Description
This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is your weeknight dinner savior. It’s sweet, savory, slightly spicy, and full of bold Korean-inspired flavor—all without the long prep or fancy ingredients. Think juicy ground beef simmered in a garlicky, gingery soy-based sauce that’s kissed with brown sugar and sesame oil, then piled over fluffy white rice and topped with green onions, sesame seeds, and whatever veggies you have lying around. It’s quick, comforting, and tastes like takeout (but faster, cheaper, and way better for your wallet).
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (85/15 or leaner works great)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced (or ½ tsp ground ginger if you’re in a pinch)
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp sesame oil
1–2 tsp sriracha or gochujang (optional, but adds heat and depth)
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 tbsp sesame seeds
Cooked white or brown rice (for serving)
Optional: shredded carrots, steamed broccoli, cucumber ribbons, fried egg
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 6–8 minutes). Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 2: Add flavor
Lower the heat to medium and stir in the garlic and ginger. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant—don’t let it burn! Then pour in the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and sriracha or gochujang if using. Stir to coat the beef and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the meat.
Step 3: Build your bowl
Scoop the rice into bowls and top with a generous helping of the saucy beef. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Add whatever toppings you like—crunchy cucumbers, quick-pickled veggies, a jammy egg, or sautéed greens. Go wild.
Notes
Make it spicy: Add gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) or more sriracha
Make it vegan: Sub in crumbled tofu or lentils instead of beef
Add crunch: Toss on some chopped peanuts or crispy shallots
Serve it lettuce wrap-style: For a low-carb, handheld version
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~460 kcal
- Fat: ~28g~
- Carbohydrates: ~30g
- Protein: ~22g