A Korean Beef Rice Bowl is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines tender ground beef with a savory-sweet sauce, served over steamed rice. This quick and easy meal is perfect for busy weeknights, requiring minimal ingredients and preparation while delivering a rich, umami-packed taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a fast and delicious meal.
- Budget-Friendly – Uses simple pantry staples and ground beef, making it an affordable yet satisfying dish.
- Versatile – Can be customized with various vegetables, proteins, or spice levels to suit personal preferences.
- Meal Prep Friendly – Stores well and can be reheated easily, making it great for make-ahead meals.
- Authentic Korean Flavors – Features a well-balanced blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger for a classic taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Cooked rice (white or brown)
- Soy sauce
- Brown sugar
- Sesame oil
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Green onions
- Sesame seeds
Directions
- Prepare the sauce – In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
- Cook the beef – Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Combine with sauce – Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked beef. Stir well and let it simmer for a few minutes until the flavors meld together.
- Assemble the bowl – Serve the beef over a bed of steamed rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
- Enjoy – Mix well before eating and enjoy your delicious Korean Beef Rice Bowl!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add gochujang (Korean chili paste) or increase the red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Vegetable Additions: Stir in sautéed bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition.
- Protein Alternatives: Swap ground beef for ground chicken, turkey, or tofu for a lighter option.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
- Egg Topping: Add a fried or soft-boiled egg on top for a richer flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked beef in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
FAQs
How do I make this dish less salty?
Use low-sodium soy sauce or reduce the amount of soy sauce in the recipe.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for easy meal prep.
What type of rice works best?
White rice, brown rice, or even jasmine rice pairs well with this dish.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the ground beef with crumbled tofu, tempeh, or plant-based ground meat.
How do I add more vegetables?
You can stir-fry vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or mushrooms with the beef for added texture and nutrition.
Can I use a different sweetener?
Yes, honey or maple syrup can be used instead of brown sugar.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make it gluten-free.
What other garnishes work well?
Chopped cilantro, shredded seaweed, or a drizzle of sriracha can add extra flavor.
Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger?
Yes, fresh grated ginger provides a stronger, more aromatic flavor.
How can I make this a complete meal?
Serve with a side of kimchi, a simple cucumber salad, or a miso soup for a balanced meal.
Conclusion
The Korean Beef Rice Bowl is an easy, flavorful, and versatile dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal-prep-friendly option, this recipe delivers delicious results with minimal effort. Try different variations to make it your own, and enjoy a taste of Korean-inspired comfort food at home!
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Korean Beef Rice Bowl
Description
This Korean beef rice bowl is a quick and flavorful meal featuring sweet and savory ground beef over fluffy rice, topped with green onions and sesame seeds. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger (grated)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots
- 2 green onions (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a pan, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in garlic, ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve over hot cooked rice.
- Top with shredded carrots, green onions, and sesame seeds.
Notes
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Add steamed broccoli or bok choy for extra nutrition.
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