When life gets busy, we often find ourselves searching for meals that are quick, easy, and delicious. Enter the Korean Ground Beef Bowl—a dish that combines simplicity, bold flavors, and versatility in just 25 minutes.
Whether you’re looking to whip up dinner on a hectic weeknight or meal prep for the week ahead, this recipe has you covered.
The beauty of this dish lies in its balance of savory, aromatic ingredients. Ground beef is seasoned with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, creating a rich and flavorful base. Served over fluffy rice and accompanied by customizable toppings, it’s a meal that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly easy to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a great example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. The dish offers a perfect blend of textures and flavors: tender beef, fragrant rice, and optional crunchy or tangy toppings like kimchi or sesame seeds. Plus, it’s versatile enough to accommodate your favorite vegetables or additional protein options like a fried egg.
With just 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking, this recipe is ideal for those moments when you need a satisfying meal in a hurry. And with only one skillet required for the beef, cleanup is a breeze.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this dish:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for optimal flavor)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups cooked rice (jasmine, basmati, or brown rice)
- Optional toppings: sesame seeds, sliced cucumber, kimchi, or pickled vegetables
Optional additions:
- Vegetables: Bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, or spinach for extra nutrients.
- Egg: A fried egg on top for added richness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Rice
The first step is preparing your rice. You can use any method you prefer—stove, rice cooker, or Instant Pot. Here’s a quick guide for each:
Stove Method: Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine it with 2 cups of water in a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
Rice Cooker: Add rinsed rice and water to your rice cooker. Close the lid and let it cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Instant Pot: Combine rinsed rice and water in the Instant Pot. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 3 minutes, followed by a natural release.
Once your rice is ready, set it aside while you prepare the beef.
Cook the Ground Beef
Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Brown the beef until it’s no longer pink—this should take about 5-7 minutes.
Add Flavors: If there’s excess fat in the skillet, drain it off as needed. Next, add the minced garlic and ginger to the beef. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Season It Up: Stir in the soy sauce, sesame oil, and chopped green onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to simmer for a couple of minutes so the flavors meld together beautifully.
Assemble Your Bowl
Now comes the fun part—assembling your Korean Ground Beef Bowl!
Start with Rice: Spoon a generous portion of cooked rice into the bottom of your bowl.
Layer the Beef: Top the rice with the seasoned ground beef mixture.
Add Veggies: If you’re including additional vegetables like steamed broccoli or sliced bell peppers, arrange them on top or around the beef.
Garnish: Finish your bowl with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions. For extra flavor and texture, consider adding kimchi, sliced cucumber, or a fried egg.
Tips for Customization
One of the best things about this recipe is its adaptability. Here are a few ways you can make it your own:
- Vegetarian Option: Swap out ground beef for plant-based crumbles or diced tofu.
- Spice It Up: Add gochujang (Korean chili paste) or red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Low-Carb Alternative: Replace rice with cauliflower rice or shredded cabbage.
- Extra Crunch: Include roasted peanuts or crispy fried onions as toppings.
Serving Suggestions
This Korean Ground Beef Bowl pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with steamed edamame, miso soup, or a simple cucumber salad for a complete meal. If you’re meal prepping, pack the beef and rice separately to keep everything fresh until you’re ready to eat.
Nutritional Information
This recipe yields four servings, with each bowl containing approximately 400 calories. The nutritional content will vary depending on your choice of toppings and sides. For those watching their sodium intake, opt for low-sodium soy sauce.
Final Thoughts
The Korean Ground Beef Bowl is proof that delicious meals don’t have to be complicated. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen repertoire. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding your family, this recipe delivers satisfaction every time.
So grab your skillet and get ready to enjoy this irresistible combination of savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and vibrant toppings. It’s comfort food at its finest—quick, customizable, and absolutely delicious!
PrintQuick and Flavorful Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe
The Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a quick and satisfying meal that features savory ground beef seasoned with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, served over fluffy rice. Perfect for weeknights or meal prep with endless topping options.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: High-Protein
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for flavor)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups cooked rice (jasmine, basmati, or brown)
- Optional toppings:
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced cucumber
- Kimchi
- Pickled vegetables
- Optional additions:
- Bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, or spinach
- Fried egg
Instructions
1. Prepare the rice using your preferred method (stovetop, rice cooker, or Instant Pot). Set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Drain excess fat if needed. Add garlic and ginger and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Stir in soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer 1–2 minutes.
5. Spoon cooked rice into bowls. Top with beef mixture.
6. Add desired vegetables or toppings like sesame seeds, green onions, kimchi, or a fried egg.
7. Serve immediately.
Notes
• Use tamari for a gluten-free version.
• Great for meal prep—store rice and beef separately.
• Add steamed or sautéed veggies to boost nutrition.
• Swap beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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