Quick Korean Ground Beef Bowl: Savory & Simple (Print Version)
Korean Ground Beef Bowl: Quick & easy weeknight dinner. Savor delicious, flavorful beef ready in under 20 minutes. Your fast family favorite!
# 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 dairy)
# Ingredients:
→ Quick Beef Base
01 -
1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
02 -
2 green onions, chopped (whites and light greens separated from dark greens)
→ Savory Sauce Essentials
03 -
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
04 -
1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
05 -
1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
06 -
2 cloves garlic, minced (or more, I won't tell!)
07 -
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
→ Fresh Toppings
08 -
1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
09 -
Remaining dark green parts of green onions, for garnish
→ Rice & Sides
10 -
Cooked white or brown rice, for serving
11 -
Sriracha or Gochujang (optional, for heat)
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, let's get that amazing sauce ready. In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Seriously, give it a good whisk until the sugar dissolves. I always take a little sniff at this point; it already smells so good and promises deliciousness! This is where you can adjust the sweetness or saltiness to your liking, maybe a tiny taste test? I've definitely made it too sweet once, so now I go slow.
02 -
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and break it up with a spoon. You want to brown it nicely, getting some of those lovely crispy bits. Don't drain the fat unless there's an excessive amount; that rendered fat adds so much flavor! I remember once I drained it all, thinking I was being 'healthy,' and the dish was just... missing something. Learn from my oops moment, a little fat is your friend here.
03 -
Once the beef is mostly browned, toss in the white and light green parts of your chopped green onions. Sauté them with the beef for about a minute until they soften slightly and become fragrant. Oh, the smell of the onions cooking with the beef is just incredible! It’s this step where the kitchen really starts to come alive. You'll see the onions get a little translucent, that's your cue.
04 -
Pour that glorious sauce you whisked up earlier over the browned beef and onions. Stir everything together, making sure every bit of beef is coated. Bring it to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken slightly and get all glossy and beautiful. This is the magic happening, honestly, watch it transform!
05 -
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the remaining green parts of your green onions. If you're using Sriracha or gochujang for a little kick, now's the time to stir that in too. Give it a taste. This is your moment to tweak! Need a little more heat? Go for it. A touch more sweetness? Add a tiny pinch of sugar. It’s your Quick Korean Ground Beef Bowl, make it sing!
06 -
Serve this incredible Korean Ground Beef Bowl immediately over hot cooked rice. Garnish generously with toasted sesame seeds. Sometimes I add a fried egg on top with a runny yolk, which is just pure heaven! The steam rising from the bowl, the vibrant colors—it just looks so inviting. I always take a deep breath before that first bite, savoring the moment.
# Notes:
01 -
Don't overcook the sauce; a quick simmer is all you need to thicken it and meld the flavors without making the beef tough.
02 -
This dish is even better the next day, so consider making a double batch for easy lunches.
03 -
If you don't have fresh ginger, a small amount of ground ginger will work in a pinch, but fresh is truly best.
04 -
A fried egg on top with a runny yolk takes this bowl to a whole new level of comfort!
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet or wok
02 -
whisk
03 -
measuring cups and spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 450
Total Fat: 20g
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Protein: 30g