Delicious Korean Ground Beef Bowl (Quick & Easy) Recipe
This Delicious Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a quick and easy recipe featuring savory ground beef seasoned with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil served over fluffy rice. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that can be customized with fresh vegetables, kimchi, and a fried egg for added richness and flavor.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
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
Rice
- 2 cups cooked rice (jasmine, basmati, or brown rice)
Optional Toppings and Vegetables
- 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)
- Prepare the Rice: Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine with 2 cups of water in a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork. Alternatively, use a rice cooker according to manufacturer’s instructions or cook in an Instant Pot on high pressure for 3 minutes with natural release.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Brown until no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add Flavors: Drain excess fat if needed. Add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Season the Beef: Stir in soy sauce, sesame oil, and chopped green onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to simmer for a couple of minutes so the flavors meld together.
- Assemble the Bowl: Spoon a generous amount of cooked rice into a bowl. Top the rice with the seasoned ground beef mixture. Add any optional steamed or fresh vegetables around or on top of the beef.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, additional chopped green onions, and any preferred toppings such as sliced cucumber, kimchi, or a fried egg for extra richness. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Adjust soy sauce quantity according to your salt preference or dietary needs.
- For gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Vegetables can be varied based on seasonality or preferences—carrots, spinach, or broccoli work well either steamed or raw.
- Adding a fried egg on top boosts flavor and adds protein.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: Korean ground beef bowl, quick Korean recipe, easy beef recipe, Korean rice bowl, savory ground beef, weeknight dinner, simple Korean meal