Korean Ground Beef Bowl: 25-Minute Easy & Flavorful Meal Recipe
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, then served over fluffy rice with optional vegetables and toppings for a balanced, satisfying dish perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 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
- 2 cups cooked rice (jasmine, basmati, or brown rice)
Optional Toppings and Vegetables
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced cucumber
- Kimchi
- Pickled vegetables
- Bell peppers
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Spinach
- Egg (fried, to top for added richness)
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice: Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Then combine with 2 cups of water in a pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
- Alternative Rice Cooking Methods: If using a rice cooker, add rinsed rice and water, then cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For Instant Pot, combine rinsed rice and water, seal the lid, cook on high pressure for 3 minutes, then allow natural release before opening.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spatula. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Aromatics: Drain any excess fat, then add minced garlic and ginger to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Season the Beef: Stir in 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.
- Assemble the Bowl: Spoon a generous portion of cooked rice into each bowl. Top with the seasoned ground beef mixture.
- Add Vegetables and Toppings: Add any vegetables like steamed broccoli, sliced bell peppers, or other preferred veggies on top or around the beef. Garnish with sesame seeds, extra chopped green onions, and optional toppings such as kimchi or a fried egg for added richness.
Notes
- Use 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and moisture.
- Substitute tamari for soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
- If you prefer less fat, drain the beef well before adding aromatics.
- Vegetables can be steamed or sautéed according to preference before adding.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with crumbled tofu or plant-based meat alternatives.
- Rice cook times vary by type; adjust accordingly.
