It is 6pm and your family is hungry. You need dinner on the table fast. This Korean ground beef bowl is your new secret weapon for busy nights.
It delivers huge flavors in under 25 minutes total. You probably have most of these ingredients in your pantry right now. It is fresh, warm, and perfectly satisfying for everyone.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a budget-friendly winner for any home cook. It uses simple ground beef but tastes like expensive takeout. The sauce is the perfect balance of sweet and salty.
It is also a meal prep dream for your busy week. The beef stays tender and flavorful even after reheating. Your kids will love the mild, savory glaze on the meat.
Simple Method
You do not need fancy skills to make this dish. Just brown your meat and whisk a simple sauce together. It is beginner-friendly and nearly impossible to mess up. You will feel like a kitchen pro in minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients create a restaurant-quality meal right at home.
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 3 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1/2 cup green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Step-by-Step
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
- Drain the excess fat from the skillet and return the meat to the heat.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and sauté for 1 minute.
- Whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour the liquid over the beef and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Divide the cooked rice into four serving bowls and top with beef.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this warm over fluffy jasmine rice for the best experience. Add a side of steamed broccoli or crunchy snap peas. It makes a beautiful and balanced bowl for your family.
Set the table and enjoy a stress-free weeknight dinner together. You can even top it with a fried egg for extra richness. It is simple, fresh, and truly delicious.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to three days. This makes it a great option for weekday lunches.
To reheat, simply use the microwave for about two minutes. You can also warm it in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water if the sauce gets too thick.
Recipe Tips
- Do not skip the fresh ginger for the best flavor.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to keep the salt levels balanced.
- Drain the beef well so the sauce sticks to the meat.
- Double the sauce if you like your rice very coated.
- Add extra red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat.
- Prep your green onions ahead of time to save minutes.
- Toast your sesame seeds briefly for a nuttier aroma.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Swap the beef for ground turkey for a lighter meal.
- Use brown rice or quinoa for a boost of fiber.
- Add shredded carrots to the skillet for extra color.
- Use honey instead of brown sugar for a different sweetness.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prep. The flavors actually deepen as it sits in the fridge. Just store the rice and beef together or separately.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a very mild heat from the red pepper flakes. You can easily leave them out for picky eaters. Or, add more if you love a spicy kick.
What kind of rice is best?
Jasmine rice is traditional and smells absolutely wonderful. However, any white or brown rice you have will work. Even cauliflower rice is a great low-carb choice.
I hope this quick meal makes your busy weeknights a little easier. It is a family favorite in my house for a reason. Enjoy every savory bite!
— Lidia
Korean Ground Beef Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup low -sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 3 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1/2 cup green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbled, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
- Drain the excess fat from the skillet and return the meat to the heat.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the beef and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
- Pour the liquid mixture over the beef and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Divide the cooked rice into four serving bowls and top with the beef mixture.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
