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Quick Savory Korean Ground Beef Bowls

quick savory korean ground beef bowls - featured image

A fast and flavorful Korean-inspired ground beef bowl ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or quick dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce (naturally brewed, e.g., Kikkoman)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 4 cups (960 ml) cooked white or brown rice
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. If you don’t have cooked rice ready, cook 1 1/2 cups (300 g) of dry rice according to package instructions (about 15-20 minutes).
  2. In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, toasted sesame oil, red pepper flakes (if using), minced garlic, and minced ginger. Stir until sugar dissolves and set aside.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it up with a spatula. Cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Pour the prepared sauce over the browned beef. Stir to coat thoroughly and let simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in sliced green onions, reserving some for garnish. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top if desired.
  6. Serve the beef mixture over cooked rice. Garnish with remaining green onions and extra sesame seeds.

Notes

Use medium-high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to get a good sear on the beef. Drain excess fat to prevent greasy sauce. Adjust saltiness with a squeeze of lime or splash of water if needed. Add more red pepper flakes or gochujang for extra heat. Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted but watch cooking times to avoid drying out.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean ground beef bowl, quick dinner, savory beef bowl, easy weeknight meal, Korean beef recipe, 15-minute dinner