Quick Korean Ground Beef Bowl: Flavorful Weeknight Dinner (Print Version)
Quick Korean Ground Beef Bowl: Craving flavor fast? Make this easy, authentic-inspired recipe your go-to weeknight meal in minutes.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Korean
Dietary: Dairy-Free (if served without egg)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
1 lb ground beef (80/20)
02 -
4 cups cooked rice, for serving
→ Sauce Ingredients
03 -
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
04 -
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
05 -
2 tbsp sesame oil
06 -
1 tbsp rice vinegar
07 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
08 -
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
09 -
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
→ Flavor Boosters & Garnish
10 -
3 green onions, chopped
11 -
1 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted
→ Optional Extras
12 -
Fried eggs, for serving
13 -
Kimchi, for serving
14 -
Steamed broccoli or spinach
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get your skillet nice and hot over medium-high heat. Toss in that ground beef and break it up with a spoon. You want to brown it really well, getting those lovely caramelized bits, you know? This is where flavor builds, so don't rush it. I always listen for that sizzle, that's my cue it's doing its thing. Keep stirring until it's no longer pink, then, this is important, drain off any excess fat. I always forget to have my colander ready, oops, so learn from my mistakes!
02 -
While the beef is browning, let's get that amazing Korean-inspired sauce ready. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Give it a good whisk until the sugar dissolves. This is where all the sweet, savory, and spicy goodness comes from. Honestly, sometimes I taste a tiny bit of the sauce and adjust the sweetness or spice right here. It’s okay to experiment, that’s what cooking is about!
03 -
Once your beef is beautifully browned and drained, pour that incredible sauce right over it. Oh, the aroma that hits you right then! Stir everything together, making sure every bit of beef is coated. Bring it to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes. You want the sauce to thicken slightly and really cling to the beef, not be watery. This is where the flavors meld and deepen. It smells so good, it's almost impossible not to sneak a taste!
04 -
Just before you're ready to serve, stir in most of your chopped green onions. Save a little bit for garnish, because presentation matters, even for a Quick Korean Ground Beef Bowl! The heat from the beef will slightly soften them, releasing their fresh, mild oniony flavor without making them mushy. I sometimes add them a minute too early and they get a bit limp, so timing is key here.
05 -
Now for the best part! Grab your cooked rice and spoon a generous amount into bowls. Top that fluffy rice with a big scoop of your flavorful Korean ground beef. This is where my kitchen usually gets a little messy, with stray rice grains and sauce splatters. It's a sign of a good meal, I tell myself. Make sure everyone gets a good portion of that delicious beef!
06 -
Finish your Quick Korean Ground Beef Bowl with a sprinkle of those reserved green onions and a generous scattering of sesame seeds. If you're feeling extra, a fried egg on top is an absolute game-changer – the runny yolk just adds another layer of richness. Stand back, admire your work, and then dig in! It should look vibrant and smell utterly irresistible, trust me.
# Notes:
01 -
Always drain the fat from the ground beef; it makes a huge difference in the sauce's texture and flavor.
02 -
Store the beef and rice separately for best results when reheating, the rice gets mushy otherwise.
03 -
If you're out of fresh ginger, a tiny pinch of ground ginger can work, but the fresh stuff is better.
04 -
A fried egg on top is an absolute game-changer, honestly, try it!
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet
02 -
Whisk
03 -
Small bowl
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 450-550
Total Fat: 20-25g
Total Carbohydrate: 45-55g
Protein: 30-35g