Get ready for a whirlwind of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors with these incredibly Easy Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls! Imagine tender, caramelized ground beef, infused with a rich and aromatic Korean-inspired sauce, served over fluffy steamed rice and topped with vibrant, fresh garnishes. This quick ground beef recipe is your ticket to a delicious and satisfying meal in under 20 minutes. What makes this dish truly special is its amazing flavor-to-effort ratio, making it an absolute lifesaver for busy weeknights. Perfect for when you need a fast dinner idea, a flavorful budget-friendly meal, or when you’re craving those irresistible Korean BBQ flavors without the fuss. You won’t believe how simple it is to create such a dynamic and mouthwatering dish!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Lean Ground Beef
- 1 tbsp Sesame Oil
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Fresh Ginger, grated
- 1/2 cup Low-Sodium Soy Sauce
- 1/4 cup Packed Light Brown Sugar
- 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar
- 1-2 tsp Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste)
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- 4 cups Cooked Rice
- Optional Garnishes: Sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, shredded carrots, thinly sliced cucumber, kimchi, a fried egg
Instructions:
- Brown Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess fat.
- Sauté Aromatics: Push the browned beef to one side of the skillet. Add the sesame oil to the empty side. Once shimmering, add the minced garlic and grated fresh ginger. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, then stir them into the ground beef.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, light brown sugar, rice vinegar, optional gochujang, and black pepper until the sugar is dissolved.
- Simmer and Thicken: Pour the sauce mixture over the ground beef in the skillet. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly and glazes the beef beautifully.
- Assemble Bowls: Divide the cooked rice among four serving bowls.
- Serve: Spoon the flavorful Korean ground beef mixture generously over the rice.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Top with your favorite optional garnishes like sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, shredded carrots, or even a sunny-side-up fried egg for extra richness. Serve immediately and enjoy your incredibly easy Korean beef bowl!
Recipe Notes:
- Ground Beef Choice: Leaner ground beef (90/10) works well to minimize grease, but 85/15 will also be delicious. Be sure to drain any excess fat after browning. Ground turkey or chicken can also be substituted for a lighter option.
- Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste): This fermented chili paste adds a unique sweet, savory, and spicy depth. It can be found in most Asian markets or the international aisle of larger supermarkets. Start with a small amount if you’re new to it, as it can be quite spicy.
- Sweetness and Soy: Adjust the brown sugar and soy sauce to your personal preference. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the brown sugar slightly.
- Ginger Tip: Using freshly grated ginger offers the best flavor. You can store a knob of ginger in the freezer and grate it directly into dishes as needed – no thawing required!
- Make it a Fuller Meal: Add steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli florets, bell peppers, or spinach to the bowls for extra nutrition and color.
- Meal Prep Friendly: The cooked Korean ground beef mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat and serve over freshly cooked rice for quick meals throughout the week.
- Low Carb Option: Serve the Korean ground beef over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps for a delicious low-carb alternative.
And there you have it – a ridiculously easy and flavorful Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowl that’s ready in a flash! This quick weeknight dinner is packed with addictive sweet and savory notes that will have everyone asking for seconds. We hope you love this simple yet satisfying taste of Korea! Happy cooking!
