Name: Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Korean
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; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish); 2 cups cooked rice (jasmine, basmati, or brown rice); Vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, or spinach (quantity as preferred); Sesame seeds; Sliced cucumber; Kimchi; Pickled vegetables; 1 egg (fried, for added richness)

Introduction

This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a quick, flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Ground beef is seasoned with classic Korean flavors and served over steaming rice, making a satisfying and easy meal.

A white bowl filled with four main layers: at the bottom is a layer of white rice textured with soft, separate grains; on the right is shredded bright orange carrots with a slightly glossy finish; on the left are thinly sliced cucumber rounds with a fresh, green skin and translucent centers; and in the center is a mound of browned minced meat, slightly shiny from sauce and topped with chopped green onions and sprinkled sesame seeds. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a navy blue textured cloth partly visible underneath. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 such as bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, or spinach (optional)
Egg (a fried egg on top for added richness, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Stir in the soy sauce, chopped green onions, salt, and pepper. If using vegetables, add them now and cook until tender, about 3-5 minutes.
Step 4: Prepare your rice according to package instructions if not done already.
Step 5: Serve the beef mixture over the cooked rice. Top with optional garnishes such as extra green onions, sesame seeds, kimchi, or a fried egg for extra richness.

Tips & Variations

For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari.
Adding fresh vegetables like spinach or bell peppers boosts nutrition and color.
Top with a fried egg or a drizzle of Sriracha for added flavor and heat.
Leftover rice works great for quick preparation—just reheat before serving.

Storage

Store leftover beef and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Add fresh toppings after reheating for best texture.

How to Serve

A white bowl contains four layers arranged side by side: at the bottom right, there is fluffy white rice sprinkled with green chopped scallions, at the top right, thin orange carrot strips with sesame seeds and scallions, at the top left, cooked brown minced meat garnished with sesame seeds and scallions, and at the bottom left, fresh green cucumber slices also sprinkled with sesame seeds. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a dark blue cloth partially visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative, but you may need to adjust cooking time and seasonings for best flavor.

How do I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, a squirt of Sriracha, or chopped fresh chili peppers to the beef mixture while cooking to increase the heat level.

Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 69 reviews

This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a quick and flavorful dish featuring savory ground beef seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, served over steamed rice and topped with fresh green onions and optional vegetables. Perfect for a busy weeknight, it’s customizable with your favorite toppings like sesame seeds or a fried egg for added richness.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Korean
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Seasoning

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
Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetables and Rice

2 green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
2 cups cooked rice (jasmine, basmati, or brown rice)
Vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, or spinach (quantity as preferred)

Optional Toppings

Sesame seeds
Sliced cucumber
Kimchi
Pickled vegetables
1 egg (fried, for added richness)

Instructions

Prepare the aromatics. Mince the garlic and ginger finely and chop the green onions. Set aside the white and green parts separately for cooking and garnish.
Cook the vegetables. In a large skillet over medium heat, add a small amount of sesame oil and sauté your choice of vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, or spinach) until tender-crisp, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Cook the ground beef. In the same skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
Add flavorings to the beef. Stir in the minced garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the green onions. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Season the beef. Pour in the soy sauce or tamari, stirring well to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2 minutes so the flavors meld.
Assemble the bowls. Place cooked rice into serving bowls. Top with the cooked ground beef mixture and sautéed vegetables.
Add optional toppings. Garnish with the green parts of the chopped green onions, sesame seeds, sliced cucumber, kimchi, or pickled vegetables. For extra richness, add a fried egg on top.