Korean Beef Bowl: Easy & Delicious Weeknight Meal (Print Version)

Whip up an easy & delicious Korean Beef Bowl at home! This recipe brings comfort & flavor, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Korean
Dietary: Dairy-Free, Nut-Free (check soy sauce)

# Ingredients:

→ Beef & Marinade Base

01 - 1 lb lean ground beef (85/15 recommended)
02 - 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
03 - 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
04 - 1 tbsp regular sesame oil (not toasted)

→ Flavor Builders

05 - 4 cloves garlic, minced (or more, if you're like me!)
06 - 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
07 - 1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped

→ Fresh Toppings & Serving Essentials

08 - 2 green onions, sliced, for garnish
09 - 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
10 - Cooked jasmine or short-grain rice, for serving
11 - Kimchi (optional), for serving

# Instructions:

01 - Get your ground beef into a large mixing bowl. Now, in a separate little bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, regular sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and the chopped onion. Give it a good whisk until the sugar dissolves and everything is well combined. This is where the magic starts to happen for your Korean Beef Bowl! Pour this glorious mixture over the beef and get in there with your clean hands. Squish it all together until every bit of beef is coated. I always smell it at this point, and it just makes my stomach rumble with anticipation.
02 - Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. You honestly don't need much, if any, extra oil, as the beef will release its own fat. Add the marinated beef mixture and break it up with a wooden spoon or spatula. You want to brown it evenly, getting some lovely caramelized bits. This part fills the kitchen with the most incredible aroma – savory, sweet, garlicky, and utterly irresistible. Keep stirring and breaking up any big clumps until the beef is fully cooked through and beautifully browned. Don't drain the fat, friends, that's where the flavor lives for your Korean Beef Bowl!
03 - Once the beef is browned, reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows all those incredible flavors to meld and deepen into a rich, luscious sauce that coats every piece of beef. You’ll notice the sauce thickening slightly, clinging to the beef. This is where your Korean Beef Bowl goes from good to *amazing*. I usually taste it here and adjust if needed – sometimes a tiny pinch more sugar, or a splash more soy, depending on my mood.
04 - While your beef is simmering and becoming gloriously saucy, get your rice ready. Scoop a generous portion of hot, fluffy rice into individual serving bowls. This is your canvas! I usually get my rice cooker going when I start the beef, so it's perfectly done when the beef is ready. It's all about timing for a seamless Korean Beef Bowl experience!
05 - Spoon that incredible, saucy beef mixture generously over the rice. Make sure you get plenty of that delicious sauce pooled around the edges, because trust me, you'll want every drop! It should look inviting and utterly irresistible, like a warm hug in a bowl. Don't be shy with the serving size – this is a hearty Korean Beef Bowl, after all, and you’ve earned it!
06 - Now for the finishing touches! Sprinkle generously with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. That fresh crunch and nutty aroma really complete the dish. If you're feeling it, add a dollop of tangy kimchi on the side – the contrast is amazing! Serve immediately and watch everyone dig in. This simple Korean Beef Bowl is just so satisfying, and honestly, it looks pretty impressive too!

# Notes:

01 - Always use regular sesame oil for the marinade, toasted is for finishing! I learned that the hard way.
02 - Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days; it's a great meal prep.
03 - Ground turkey or even finely chopped mushrooms can work as a beef substitute if you're experimenting.
04 - A tiny splash of rice vinegar at the very end can brighten up the flavors if it feels too rich.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large skillet or wok
02 - mixing bowls
03 - whisk
04 - wooden spoon/spatula

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450
Total Fat: 20g
Total Carbohydrate: 45g
Protein: 30g

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