Why make this recipe
Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a quick and tasty dish that packs a flavor punch. It’s simple to prepare and uses common ingredients, making it a perfect weeknight meal. The combination of a savory beef mixture served over soft rice is satisfying and comforting. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite vegetables or toppings!
How to make Korean Ground Beef Bowl
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef 80/20
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked rice (jasmine, basmati, or brown rice)
- Optional toppings: sesame seeds, sliced cucumber, kimchi, or pickled vegetables
- Optional vegetables: bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, or spinach
- Optional: a fried egg
Directions:
Prepare the Rice: Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water until clear. Combine with 2 cups of water in a pot, bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing. If using a rice cooker, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. For an Instant Pot, combine rinsed rice and water, cook on high pressure for 3 minutes, then allow natural release.
Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula and brown for 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat, then add minced garlic and ginger to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes. Stir in soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions. Season with salt and pepper, and let it simmer for a couple of minutes.
Assemble the Bowl: Spoon the cooked rice into bowls, top with the seasoned beef mixture, and add any additional vegetables or toppings as desired.
How to serve Korean Ground Beef Bowl
To serve, place your rice in a bowl first and then generously spoon the flavorful ground beef mixture on top. You can add your favorite veggies like cucumbers or carrots for added crunch, or top with sesame seeds and a fried egg for extra richness.
How to store Korean Ground Beef Bowl
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The ground beef will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. You can reheat the beef mixture on the stove or in the microwave before serving over freshly cooked rice.
Tips to make Korean Ground Beef Bowl
- Always rinse the rice until the water runs clear to remove excess starch for fluffier rice.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce or other seasonings to your taste.
- Adding more veggies increases the nutritional value and color of your dish.
Variation
You can swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Additionally, try adding more spices, like red pepper flakes, for heat, or using different sauces, like hoisin, for a flavor twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen ground beef?
Yes, you can use frozen ground beef. Just make sure to thaw it beforehand for even cooking.
2. What can I use instead of rice?
You can serve the beef mixture over quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even noodles for a different experience.
3. How spicy is this dish?
This dish is not spicy, but you can easily make it spicy by adding chili paste or red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture.
Korean Ground Beef Bowl
Ingredients
Method
- Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water until clear. Combine with 2 cups of water in a pot, bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing. If using a rice cooker, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. For an Instant Pot, combine rinsed rice and water, cook on high pressure for 3 minutes, then allow natural release.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula and brown for 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat, then add minced garlic and ginger to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes. Stir in soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions. Season with salt and pepper, and let it simmer for a couple of minutes.
- Spoon the cooked rice into bowls, top with the seasoned beef mixture, and add any additional vegetables or toppings as desired.
