Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe

Introduction

This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a flavorful and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining savory ground beef with fragrant garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, it’s served over tender rice and topped with fresh vegetables and optional extras like a fried egg or kimchi.

Ingredients

• 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
• 2 cups cooked rice (jasmine, basmati, or brown rice)
• Optional toppings: sesame seeds, sliced cucumber, kimchi, or pickled vegetables
• Vegetables: bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, or spinach
• Egg (a fried egg on top for added richness)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the rice using your preferred method:
   • Stove method: Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water until clear. Combine with 2 cups water in a pot. Bring to boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
   • Rice cooker: Add rinsed rice and water. Cook according to manufacturer’s instructions.
   • Instant Pot: Combine rinsed rice and water, seal lid, cook on high pressure for 3 minutes, then natural release.
2. Step 2: Cook the ground beef. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and break apart with a spatula. Brown until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Step 3: Drain excess fat if needed. Add minced garlic and ginger, cooking 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Stir in soy sauce, sesame oil, and chopped green onions. Season with salt and pepper. Let simmer for a couple of minutes to meld flavors.
5. Step 5: Assemble your bowl. Spoon cooked rice into the bowl, top with the seasoned beef.
6. Step 6: Add vegetables such as steamed broccoli or sliced bell peppers on or around the beef.
7. Step 7: Garnish with sesame seeds, extra chopped green onions, and optional toppings like kimchi or a fried egg.

Tips & Variations

• For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari.
• Mix in finely shredded carrots or baby spinach for extra nutrients and color.
• Try adding a drizzle of sriracha or gochujang for some spicy heat.
• Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner protein alternative.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. If adding fresh toppings like fried eggs or cucumber, it’s best to add them fresh after reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, jasmine, basmati, or brown rice all work well. Choose your favorite or whatever you have on hand.

Is this recipe spicy?

This recipe is mild by default but adding spicy condiments like sriracha or gochujang can easily give it a kick.

Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 71 reviews

A flavorful and easy-to-make Korean Ground Beef Bowl featuring savory marinated ground beef served over steamed rice with optional vegetables and toppings such as sesame seeds, kimchi, and a fried egg for added richness. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that delivers a delicious balance of savory, nutty, and fresh flavors.

• Author: Sophie
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Korean

Ingredients

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Ground Beef Mixture

• 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

Rice

• 2 cups cooked rice (jasmine, basmati, or brown rice)

Optional Toppings and Vegetables

• Sesame seeds
• Sliced cucumber
• Kimchi
• Pickled vegetables
• Vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, or spinach
• 1 egg (for frying and garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Rice: Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Depending on your cooking method, cook the rice as follows: stove method by simmering the rice in 2 cups of water for about 15 minutes; rice cooker by following manufacturer’s instructions; or Instant Pot by cooking on high pressure for 3 minutes with natural release. Once cooked, set aside the fluffy rice for serving.
2. Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Use a spatula to break apart the meat as it cooks, browning it until no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Add Flavors: To the browned beef, add the minced garlic and ginger. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Then stir in soy sauce, sesame oil, and chopped green onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Assemble the Bowl: Start with a generous scoop of cooked rice at the bottom of a bowl. Top with the seasoned ground beef mixture. Add any optional vegetables such as steamed broccoli, sliced bell peppers, or fresh spinach around or on top of the beef for extra nutrients and color.
5. Garnish and Serve: Finish your Korean Ground Beef Bowl by sprinkling sesame seeds and additional chopped green onions on top. Add optional toppings like sliced cucumber, kimchi, pickled vegetables, or a fried egg for extra richness. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

• For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
• Adjust the seasoning of soy sauce and sesame oil to taste depending on preference.
• Optional vegetables can be sautéed or steamed before adding for softer texture.
• Add a fried egg on top for extra protein and richness.
• Brown rice will increase cooking time for the rice; adjust accordingly.

Keywords: Korean ground beef bowl, Korean beef recipe, quick Korean dinner, stovetop ground beef, easy rice bowl