Korean Ground Beef Bowl (25-Minutes)

This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal that combines savory ground beef with aromatic garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. Paired with rice and topped with fresh vegetables, sesame seeds, and a fried egg, it’s an easy, one-bowl dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With a balance of protein, carbs, and vegetables, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is packed with bold, savory flavors and can be prepared in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings. The combination of tender ground beef, fragrant garlic and ginger, and a touch of sesame oil gives the dish an authentic Korean flavor. You can customize it with your favorite toppings, including a fried egg, kimchi, or pickled vegetables. Plus, it’s a complete meal in one bowl, making it both convenient and delicious!

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
• Pickled vegetables

Optional Ingredients:

• Vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, or spinach)
• Egg (fried egg on top for added richness)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Rice:

1. Stove Method: Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine the rice with 2 cups of water in a pot. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
2. Rice Cooker: Add rinsed rice and water to your rice cooker, close the lid, and let it cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Instant Pot: Combine rinsed rice and water in the Instant Pot. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 3 minutes, then allow a natural release.

Cook the Ground Beef:

1. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Use a spatula to break the meat apart as it cooks. Brown until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add Flavors: Drain any excess fat if necessary. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Season It Up: Stir in the soy sauce, sesame oil, and chopped green onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld together.

Assemble the Bowl:

1. Start with Rice: Spoon a generous amount of the cooked rice into the bottom of your bowl.
2. Layer the Beef: Top the rice with the seasoned ground beef mixture.
3. Add Veggies: If you’re using vegetables (such as steamed broccoli, sliced bell peppers, or spinach), add them on top or around the beef.
4. Garnish: Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and any other toppings you prefer, like kimchi or a fried egg on top.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

1. Spicy Version: Add a tablespoon of gochujang (Korean chili paste) for some extra heat and flavor.
2. Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for crumbled tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian alternative.
3. Sweet & Savory: Drizzle some honey or add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the beef mixture for a sweet-savory flavor balance.
4. More Veggies: Add more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots to make the dish even more colorful and nutritious.
5. Rice Alternatives: Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover beef mixture and rice in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the beef and rice in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warm. Add a splash of water or soy sauce if it looks dry.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat and assemble with fresh rice and toppings.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. The flavors will be slightly different, but they’ll still work well with the soy sauce and sesame oil.

Can I add a fried egg?

Absolutely! A fried egg on top adds richness and flavor to the dish. Fry the egg to your liking (soft or hard yolk) and place it on top of the ground beef mixture just before serving.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes, for a spicy kick, you can add gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the beef mixture, or sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the top for added heat.

Can I use other types of rice?

Yes, you can use any rice you prefer, such as basmati, jasmine, or even brown rice. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if you’re using a different type of rice.

Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! You can add any vegetables you like. Steamed broccoli, bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach would all be great additions.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce, which is specifically made without wheat.

How do I know when the ground beef is done?

Ground beef is done when it is no longer pink and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). It should be fully browned and cooked through.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the beef mixture and rice separately. Store them in airtight containers in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw and warm them in a skillet or microwave.

Conclusion

This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is an easy and flavorful dish that you can make in just 25 minutes. The combination of tender ground beef, fragrant garlic and ginger, and the richness of sesame oil creates an irresistible, savory meal. With optional toppings like a fried egg, sesame seeds, or kimchi, this bowl is customizable to your tastes and perfect for busy weeknights. Wholesome, satisfying, and quick—this recipe will soon become a regular in your meal rotation!

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