It is 6pm. You are tired. Dinner needs to happen fast. These Ground Beef Bulgogi Bowls are your new secret weapon. They are warm, savory, and ready in just thirty minutes.
This recipe delivers big flavors without a long grocery list. It is the perfect way to warm up a chilly winter evening. Your family will love the sweet and salty beef. You will love how simple the cleanup is tonight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You will love how budget-friendly this meal feels. It uses simple ground beef but tastes like a special treat. The creamy kimchi sauce adds a perfect little kick. It is a total crowd-pleaser for busy families who need variety.
This dish is also great for picky eaters. You can serve the veggies on the side if needed. The sauce is flavorful but not too spicy. It is a nutritious and balanced meal that feels light yet satisfying.
Simple Method
This recipe is incredibly simple to follow. You just brown the meat and stir in the aromatics. Everything happens in one skillet for easy cleanup. Even beginners can master this savory Korean-inspired meal with total confidence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Most of these items are likely in your pantry right now.
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup kimchi, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Step-by-Step Directions
- Prepare the sauce by whisking together the mayonnaise, chopped kimchi, and sriracha in a small bowl; refrigerate until serving.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef, cooking until browned and fully cooked.
- Drain the excess grease from the pan, then stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 60 seconds.
- Add the soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil to the skillet, stirring to combine and simmering for 3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Divide the cooked jasmine rice into four serving bowls.
- Layer the bulgogi beef, carrots, and cucumbers over the rice.
- Drizzle with the prepared kimchi sauce and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve these bowls in your favorite deep dishes. Add a side of steamed broccoli or snap peas for extra green. Pour a glass of cold sparkling water to refresh your palate. It makes a perfectly balanced weeknight meal for everyone.
Set the table and enjoy a quiet moment with your family. This meal is filling enough for a long day. It is comfort food with a fresh twist that you will crave again soon.
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to three days. Keep the sauce in a separate small jar to keep it fresh. Reheat the beef and rice in the microwave for two minutes. It is a fantastic option for easy weekday lunches at the office.
Recipe Tips
- Use lean beef to avoid having too much grease in your pan.
- Don’t skip the fresh ginger for the very best flavor profile.
- Prep the kimchi sauce a day early to save even more time.
- Adjust the sriracha amount to control the heat for your kids.
- Always garnish with fresh green onions for a bright, crisp finish.
- Toast your sesame seeds briefly in a dry pan for extra nuttiness.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meal.
- Use cauliflower rice to make this a low-carb dinner option.
- Add sliced radishes or bean sprouts for extra seasonal crunch.
- Try honey instead of brown sugar for a milder, natural sweetness.
Common Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the beef and rice in advance. Just store them separately and combine them when you are ready to eat. The sauce actually tastes better after sitting for an hour.
Is kimchi too spicy for children?
Most kids find mild kimchi manageable when mixed with creamy mayonnaise. If they are very sensitive, you can serve the sauce on the side. This lets them control the heat level themselves.
What kind of rice works best?
Jasmine rice is wonderful because it is light and slightly floral. However, any white or brown rice you have in the pantry will work. Just ensure it is nice and fluffy.
I hope these savory bowls bring a little warmth to your dinner table tonight. They are so simple to make and truly satisfying for the whole family. Happy cooking!
— Lidia
Ground Beef Bulgogi Bowls with Creamy Kimchi Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 garlic cloves , minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup cucumbers , thinly sliced
- 2 green onions , sliced
- 1/2 cup mayonnais e
- 1/4 cup kimchi , finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon srirach a
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce by whisking together the mayonnaise, chopped kimchi, and sriracha in a small bowl; refrigerate until serving.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef, cooking until browned and fully cooked.
- Drain the excess grease from the pan, then stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 60 seconds.
- Add the soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil to the skillet, stirring to combine and simmering for 3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Divide the cooked jasmine rice into four serving bowls.
- Layer the bulgogi beef, carrots, and cucumbers over the rice.
- Drizzle with the prepared kimchi sauce and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
