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Quick & Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl – Better Than Takeout! Recipe

Quick & Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl – Better Than Takeout! Recipe

4.9 from 26 reviews

A quick and delicious Korean Ground Beef Bowl recipe that combines savory, sweet, and spicy flavors with minimal ingredients. Perfect for a fast weeknight dinner, this dish features lean ground beef cooked with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and brown sugar, served over rice and topped with crunchy vegetables and sesame seeds.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Mixture

  • 1 lb ground beef (lean)
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium if you prefer)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (or 1/2 tsp ground ginger)

Base and Toppings

  • 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
  • Optional toppings: green onions
  • Optional toppings: sesame seeds
  • Optional toppings: shredded carrots
  • Optional toppings: cucumber slices

Instructions

  1. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish lean and prevent greasiness.
  2. Add Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and fresh ginger to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  3. Mix Sauce and Simmer: Stir in brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Reduce heat slightly and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and thicken slightly.
  4. Prepare the Base: While the beef cooks, have your cooked rice ready. You can use white rice, brown rice, or for a low-carb option, cauliflower rice.
  5. Assemble and Serve: Spoon the seasoned beef over the rice and garnish with your choice of toppings like green onions, sesame seeds, shredded carrots, and cucumber slices for added texture and freshness. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein.
  • Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
  • For a gluten-free version, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce.
  • Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
  • Adding a fried or poached egg on top makes a great addition for extra protein and richness.

Nutrition

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