This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a tasty mix of seasoned ground beef, rice, and colorful veggies. It’s quick to make and bursting with flavors that will make you smile!
You can top it with a fried egg and some sesame seeds for that extra yum factor. It’s my go-to when I want something easy and delicious that’s ready in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Use 80/20 ground beef for a juicy flavor. If you want a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes, though they won’t be as rich.
Soy Sauce: I recommend low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness. If you’re gluten-free, tamari is a perfect alternative.
Brown Sugar: This adds a nice sweetness. You can use coconut sugar or honey as substitutes. Just keep in mind, honey is sweeter, so adjust the amount accordingly.
Sesame Oil: This oil gives wonderful flavor. If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use peanut oil or a light olive oil, though the taste will differ slightly.
Garlic and Ginger: Fresh is always best! In a pinch, you could use garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon per clove) and ground ginger (1/4 teaspoon per teaspoon). Fresh ingredients boost flavor!
How Do I Cook Ground Beef Perfectly?
Cooking ground beef can seem tricky, but here’s how I ensure it turns out tasty every time.
- Start with a hot skillet to sear the beef quickly; this locks in flavors.
- Break up the beef with a spatula as it cooks. Stir occasionally to have even browning.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; this can cause steaming instead of browning. If you have a large batch, cook it in two parts.
- Cook until there’s no pink left and the beef reaches a nice golden color.
These steps help you achieve perfectly cooked ground beef for your bowl. Enjoy!
How to Make a Delicious Korean Ground Beef Bowl?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
For Garnish:
- 3 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds (optional)
- Cooked rice (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and 7-10 minutes for cooking, making the total time approximately 20 minutes. It’s quick, easy, and perfectly flavorful!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until it’s well combined. This will add lots of wonderful flavor to your beef!
2. Heat the Oil:
Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Let the oil heat up until it shimmers slightly. This is an important step to ensure even cooking of the beef.
3. Cook the Beef:
Once the oil is hot, carefully add the ground beef mixture into the skillet. Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks. Stir occasionally and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Make sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
4. Taste and Adjust:
After cooking, remove the skillet from heat. Taste the beef and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you like it a bit sweeter, add a touch more brown sugar; if you prefer it saltier, a splash more soy sauce will do.
5. Serve:
Grab a bowl of hot cooked rice and spoon the delicious ground beef mixture right on top. The rice will soak up all the yummy flavors!
6. Garnish and Enjoy:
Finally, garnish your dish with sliced green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds on top if you like. Then, dig in and enjoy your tasty Korean ground beef bowl!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even ground pork for a different flavor profile. Just be aware that cooking times may vary slightly, especially for leaner meats like turkey.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you enjoy some heat, you can add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a tablespoon of gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the beef mixture before cooking. Adjust to your spice preference!
Can I Prepare This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture a day in advance. Simply combine all the ingredients and store in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, just heat it in the skillet and serve over rice. This can enhance the flavors even more!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to moisten the beef if needed. It’s also great served cold over a salad!
