Description
This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a quick, flavorful, and budget-friendly dish featuring seasoned ground beef served over steamed rice and topped with your favorite garnishes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this 25-minute meal brings bold Korean-inspired flavors together with minimal prep. Customize with veggies, kimchi, or a fried egg for extra flair.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Beef
- 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
For the Rice
- 2 cups cooked rice (jasmine, basmati, or brown rice)
Optional Toppings
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced cucumber
- Kimchi
- Pickled vegetables
Optional Ingredients
- Vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, or spinach)
- Fried egg (for added richness)
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice
Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine with 2 cups of water in a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork. Alternatively, use a rice cooker or Instant Pot, following the manufacturer’s instructions or cooking on high pressure for 3 minutes with a natural release. - Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks, browning it until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary. Add minced garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in soy sauce, sesame oil, and chopped green onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to simmer for a couple of minutes to meld the flavors. - Assemble the Bowl
Spoon a generous amount of cooked rice into the bottom of your serving bowl. Top with the seasoned ground beef mixture. Add your choice of vegetables, steamed or raw, around the beef. Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, extra green onions, and any preferred toppings such as kimchi, pickled vegetables, or a fried egg.
Notes
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Double the sauce recipe if you prefer saucier beef.
- Add gochujang or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- This bowl is meal-prep friendly and reheats well for quick lunches.
- Gluten-free option: Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (1/4 of recipe, with rice)
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: korean ground beef, easy dinner, 25-minute meal, beef bowl, gluten free option, meal prep, Asian rice bowl
