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Flavor-Packed Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe Easy 15-Minute Dinner

Korean ground beef bowl - featured image

A quick and easy Korean ground beef bowl that comes together in just 15 minutes, featuring a savory-sweet sauce and simple pantry ingredients for a comforting weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio recommended)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 4 cups (960 ml) cooked rice (jasmine or short grain; cauliflower rice for low-carb option)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Prepare your rice: Cook 4 cups (960 ml) of rice according to package instructions (about 15-20 minutes).
  2. Heat your skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of neutral oil (vegetable or canola).
  3. Cook the aromatics: Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the hot skillet. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the ground beef: Crumble in the ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  5. Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until sugar dissolves.
  6. Combine beef and sauce: Pour the sauce over the cooked beef. Stir to coat evenly. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes until flavors meld and sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Finish with green onions: Remove skillet from heat and stir in sliced green onions. Save some for garnish if desired.
  8. Assemble your bowls: Scoop warm rice into bowls, top with the beef mixture, and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and remaining green onions.
  9. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use fresh garlic and ginger for best flavor. Avoid overcrowding the pan to get a good caramelization on the beef. Let the beef brown before adding the sauce to prevent mushiness. Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan for extra flavor. Adjust sweetness or saltiness by tasting the sauce before combining. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari. Ground turkey or chicken can be used but will have a milder flavor. Add extra veggies like shredded carrots or steamed broccoli for variation.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean ground beef bowl, quick dinner, easy recipe, weeknight meal, Korean beef, 15-minute dinner, savory beef bowl