Korean Beef Rice Bowl is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender ground beef cooked in a sweet and savory sauce, served over steamed rice and topped with fresh garnishes. This easy 20-minute meal is perfect for busy weeknights and delivers classic Korean-inspired flavors with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy—ready in just 20 minutes.
- Sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors in every bite.
- Budget-friendly using ground beef instead of steak.
- Perfect for meal prep and customizable with different toppings.
- A great alternative to takeout with fresh, wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Beef:
- Ground beef (80/20 for the best flavor)
- Soy sauce
- Brown sugar
- Garlic, minced
- Ginger, grated
- Sesame oil
- Red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- Green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds
For Serving:
- Cooked white or brown rice
- Steamed vegetables (broccoli, carrots, or snap peas)
- Fried or soft-boiled egg (optional)
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Beef
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add sesame oil.
- Brown the beef, breaking it apart with a spatula until fully cooked. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add garlic and ginger, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make the sauce by mixing soy sauce, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
- Simmer the beef with the sauce for 3-5 minutes until the flavors meld.
- Stir in green onions and sesame seeds before removing from heat.
Step 2: Assemble the Bowls
- Scoop rice into bowls and top with the Korean beef mixture.
- Add toppings like steamed veggies, a fried egg, and extra sesame seeds.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add gochujang (Korean chili paste) or extra red pepper flakes.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps.
- Pork or Chicken: Substitute ground pork or chicken for beef.
- Extra Veggies: Stir-fry bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini with the beef.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the cooked beef mixture for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it stores well in the fridge and makes a great meal prep option.
What type of rice works best?
Jasmine, basmati, or short-grain white rice pairs well with this dish.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, but add a little extra sesame oil for moisture and flavor.
How do I make this dish spicier?
Mix in gochujang, sriracha, or extra chili flakes.
What vegetables pair well with this?
Broccoli, carrots, snap peas, and bok choy complement the flavors.
Can I make this dish without sugar?
Yes, substitute honey, maple syrup, or a sugar-free alternative.
How do I prevent the beef from drying out?
Use 80/20 ground beef and don’t overcook it.
Can I serve this without rice?
Yes, try it over quinoa, noodles, or in lettuce wraps.
Is this recipe authentic Korean?
This is a simplified, Korean-inspired dish based on bulgogi flavors.
What’s the best way to garnish this dish?
Top with extra sesame seeds, green onions, and a fried egg for added richness.
Conclusion
Korean Beef Rice Bowl is a fast, flavorful, and satisfying meal that brings the delicious taste of Korean cuisine to your table in just 20 minutes. With its sweet and savory sauce, tender beef, and fresh toppings, this dish is a perfect balance of comfort and convenience. Try it today for an easy dinner or meal prep option
Print
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
Description
This Korean Beef Rice Bowl is a quick and flavorful meal made with ground beef, sweet and savory sauce, and fluffy rice. Perfect for a fast weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 tbsp green onions, chopped
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Cook the beef: In a skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add sauce: Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3 minutes.
- Serve over rice and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- Swap ground beef for chicken or tofu for variation.
- Serve with steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
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