This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a savory, flavorful dish with a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spicy notes. The beef is cooked in a deliciously seasoned sauce and served over rice with your favorite vegetables. It’s a quick and satisfying meal, perfect for weeknights!
Ingredients
For the Ground Beef:
- 1 lb ground beef (you can also use ground turkey or chicken)
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (or honey for a healthier option)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste, optional for spice)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp water (if needed to thin out the sauce)
For the Bowls:
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 cup pickled radishes (optional, for a tangy crunch)
- 1/4 cup kimchi (optional, for added flavor)
- Soft-boiled eggs, for topping (optional)
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.
- Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Make the Korean Sauce:
- To the cooked beef, add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, gochujang (if using), sesame seeds, and black pepper.
- Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of water to thin it out.
- Assemble the Bowls:
- Start by adding a serving of cooked rice to each bowl.
- Spoon the Korean ground beef mixture over the rice.
- Add Toppings:
- Top with shredded carrots, cucumber slices, pickled radishes, and kimchi (if using).
- For extra protein and richness, add a soft-boiled egg on top of each bowl.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and additional sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately.
Tips
- You can customize the toppings to your liking, adding sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or other veggies for more flavor and texture.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of gochujang or add some chili flakes.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.