Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl: Quick & Delicious! (Print Version)

Make a quick & delicious Korean Ground Beef Bowl at home! This easy recipe brings authentic flavors to your table in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights.

# 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:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
02 - 2 cups white rice, uncooked (short or medium grain)

→ Korean Sauce Essentials

03 - 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
04 - 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
05 - 1 tbsp sesame oil
06 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated

→ Fresh Add-ins & Garnish

08 - 3-4 green onions, chopped (divided)
09 - 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

→ Optional Extras

10 - Fried eggs (for serving)
11 - Sriracha or gochujang (for heat)
12 - Kimchi (for serving)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get your rice cooking! Rinse your white rice really well until the water runs clear; honestly, this makes a huge difference in texture. Pop it into your rice cooker or a pot with the right amount of water. This is usually where I get distracted by something shiny and forget to press the start button, so double-check! You want that fluffy, slightly sticky base ready to soak up all the deliciousness of our Korean Ground Beef Bowl.
02 - Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Toss in your ground beef and break it up with a spoon. You want it to brown nicely, getting those little crispy bits that are just packed with flavor. Don't drain the fat right away; that's where some of the magic happens! I used to drain it immediately, thinking I was being healthier, but it really takes away from the richness of the final Korean Ground Beef Bowl. Just let it sizzle and cook through.
03 - Once the beef is mostly browned, go ahead and drain off most of that excess fat. Leave just a little bit for flavor. Now, toss in your minced garlic and grated ginger. Oh, the smell! Let them cook for about a minute until fragrant, but don't let them burn—that's a sad, sad smell. Then, pour in your soy sauce, brown sugar, and a *tiny* splash of sesame oil. Stir it all together until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly. This is where your Korean Ground Beef Bowl really starts to come alive!
04 - Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the beef simmer in that glorious sauce for about 5-7 minutes. You want the flavors to meld and the sauce to reduce a bit, coating every single piece of beef. It should look glossy and inviting. I sometimes get impatient here and crank up the heat, but trust me, a gentle simmer is best for letting those flavors really soak in. This step is crucial for a truly delicious Korean Ground Beef Bowl.
05 - Once the sauce has reduced to your liking, turn off the heat. Stir in about half of your chopped green onions. This adds a lovely fresh bite and a pop of vibrant green. Give it a good stir, making sure everything is coated. This is where I usually taste-test and adjust if needed – maybe a tiny bit more soy sauce, or a pinch more sugar if I'm feeling fancy. It's all about making this Korean Ground Beef Bowl perfect for *your* taste buds!
06 - Now for the best part: assembly! Spoon a generous portion of your perfectly cooked rice into bowls. Top it with that incredible Korean ground beef mixture. Sprinkle with the remaining fresh green onions and a generous amount of toasted sesame seeds. Sometimes, I add a fried egg on top with a runny yolk – honestly, it's a game-changer! See how beautiful and inviting it looks? Get ready to dig into your amazing homemade Korean Ground Beef Bowl!

# Notes:

01 - Always rinse your rice! It really makes a difference for texture.
02 - Store the beef mixture and rice separately if you're meal prepping; it keeps the rice from getting mushy.
03 - If you're out of fresh ginger, a pinch of ground ginger works in a pinch, but fresh is always best!
04 - Don't forget the fried egg on top for an extra amazing serving experience!

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large skillet or wok
02 - rice cooker or saucepan
03 - cutting board
04 - knife
05 - grater

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450-550 kcal
Total Fat: 20-25g
Total Carbohydrate: 40-50g
Protein: 30-35g

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