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Korean ground beef bowl with rice, sliced cucumbers, pickled carrots, and cauliflower rice, topped with sesame seeds and green onions.

Korean Ground Beef Bowl | Sweet, Savory, and Ready in Minutes!

Samantha
This quick and easy Korean ground beef bowl is a weeknight dinner favorite! Sweet, savory ground beef is caramelized with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, served over fluffy rice or cauliflower rice. Packed with high-quality protein, fiber, and bold Korean-inspired flavor. Perfect for healthy meal prep, family dinners, or budget-friendly Korean-inspired bowls. Ready in just 15 minutes!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Korean-Inspired
Servings 4 servings
Calories 430 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Beef:

  • 1 lb ground beef 85% lean recommended
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1- inch piece fresh ginger grated
  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar

For Serving:

  • 2 cups cooked rice white, jasmine, or cauliflower rice
  • 2 green onions sliced
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • Optional: steamed broccoli carrots, bell peppers

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Cook the Beef
    Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned.
  • Step 2: Add Garlic and Ginger
    Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Step 3: Make the Sauce
    In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes (if using), and rice vinegar. Pour sauce over the beef.
  • Step 4: Simmer
    Reduce heat to medium and let the beef simmer in the sauce for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened and caramelized.
  • Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
    Spoon cooked rice into bowls. Top with Korean ground beef, green onions, sesame seeds, and your choice of veggies.

Notes

Secret Tips for This Korean Ground Beef Bowl

  1. Use freshly grated ginger and garlic: Don’t skip this step! Fresh ginger and garlic bring essential depth and bright flavor to your Korean ground beef bowl that pre-minced jars can’t match.
  2. Let the beef caramelize: Once you add the sauce, let the beef cook for an extra couple of minutes until the sauce thickens and sticks to the meat. This gives your Korean beef rice bowl that signature glossy, sticky finish you get from great Korean street food.
  3. Balance your flavors: If your sauce is tasting too salty or too sweet, adjust! Add a splash of rice vinegar or a squeeze of lime to brighten it up, or a dash of honey to round out the umami flavors. Tasting as you go is key to a perfect Korean-inspired beef bowl.
  4. Double it for meal prep: This dish keeps beautifully in the fridge. I always double the batch for Korean beef meal prep and portion it out with rice and veggies. It makes for effortless, high-protein lunches all week long.
  5. Switch up the base: For a low carb Korean ground beef bowl, serve it over cauliflower rice or sautéed shredded cabbage. For extra fiber and nutrients, brown rice or quinoa is also a great option.
  6. Get creative with veggies: Add whatever you have on hand: julienned carrots, cucumber ribbons, steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or even kimchi for a probiotic punch. It’s one of the easiest ways to elevate your healthy Korean beef bowl and pack in more nutrients.
  7. Finish with sesame seeds and scallions: It might seem like garnish, but these add crunch and a subtle nutty, fresh flavor that perfectly complements the savory beef.
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