Description
This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a quick and flavorful meal ready in just 25 minutes. Ground beef is seasoned with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil, served over steamed rice and topped with fresh vegetables and optional garnishes like sesame seeds or a fried egg. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner with vibrant Korean-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasoning
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for optimal flavor)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Rice
- 2 cups cooked rice (jasmine, basmati, or brown rice)
Optional Toppings
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced cucumber
- Kimchi
- Pickled vegetables
- Vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, or spinach
- Egg (fried, for added richness)
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice: Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Depending on your method, either cook on stovetop by boiling then simmering for 15 minutes, use a rice cooker following the manufacturer’s instructions, or cook in an Instant Pot on high pressure for 3 minutes followed by a natural release.
- Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks, browning it until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Flavors: Drain any excess fat from the skillet if necessary. Add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Season the Beef: Stir in the soy sauce, sesame oil, and chopped green onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for a couple of minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Assemble the Bowl: Spoon a generous amount of cooked rice into the bottom of your serving bowl. Top with the seasoned ground beef mixture.
- Add Vegetables and Garnish: Add any additional vegetables like steamed broccoli or sliced bell peppers around or on top of the beef. Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, extra chopped green onions, and optional toppings such as kimchi or a fried egg for richness.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences or seasonal availability.
- This recipe pairs well with steamed spinach or pickled vegetables for added texture and flavor.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully on the stovetop or microwave.
