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A delicious Korean Ground Beef Bowl is pictured as the featured image for the recipe.

Best Korean Ground Beef Bowl

Avatar photoAlice Yowell
This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that's packed with savory and slightly sweet flavors. It's a customizable dish perfect for even the pickiest eaters, ready in under 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Korean
Servings 4
Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Skillet or Wok
  • Spoon
  • Small bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Bowls

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef 80/20
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon gochujang Korean chili paste
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • ¼ cup water
  • Cooked rice white, brown, or jasmine
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
  • ¼ cup chopped green onions
  • ½ cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup spinach or other leafy greens
  • 4 fried eggs optional
  • ½ cup kimchi optional
  • 2 tablespoons sriracha mayo optional

Instructions
 

  • Cook the rice according to package directions.
  • In a large skillet or wok, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
  • Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, gochujang, red pepper flakes (if using), and water.
  • Pour the sauce over the beef and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the beef is coated evenly.
  • Divide the cooked rice among bowls.
  • Top with the Korean ground beef.
  • Add your favorite toppings: sesame seeds, green onions, shredded carrots, spinach, a fried egg, kimchi, and sriracha mayo.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For a spicier dish, add more gochujang or red pepper flakes. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more brown sugar or a drizzle of honey. You can add chopped veggies to the beef while it’s cooking, such as bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or zucchini. Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of ground beef. The beef can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store toppings separately to prevent sogginess.