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Korean Ground Beef Bowl

Featured in Satisfying Entrées for Any Occasion.

This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a simple yet delicious dish featuring savory ground beef sautéed with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, served over warm cooked rice. Garnished with fresh green onions, sesame seeds, and optional vegetables or a fried egg, this bowl is customizable and perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Quick to prepare and deeply flavorful, it’s a comforting option with a Korean-inspired twist that’s both satisfying and versatile. Add optional toppings like kimchi or pickled vegetables for a bold finish.

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Recipes Fives Halima
Updated on Sat, 26 Apr 2025 22:20:36 GMT
A bowl of food with rice and meat. Pin it
A bowl of food with rice and meat. | tastystanza.com

This Korean Ground Beef Bowl has become my weeknight dinner hero whenever I need a flavorful meal on the table in under 30 minutes. The combination of savory beef with aromatic garlic and ginger creates an irresistible dish that tastes like it came from your favorite Korean restaurant.

I first made this recipe when I was craving takeout but didn't want to leave the house. My family loved it so much that it's now in our regular rotation at least twice a month.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: 80/20 blend provides the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness while still allowing the Korean seasonings to shine
  • Soy sauce: Creates the savory umami base for the sauce; use low sodium if you prefer
  • Sesame oil: Adds that distinctive nutty flavor that makes Korean dishes recognizable
  • Fresh garlic and ginger: Aromatic powerhouses that form the foundation of authentic Korean flavors
  • Green onions: Provide a mild onion flavor and bright color both in cooking and as garnish
  • Rice: Serves as the perfect vehicle for soaking up all the delicious sauce; use jasmine for a fragrant option
  • Optional toppings: Like sesame seeds, kimchi, and cucumber add texture and authentic finishing touches

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Rice:
Properly cooking your rice is crucial for this dish. Whether using a rice cooker, stovetop, or Instant Pot, make sure to rinse the rice thoroughly first to remove excess starch. This creates fluffier rice that will better absorb the savory beef flavors. Let your cooked rice rest covered for at least 5 minutes before fluffing for the best texture.
Brown the Ground Beef:
Start with a hot skillet to get a proper sear on your beef. Break it into small pieces as it cooks, which helps it absorb more flavor from the sauce. The beef should develop some caramelized brown bits for maximum taste. If using 80/20 beef, you may want to drain some but not all of the fat as it carries flavor.
Add the Aromatics:
Once your beef is browned, add the minced garlic and ginger together, watching carefully as they can burn quickly. Stir constantly for about 60 seconds until you can smell their fragrance blooming in the pan. This step releases their essential oils and builds the aromatic foundation of the dish.
Create the Sauce:
Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, which will sizzle and immediately start to reduce. This concentrates the flavors and helps them coat every piece of beef. Add green onions and let everything simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the beef to absorb all those delicious flavors.
Assemble Your Bowl:
Start with a generous base of hot rice, which will slightly warm as the beef is placed on top. Arrange your beef over the rice, ensuring some of the sauce drips down to flavor the grains. Add any vegetables and garnishes artfully on top for both flavor and visual appeal.
A bowl of rice with meat and vegetables. Pin it
A bowl of rice with meat and vegetables. | tastystanza.com

The sesame oil is truly the secret ingredient in this recipe. I remember the first time I added it to the dish, my kitchen was instantly filled with that distinctive Korean aroma and my husband came running to see what was cooking. Now I keep a bottle of good quality sesame oil specifically for this recipe.

Vegetable Variations

While this dish is delicious with just beef and rice, adding vegetables creates a more nutritionally complete meal. For quick cooking, try thinly sliced bell peppers added during the last minute of cooking the beef. For heartier vegetables like broccoli or carrots, steam them separately until just tender, then add them to your bowl. My family particularly loves adding baby spinach directly to the hot beef mixture, where it wilts perfectly without additional cooking.

Make It Your Own

This Korean beef bowl is incredibly versatile. For a spicy version, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the sauce. For a sweeter profile, include 1 tablespoon of brown sugar or honey. Vegetarians can substitute crumbled tofu or tempeh for the beef, using the same seasonings. My personal favorite variation includes diced zucchini and mushrooms sautéed alongside the beef for added texture and nutrition.

Serving Suggestions

While delicious on its own, this Korean beef bowl pairs beautifully with simple side dishes. Serve with quick cucumber pickles made by marinating sliced cucumbers in rice vinegar for 30 minutes. Kimchi provides authentic flavor and probiotic benefits. For a complete Korean-inspired meal, add small dishes of toasted seaweed strips and some quick pickled radishes. During summer months, we enjoy serving this with crisp lettuce leaves on the side for making impromptu wraps.

A bowl of rice with meat and vegetables. Pin it
A bowl of rice with meat and vegetables. | tastystanza.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of ground beef is best for this dish?

Use 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and juiciness. Leaner options can also work, but may require extra seasoning or oil.

→ Can I use tamari instead of soy sauce?

Yes, tamari is a great gluten-free option that provides a similar salty and umami flavor as soy sauce.

→ What vegetables work well with this bowl?

Bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and spinach are excellent additions. They add color, texture, and nutrients to the dish.

→ How do I make this spicier?

Add a drizzle of sriracha, gochujang, or crushed red pepper flakes to bring some heat to your bowl.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, both the ground beef and rice can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat before assembling the bowl and adding fresh toppings.

Korean Ground Beef Bowl

Savory Korean ground beef over rice, with vibrant toppings like green onions and sesame seeds.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes
By: merry

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Korean

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for optimal flavor)
02 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
03 1 tablespoon sesame oil
04 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
06 2 green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
07 Salt and pepper to taste
08 2 cups cooked jasmine, basmati, or brown rice

→ Optional Toppings

09 Sesame seeds
10 Sliced cucumber
11 Kimchi
12 Pickled vegetables

→ Optional Ingredients

13 Bell peppers
14 Carrots
15 Broccoli
16 Spinach
17 Fried egg

Instructions

Step 01

Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water until the water runs clear. For stove preparation, combine with 2 cups of water in a pot, bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork. For rice cooker preparation, add rinsed rice and water to the cooker and cook per manufacturer instructions. For Instant Pot preparation, combine rinsed rice and water, seal the lid, cook on high pressure for 3 minutes, and allow a natural release.

Step 02

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add ground beef and use a spatula to break it apart. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary. Add minced garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in soy sauce, sesame oil, and chopped green onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for a couple of minutes to combine flavors.

Step 03

Spoon a generous amount of cooked rice into the bottom of a bowl. Layer with the seasoned ground beef mixture. If using additional vegetables such as steamed broccoli or sliced bell peppers, add them to the bowl. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and optional toppings like kimchi or a fried egg.

Notes

  1. Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
  2. A fried egg on top adds extra richness to the dish.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Spatula
  • Rice cooker (optional)
  • Instant Pot (optional)

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains soy (from soy sauce or tamari).
  • May contain sesame (from sesame oil).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: 20 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 30 g
  • Protein: 28 g