Name: Delicious Korean Ground Beef Bowl (Quick & Easy) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Korean
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); Sesame seeds; Sliced cucumber; Kimchi; Pickled vegetables; Vegetables: bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, or spinach (steamed or raw as desired); 1 egg, fried (optional, for added richness)

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Introduction

This delicious Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a quick and easy meal that packs bold flavors in every bite. Perfect for busy weeknights, it combines savory beef, aromatic garlic and ginger, and tender rice for a satisfying dish anyone can make at home.

A bowl with two layers: the bottom layer is white rice, soft and fluffy, forming a thick base; the top layer is dark brown cooked ground meat, crumbly and slightly greasy, spread evenly over the rice. Small green sliced scallions and white sesame seeds are scattered lightly on the meat. Two light brown chopsticks hold a portion of the meat near the left side of the bowl, set on a white marbled surface with some green scallion pieces scattered around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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: sesame seeds, sliced cucumber, kimchi, or pickled vegetables
Vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, or spinach)
Egg (a fried egg on top for added richness)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the rice. Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Depending on your method, cook it with 2 cups of water using a stovetop, rice cooker, or Instant Pot until tender. Let it rest before fluffing with a fork.
Step 2: Cook the ground beef. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and break it apart as it cooks. Brown until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 3: Add the garlic and ginger to the skillet, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 4: Stir in the soy sauce, sesame oil, and chopped green onions. Season with salt and pepper and simmer for a couple of minutes so the flavors meld together.
Step 5: Assemble the bowl. Start with a base of cooked rice, then top with the seasoned ground beef mixture.
Step 6: Add any vegetables you like, such as steamed broccoli or sliced peppers, on or around the beef.
Step 7: Garnish with sesame seeds, extra green onions, and optional toppings like kimchi or a fried egg to finish.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with finely chopped mushrooms or lentils.
Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce to keep the dish gluten-free.
Add a drizzle of gochujang (Korean chili paste) for a spicy kick.
To save time, use pre-cooked rice or frozen vegetables.

Storage

Store leftover beef and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warm. Avoid adding garnishes like fresh green onions or eggs until serving to keep them fresh.

How to Serve

Two bowls of cooked white rice topped with a dark brown cooked ground meat mixture, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top. Each bowl is white and sits on a darker white plate with wooden chopsticks resting on the top plate. Around the bowls are small clear glass bowls filled with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, and two glasses of light golden beer with foam on top. The whole scene rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted, but the flavor will be milder. You might want to add a bit more seasoning or sesame oil to enhance taste.

What rice works best with this recipe?

Jasmine, basmati, or brown rice all work well. Choose your favorite or what you have on hand; each adds a slightly different texture and flavor.