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Korean Ground Beef Bowl

Korean Ground Beef Bowl

This Korean Ground Beef Bowl delivers bold, savory-sweet flavors in just 20 minutes using simple pantry ingredients. Ground beef is cooked with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and brown sugar, then served over fluffy rice for an easy weeknight dinner that tastes like takeout. Perfect for meal prep and customizable with your favorite vegetables.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 485
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef 85/15 or 90/10
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes adjust to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 3 whole green onions sliced, divided
  • 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds for garnish
  • sliced cucumber, shredded carrots, or steamed broccoli optional

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Small bowl
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Prepare rice: Cook rice according to package directions. White rice takes 15 minutes, brown rice needs 40 to 45 minutes. Keep warm until ready to serve.
  2. Make sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, red pepper flakes, and black pepper until combined. Set aside.
  3. Cook beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, breaking into small crumbles with a wooden spoon. Continue cooking until no pink remains and beef is browned.
  4. Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Don't let garlic burn.
  5. Add sauce: Pour prepared sauce over beef. Add half the sliced green onions. Stir well and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  6. Assemble bowls: Divide cooked rice among four bowls. Top each with Korean beef mixture. Garnish with remaining green onions, sesame seeds, and optional vegetables.

Notes

  • Use leaner ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to prevent excess grease.
  • Fresh ginger provides much better flavor than ground ginger.
  • Store beef and rice separately for meal prep, up to 4 days refrigerated.
  • Beef mixture freezes well for up to 3 months.
  • Add vegetables like steamed broccoli, sliced cucumber, or kimchi for extra nutrition.