Quick Korean Ground Beef Bowl: Easy Weeknight Meal (Print Version)
Speedy Korean Ground Beef Bowl recipe perfect for busy weeknights. Flavorful, simple, and a family favorite you'll love!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Korean
Dietary: Meat-lover, Quick Meal
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
Lean Ground Beef
02 -
Cooked Rice
→ Flavor Boosters
03 -
Soy Sauce
04 -
Brown Sugar
05 -
Sesame Oil
06 -
Garlic
07 -
Fresh Ginger
08 -
Rice Vinegar
09 -
Red Pepper Flakes
→ Fresh Toppings
10 -
Green Onions
11 -
Sesame Seeds
# Instructions:
01 -
Alright, first things first! Grab a large skillet and heat it over medium-high. Toss in your ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. I always watch for that moment when it starts to lose its pinkness and a delicious aroma fills the kitchen – that's when you know you're on the right track. Drain off any excess fat; honestly, nobody wants a greasy dish. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Don't rush it, let it get a little browned for extra flavor.
02 -
Once the beef is nicely browned, it's time for the good stuff! Add your minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Stir it all in with the beef and cook for about 1 minute. You'll smell it almost instantly – that incredible, pungent aroma of fresh garlic and ginger. Be careful not to burn the garlic; I've done that before, and it leaves a bitter taste that's just a crying shame. Keep it moving, just until fragrant!
03 -
While your beef is browning, grab a small bowl. Whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Give it a good stir until the sugar is mostly dissolved. This is where you can sneak a tiny taste and adjust the sweetness or heat. I usually go a little lighter on the red pepper flakes for the kids and then add more to my own bowl later. It should smell sweet, salty, and a little tangy – so good!
04 -
Pour that amazing sauce mixture over the cooked beef and aromatics in the skillet. 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 cling to the beef, and the whole kitchen will smell absolutely divine. This is the part where I usually get impatient and try to sneak a bite, even though it's scorching hot. Oops!
05 -
Now for the best part! Grab your bowls. Spoon a generous amount of your fluffy cooked rice into each bowl. Then, pile that glorious beef mixture right on top of the rice. I love seeing the vibrant color of the beef against the white rice; it just looks so inviting. This is where the magic really comes together, honestly.
06 -
Finish off your bowls with a sprinkle of fresh sliced green onions and a dash of toasted sesame seeds. If you like extra heat, a drizzle of sriracha or a few more red pepper flakes wouldn't hurt! Take a moment to appreciate how beautiful and fragrant it looks. The steam rising, the colors… it’s just perfect. Dive in and savor every bite of your homemade feast!
# Notes:
01 -
Drain the beef fat well for a cleaner, richer sauce; I learned this the hard way!
02 -
Leftovers are best stored with beef and rice separate to keep textures perfect.
03 -
Ground turkey works surprisingly well if you're out of beef, just bump up the seasoning a bit.
04 -
A fried egg with a runny yolk on top? Trust me, it makes this bowl next-level amazing!
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Large skillet
02 -
mixing bowls
03 -
whisk
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 450
Total Fat: 20g
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Protein: 30g