WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
Are you ready to enjoy a flavorful meal that’s quick and easy to make? Korean Ground Beef Bowls are your answer! I’ll guide you through simple ingredients and steps to create this delicious dish. With rich umami from soy sauce and the perfect blend of spices, these bowls are sure to impress. Get ready to cook a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive in!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil creates a deliciously rich and savory sauce.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level or add your favorite vegetables to suit your taste.
- Healthy Option: With lean ground beef and a variety of veggies, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef
– 3 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 2 teaspoons minced garlic
– 1 teaspoon minced ginger
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 2 green onions, finely chopped
– 1 cup cooked rice
– 1 cup shredded carrots
– 1 cup steamed broccoli florets
– Sesame seeds for garnish
In your Korean Ground Beef Bowls, you’ll want to start with the basics: ground beef and cooking essentials. The beef gives a rich flavor and hearty texture. You also need soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. These add depth and sweetness to the dish.
Next, we have our aromatic ingredients. Garlic and ginger add zing and warmth. Red pepper flakes give it a nice kick, but you can adjust them if you like it milder.
Don’t forget the fresh elements. Green onions bring crunch and color. Shredded carrots add sweetness, and steamed broccoli offers a nice green touch.
Lastly, garnish with sesame seeds. They add a delightful crunch and a bit of flair to your bowls. Enjoy bringing these flavors together!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. First, heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
2. Next, add minced garlic and ginger to the hot oil. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Then, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it into small crumbles.
4. Cook the beef until it is browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
5. After the beef cooks, carefully drain any excess fat. This keeps the dish from being greasy.
6. Pour in the soy sauce, sprinkle in brown sugar, and add red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine.
7. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend nicely.
Assembly Steps
1. Begin by layering cooked rice in each serving bowl. This will be the base of your meal.
2. Next, spoon the Korean ground beef mixture over the rice. Make sure each bowl has a hearty portion.
3. Top each bowl with shredded carrots, steamed broccoli, and chopped green onions. This adds crunch and color.
4. Finally, sprinkle sesame seeds on top as a garnish before serving.
These steps make it easy to create delicious Korean Ground Beef Bowls. Enjoy the cooking process and the tasty results!
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
To avoid greasy beef, drain any extra fat after cooking. This step helps keep the dish light and tasty. Use a slotted spoon or tilt the skillet to let the fat run off.
For even cooking and flavor distribution, break the beef into small pieces as it cooks. Stir it often to ensure all parts get the same heat. This way, every bite is full of flavor.
Presentation Tips
To make your bowls visually appealing, use a variety of colors. Layer the rice, beef, and veggies in a way that shows off the bright colors. A mix of greens, orange carrots, and dark beef looks great together.
For extra garnishes, try adding slices of green onions or a drizzle of sesame oil. These small touches make the meal pop and look gourmet. You can also sprinkle extra sesame seeds for added crunch and flair.
Pro Tips
- Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to modify the amount of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference. Start with less if you’re unsure and add more as needed.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger make a significant difference in flavor. If possible, avoid using pre-minced versions for the best taste.
- Customize Your Veggies: While this recipe includes carrots and broccoli, feel free to use any vegetables you enjoy or have on hand, like bell peppers or snap peas.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This dish is perfect for meal prep! Cook a larger batch and store individual portions in the fridge or freezer for quick meals throughout the week.

Variations
Dietary Adjustments
To make Korean Ground Beef Bowls gluten-free, swap regular soy sauce for gluten-free soy sauce. This small change keeps the flavor intact while making it safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
For low-carb or keto diets, replace the rice with cauliflower rice. Cauliflower rice has a similar texture but far fewer carbs. You can steam or sauté it for a warm base that absorbs the beef flavors well.
Flavor Customizations
You can adjust spice levels to fit your taste. If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes. For a milder dish, reduce or skip them.
Feel free to add or substitute vegetables. Bell peppers, snap peas, or zucchini can bring new flavors and colors to your bowl. Just remember to cook them until they are tender but still crisp. Enjoy experimenting!
Storage Info
Best Practices for Storing
To keep your Korean ground beef bowls fresh, let them cool down first. This helps prevent moisture build-up in the container. Once cool, store the bowls in airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to separate the beef, rice, and veggies if possible. This keeps flavors and textures intact.
Refrigerate the bowls within two hours of cooking. They will stay fresh for up to four days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. Place the beef and rice in freezer-safe bags. Squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing. They can last about three months in the freezer.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat your bowls, use the microwave for quick and easy warming. Place the bowl in the microwave and cover it with a damp paper towel. This keeps moisture in, making the meal tender. Heat for one to two minutes, stirring halfway through.
If you prefer a stovetop method, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir occasionally until heated through. For crispy rice, let it sit a bit longer. Always check to ensure it’s hot all the way through before serving.
FAQs
Common Questions
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can. Ground turkey or chicken works well. You may need to adjust cooking times. For a richer taste, use pork. Just make sure the meat is finely ground for best texture.
How can I make Korean Ground Beef Bowls vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, swap the beef for a plant-based meat substitute. You can also use firm tofu, crumbled, or tempeh. Season it just like the beef for great flavor.
What can I serve with Korean Ground Beef Bowls?
These bowls are great on their own. You can add side dishes like kimchi or pickled vegetables for extra crunch. A light salad with sesame dressing also pairs well.
How do I meal prep Korean Ground Beef Bowls?
Meal prep is easy. Cook the beef mixture and store it in the fridge. Prepare rice and veggies separately. Just combine them when you’re ready to eat. This keeps everything fresh and tasty.
In this blog post, we covered the key ingredients and steps for Korean Ground Beef Bowls. I shared tips to avoid greasy beef and enhance flavors. You learned about variations for dietary needs and storage methods. This dish is simple to prepare and highly customizable.
Experiment with flavors and toppings to make it your own. Trust the process and enjoy your cooking journe
Korean Ground Beef Bowls
A delicious and easy-to-make Korean-inspired dish featuring ground beef served over rice with fresh vegetables.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Korean
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 green onions finely chopped
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup steamed broccoli florets
- to taste sesame seeds for garnish
Begin by heating the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Add the minced garlic and ginger to the hot oil, sautéing for about 30 seconds until they release their aromatic fragrance.
Introduce the ground beef into the skillet, using a spatula to break it into crumbles. Cook until the beef is thoroughly browned and no longer pink, approximately 5-7 minutes.
Once the beef is fully cooked, carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Pour in the soy sauce, sprinkle in the brown sugar, and add the red pepper flakes. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly combined. Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, which will let the flavors develop beautifully.
Assemble the bowls by placing a generous layer of cooked rice at the bottom of each serving bowl to act as the foundation.
Spoon the succulent Korean ground beef mixture over the layer of rice, ensuring each bowl gets a hearty portion.
Top each bowl with a colorful assortment of shredded carrots, tender steamed broccoli, and freshly chopped green onions for a burst of flavor and crunch.
Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top as a delightful garnish before serving.
Serve the bowls while still warm, and consider adding extra green onion slices or a drizzle of extra sesame oil for an enhanced flavor and aesthetic appeal.
Keyword easy recipe, ground beef, Korean, rice bowl
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?