like it less spicy, go easy on the amount. Yes, you can! Cook the beef and rice separately. Just mix them together right before serving. This keeps everything fresh and tasty. The spiciness depends on how much gochujang you use. Start with a little, then taste it. You can add more if you want more heat. You can swap ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or tofu. Both options work well and keep the dish filling. Enjoy the flavors without the meat! This recipe for Korean ground beef offers delicious flavors and easy steps. You start with cooking the beef and preparing a tasty sauce. Then, you assemble your bowl with rice and fresh toppings. Remember, you can adjust spice levels and try different proteins or veggies. In the end, this dish is adaptable and perfect for any meal. Enjoy making it your own while savoring every bite!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  2. Flavorful Fusion: The combination of savory beef, garlic, ginger, and gochujang creates a delicious and satisfying meal.
  3. Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level and add your favorite toppings, like kimchi or extra veggies.
  4. Healthy Ingredients: With fresh vegetables and lean beef, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)

– 1 tablespoon sesame oil

– 4 cloves garlic, finely minced

– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, finely grated

Sauce Ingredients

– 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

– 2 tablespoons brown sugar

– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

– 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)

Toppings & Serving Suggestions

– 1 cup green onions, chopped (keeping the white and green parts separate)

– 2 cups cooked jasmine rice

– 1 cup shredded carrots

– 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced

– 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

– Optional: Kimchi, for serving

When making Korean Ground Beef Bowls, the right ingredients matter. Start with ground beef that is 85% lean. This keeps the dish juicy. I like to use sesame oil for cooking. It adds a nutty flavor. Fresh garlic and ginger give a nice aroma and depth.

For the sauce, low-sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness. Brown sugar adds sweetness. Rice vinegar gives a tangy kick, while gochujang brings heat. Adjust the gochujang to your spice level.

When serving, I chop green onions, keeping the white and green parts separate. Cooked jasmine rice makes a great base. Shredded carrots add color and crunch. Thinly sliced cucumbers cool down the dish. Finally, sprinkle sesame seeds for texture. If you want, add kimchi for an extra burst of flavor.

These ingredients work together to create a satisfying meal you will love.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

– Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

– Sauté minced garlic and grated ginger for 1 minute.

Start by warming the sesame oil in your skillet. The oil adds a rich flavor to the dish. After the oil gets hot, toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Keep an eye on it! You want them to turn fragrant, not burnt.

Cooking the Beef

– Add ground beef and brown for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked.

– Prepare sauce: whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and gochujang.

Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break the meat apart. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it nicely browned and fully cooked. While the beef cooks, grab another bowl. In this bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and gochujang. It should turn into a smooth mixture.

Combining Ingredients

– Pour sauce over cooked beef, simmer for 2-3 minutes.

– Add white parts of green onions and shredded carrots, cook for 2 minutes.

Once the beef is ready, pour the sauce over it. Stir well to coat the meat. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. This helps the flavors mix together. Now, add the white parts of the green onions and the shredded carrots. Cook everything together for 2 more minutes. The carrots should soften just a bit.

Assembling the Bowls

– Place jasmine rice as the base in each bowl.

– Top with Korean ground beef, cucumbers, and remaining green onions.

– Garnish with sesame seeds and optional kimchi.

Now, it’s time to build your bowls! Start with a scoop of jasmine rice at the bottom. This serves as the base. Next, spoon the Korean ground beef mixture on top of the rice. Add some thinly sliced cucumbers for crunch. Finally, sprinkle the green parts of the green onions on top. For a finishing touch, add sesame seeds. If you like, serve with kimchi on the side for extra flavor. Enjoy your delicious Korean Ground Beef Bowls!

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Tips

– Use an 85% lean beef for best flavor and texture. This ratio keeps the meat juicy.

– Adjust gochujang to suit your spice preference. Start with a small amount if unsure.

Presentation Tips

– Serve with a side of kimchi for color and flavor contrast. It adds zest to your dish.

– Sprinkle additional sesame seeds on top for extra crunch. They also make the dish look nice.

Flavor Enhancements

– Add sesame oil to the serving bowl for extra richness. It deepens the flavor of the meal.

– Experiment with pickled vegetables for added depth. They provide a nice tang and crunch.

Pro Tips

  1. Adjust Spice Level: Depending on your spice tolerance, you can increase or decrease the amount of gochujang used in the recipe. Start with a smaller amount and taste as you go to find your perfect balance.
  2. Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh garlic and ginger. This will enhance the overall taste of your Korean ground beef bowls, making them more aromatic and delicious.
  3. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings such as avocado, radishes, or pickled vegetables to your bowls for a personalized touch and extra texture.
  4. Meal Prep Friendly: This dish is great for meal prep! Cook a larger batch of the ground beef mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it easy to assemble quick meals during the week.

Variations

Dietary Modifications

You can easily change this dish to fit your needs. For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. This will give you less fat while keeping the flavor. If you want a low-carb meal, try cauliflower rice instead of jasmine rice. It has a nice texture and soaks up the sauce well.

Flavor Variations

Feel free to get creative with your ingredients! Adding extra veggies can make your bowl even better. You can mix in bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch and color. If you want to switch up the flavors, try using different sauces like teriyaki or sweet chili. Each sauce will give your dish a unique twist.

Traditional Variants

For a more authentic taste, consider using marinated beef bulgogi instead of ground beef. This will give your meal a richer flavor that is hard to beat. You can also serve your bowls with traditional Korean side dishes. A cucumber salad pairs well and adds a refreshing crunch.

Storage Info

Leftovers Storage

– Store cooked Korean ground beef in an airtight container.

– Keep jasmine rice stored separately to prevent sogginess. This helps keep your rice fluffy and fresh.

Refrigeration

– Leftovers can last in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

– Make sure to reheat thoroughly before serving. This ensures you enjoy the full flavor and safety.

Freezing Tips

– Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. This is great for meal prep.

– Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating. This method keeps the meat juicy and tasty.

FAQs

What can I substitute for gochujang?

You can use sriracha or chili garlic sauce as alternatives. Both have a nice kick. If you like it less spicy, go easy on the amount.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Cook the beef and rice separately. Just mix them together right before serving. This keeps everything fresh and tasty.

Is this recipe spicy?

The spiciness depends on how much gochujang you use. Start with a little, then taste it. You can add more if you want more heat.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can swap ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or tofu. Both options work well and keep the dish filling. Enjoy the flavors without the meat!

This recipe for Korean ground beef offers delicious flavors and easy steps. You start with cooking the beef and preparing a tasty sauce. Then, you assemble your bowl with rice and fresh toppings. Remember, you can adjust spice levels and try different proteins or veggies.

In the end, this dish is adaptable and perfect for any meal. Enjoy making it your own while savoring every bit

- 1 pound ground beef (85% lean) - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, finely grated - 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce - 2 tablespoons brown sugar - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste) - 1 cup green onions, chopped (keeping the white and green parts separate) - 2 cups cooked jasmine rice - 1 cup shredded carrots - 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish) - Optional: Kimchi, for serving When making Korean Ground Beef Bowls, the right ingredients matter. Start with ground beef that is 85% lean. This keeps the dish juicy. I like to use sesame oil for cooking. It adds a nutty flavor. Fresh garlic and ginger give a nice aroma and depth. For the sauce, low-sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness. Brown sugar adds sweetness. Rice vinegar gives a tangy kick, while gochujang brings heat. Adjust the gochujang to your spice level. When serving, I chop green onions, keeping the white and green parts separate. Cooked jasmine rice makes a great base. Shredded carrots add color and crunch. Thinly sliced cucumbers cool down the dish. Finally, sprinkle sesame seeds for texture. If you want, add kimchi for an extra burst of flavor. These ingredients work together to create a satisfying meal you will love. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. - Sauté minced garlic and grated ginger for 1 minute. Start by warming the sesame oil in your skillet. The oil adds a rich flavor to the dish. After the oil gets hot, toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Keep an eye on it! You want them to turn fragrant, not burnt. - Add ground beef and brown for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked. - Prepare sauce: whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and gochujang. Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break the meat apart. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it nicely browned and fully cooked. While the beef cooks, grab another bowl. In this bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and gochujang. It should turn into a smooth mixture. - Pour sauce over cooked beef, simmer for 2-3 minutes. - Add white parts of green onions and shredded carrots, cook for 2 minutes. Once the beef is ready, pour the sauce over it. Stir well to coat the meat. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. This helps the flavors mix together. Now, add the white parts of the green onions and the shredded carrots. Cook everything together for 2 more minutes. The carrots should soften just a bit. - Place jasmine rice as the base in each bowl. - Top with Korean ground beef, cucumbers, and remaining green onions. - Garnish with sesame seeds and optional kimchi. Now, it's time to build your bowls! Start with a scoop of jasmine rice at the bottom. This serves as the base. Next, spoon the Korean ground beef mixture on top of the rice. Add some thinly sliced cucumbers for crunch. Finally, sprinkle the green parts of the green onions on top. For a finishing touch, add sesame seeds. If you like, serve with kimchi on the side for extra flavor. Enjoy your delicious Korean Ground Beef Bowls! - Use an 85% lean beef for best flavor and texture. This ratio keeps the meat juicy. - Adjust gochujang to suit your spice preference. Start with a small amount if unsure. - Serve with a side of kimchi for color and flavor contrast. It adds zest to your dish. - Sprinkle additional sesame seeds on top for extra crunch. They also make the dish look nice. - Add sesame oil to the serving bowl for extra richness. It deepens the flavor of the meal. - Experiment with pickled vegetables for added depth. They provide a nice tang and crunch. Pro Tips Adjust Spice Level: Depending on your spice tolerance, you can increase or decrease the amount of gochujang used in the recipe. Start with a smaller amount and taste as you go to find your perfect balance. Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh garlic and ginger. This will enhance the overall taste of your Korean ground beef bowls, making them more aromatic and delicious. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings such as avocado, radishes, or pickled vegetables to your bowls for a personalized touch and extra texture. Meal Prep Friendly: This dish is great for meal prep! Cook a larger batch of the ground beef mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it easy to assemble quick meals during the week. {{image_4}} You can easily change this dish to fit your needs. For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. This will give you less fat while keeping the flavor. If you want a low-carb meal, try cauliflower rice instead of jasmine rice. It has a nice texture and soaks up the sauce well. Feel free to get creative with your ingredients! Adding extra veggies can make your bowl even better. You can mix in bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch and color. If you want to switch up the flavors, try using different sauces like teriyaki or sweet chili. Each sauce will give your dish a unique twist. For a more authentic taste, consider using marinated beef bulgogi instead of ground beef. This will give your meal a richer flavor that is hard to beat. You can also serve your bowls with traditional Korean side dishes. A cucumber salad pairs well and adds a refreshing crunch. - Store cooked Korean ground beef in an airtight container. - Keep jasmine rice stored separately to prevent sogginess. This helps keep your rice fluffy and fresh. - Leftovers can last in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. - Make sure to reheat thoroughly before serving. This ensures you enjoy the full flavor and safety. - Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. This is great for meal prep. - Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating. This method keeps the meat juicy and tasty. You can use sriracha or chili garlic sauce as alternatives. Both have a nice kick. If you like it less spicy, go easy on the amount. Yes, you can! Cook the beef and rice separately. Just mix them together right before serving. This keeps everything fresh and tasty. The spiciness depends on how much gochujang you use. Start with a little, then taste it. You can add more if you want more heat. You can swap ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or tofu. Both options work well and keep the dish filling. Enjoy the flavors without the meat! This recipe for Korean ground beef offers delicious flavors and easy steps. You start with cooking the beef and preparing a tasty sauce. Then, you assemble your bowl with rice and fresh toppings. Remember, you can adjust spice levels and try different proteins or veggies. In the end, this dish is adaptable and perfect for any meal. Enjoy making it your own while savoring every bite!

Korean Ground Beef Bowls

A delicious and flavorful dish featuring ground beef cooked in a savory sauce, served over jasmine rice with fresh vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Korean
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 inch fresh ginger, finely grated
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 1 cup green onions, chopped
  • 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • Kimchi, for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by heating the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Sauté them for about 1 minute, stirring frequently until they release their fragrant aroma.
  • Gradually add the ground beef to the skillet. Using a spatula, break the meat apart, and cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until the beef is browned and fully cooked through.
  • In a separate small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and gochujang until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  • Pour this flavorful sauce mixture over the browned ground beef in the skillet. Stir well to ensure the beef is evenly coated. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  • Next, add the chopped white parts of the green onions and the shredded carrots to the skillet. Stir and cook for another 2 minutes, just until the carrots are slightly softened.
  • While your beef mixture is finishing up, prepare individual serving bowls. Place a generous scoop of jasmine rice at the bottom of each bowl to serve as the base.
  • Spoon a portion of the Korean ground beef mixture over the rice in each bowl. Then, add a handful of the thinly sliced cucumbers on top. Finish each bowl with the green parts of the green onions and a sprinkling of sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.

Notes

For a vibrant and flavorful touch, serve each bowl with a side of kimchi.
Keyword beef, dinner, easy, korean, rice

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