Description
This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a quick and flavorful main course featuring juicy ground beef sautéed with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, then served over fluffy rice and customizable with your favorite toppings. It’s the perfect 25-minute dinner packed with savory-sweet flavor, ideal for busy weeknights or effortless meal prep.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for optimal flavor)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 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
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced cucumber
- Kimchi
- Pickled vegetables
- Fried egg
Optional Vegetables
- Bell peppers
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Spinach
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice:
If using the stove, rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water until it runs clear. Combine with 2 cups of water in a pot, bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until the water is absorbed. Remove from the heat and let sit for 5 minutes, then fluff. If using a rice cooker or Instant Pot, cook as per the manufacturer’s instructions. - Brown the Beef:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula and cook for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink. - Add Aromatics:
Drain excess fat if needed. Add minced garlic and ginger to the skillet, stirring and cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. - Season the Beef:
Stir in the soy sauce, sesame oil, and chopped green onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and let simmer for a couple of minutes to meld the flavors. - Assemble the Bowl:
Spoon cooked rice into bowls. Top with the savory ground beef mixture. - Add Toppings:
Add your choice of vegetables (like steamed broccoli or sliced bell peppers) and garnish with sesame seeds, extra green onions, kimchi, fried egg, or any other desired toppings.
Notes
- Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Use tamari for a gluten-free version.
- This recipe is great for meal prep; leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- Add sriracha or gochujang for extra heat.
- Customize with your favorite veggies and toppings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
