Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe

Introduction

This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender ground beef is cooked with savory soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, then served over warm rice with fresh green onions and optional toppings. It’s a simple dish that packs big taste with minimal effort.

A dark bowl with two visible layers sits on a white marbled texture; the bottom layer is fluffy, white rice covering the whole bowl, and the top layer is a generous amount of brown cooked minced meat mixed with small pieces of green onions, all sprinkled with light tan sesame seeds. In the blurry background, there is a pair of wooden chopsticks laying on the white marbled texture and a black bowl with some colorful food. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for optimal flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 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
  • Vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, or spinach
  • Egg (a fried egg on top for added richness)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Prepare the rice by rinsing 1 cup under cold water until clear. Combine it with 2 cups of water and cook using your preferred method: stovetop (simmer covered for 15 minutes), rice cooker, or Instant Pot (3 minutes high pressure with natural release). Let the cooked rice rest before fluffing.
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Step 3: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the beef and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in soy sauce, sesame oil, and chopped green onions. Season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
  5. Step 5: Assemble your bowl by spooning cooked rice into the bottom, then layering the seasoned ground beef on top.
  6. Step 6: Add optional toppings like sesame seeds, vegetables, kimchi, or a fried egg for extra flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

  • For a gluten-free version, replace soy sauce with tamari.
  • Mix in sautéed or steamed vegetables such as broccoli or spinach to add color and nutrition.
  • Add a fried or poached egg on top for a richer, more filling meal.
  • Adjust the amount of garlic and ginger to suit your taste preferences.

Storage

Store leftover beef and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. If adding fresh vegetables or egg, prepare fresh for best texture.

How to Serve

A black bowl holds a simple two-layer dish on a white marbled surface, with the bottom layer of soft, fluffy white rice filling most of the bowl, and a generous top layer of finely cooked ground meat in a rich brown sauce. This meat layer is garnished with chopped green onions brightening the middle, and sprinkled with light brown sesame seeds, adding texture and color contrast. In the blurred background, a pair of wooden chopsticks rest on the surface, and a small white bowl with a salad can be seen. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of ground meat?

Yes, ground pork, chicken, or turkey can be substituted. Adjust cooking times as needed to ensure the meat is fully cooked.

What rice works best for this dish?

Jasmine and basmati rice offer a fragrant, fluffy texture. Brown rice is a healthier option but may require more cooking time. Use whatever you prefer or have on hand.

Print

Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe

This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a quick and flavorful dish combining savory ground beef seasoned with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil, served over a bed of fluffy rice. Customizable with vegetables, green onions, and optional toppings like a fried egg or kimchi, it’s an easy one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights.

  • Author: zara
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Korean

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Mixture

  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for optimal flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 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

Rice

  • 2 cups cooked rice (jasmine, basmati, or brown rice)

Optional Toppings and Vegetables

  • Sesame seeds
  • Sliced cucumber
  • Kimchi
  • Pickled vegetables
  • Vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, or spinach
  • 1 egg (fried for added richness)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Rice: Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Depending on your preferred method, cook the rice accordingly: by stovetop simmering with 2 cups water for 15 minutes, using a rice cooker per manufacturer’s instructions, or cooking in an Instant Pot on high pressure for 3 minutes followed by natural release. Once cooked, let it sit for 5 minutes and fluff with a fork.
  2. Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef, and break it apart with a spatula. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add Flavors: Drain excess fat if needed. Add minced garlic and ginger to the beef and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Season the Beef: Stir in soy sauce, sesame oil, and chopped green onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for a couple of minutes to blend flavors.
  5. Assemble the Bowl: Spoon cooked rice into bowls, then layer with the seasoned ground beef mixture. Garnish with extra green onions and optional toppings such as sesame seeds, sliced cucumber, kimchi, pickled vegetables, cooked vegetables, or a fried egg.

Notes

  • Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
  • Feel free to swap the ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for variation.
  • Vegetables can be steamed or sautéed separately before adding to the bowl.
  • Adding a fried egg on top adds richness and extra protein.
  • Leftover beef mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Korean ground beef bowl, Korean beef recipe, quick dinner, ground beef recipe, easy rice bowl

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