This Korean Beef Bowl is fast, budget-friendly, and packed with umami. It’s perfect for meal prep, customizable with your favorite veggies or grains, and appeals to both adults and kids. You get all the flavors of Korean BBQ without the time or effort, making it an ideal go-to for easy dinners.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
ground beef soy sauce brown sugar garlic, minced ginger, minced or grated sesame oil crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat) green onions, sliced white or brown rice, for serving sesame seeds, for garnish steamed or sautéed vegetables (such as broccoli, carrots, or spinach), optional
Directions
In a large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat.
Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
Stir in minced garlic and ginger. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Add soy sauce, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef.
Remove from heat and stir in sliced green onions.
Serve over bowls of steamed rice, topped with sesame seeds and your choice of vegetables.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time: 5 minutes Cooking time: 10 minutes Total time: 15 minutes
Variations
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option.
Substitute cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the beef for extra flavor and texture.
Make it spicy by adding gochujang or more red pepper flakes.
Top with a fried egg for a Korean bibimbap-style twist.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through or reheat in a skillet over medium heat. This recipe also freezes well—just cool completely before freezing in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this dish is excellent for meal prep. Store the beef and rice separately for best results.
What type of rice should I use?
Jasmine, short-grain white rice, or brown rice all work well. You can also use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Can I use fresh garlic and ginger instead of minced?
Absolutely. Freshly grated or finely minced garlic and ginger give the best flavor.
Is this recipe spicy?
It’s mildly spicy with red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the heat to your liking or omit them altogether.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, it scales up easily. Use a larger skillet or cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
What vegetables pair well with this dish?
Steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, shredded carrots, or cucumber slices make great additions.
Can I use a different protein?
Yes, ground chicken, turkey, or plant-based ground meat substitutes also work well.
What does Korean Beef Bowl taste like?
It’s savory, slightly sweet, and rich in umami with a hint of garlic and ginger.
Do I need to drain the beef?
If there’s a lot of excess fat, draining is recommended to avoid a greasy dish.
Can I freeze the cooked beef?
Yes, cool completely and freeze in airtight containers. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Conclusion
The Korean Beef Bowl is a fast, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this dish delivers bold taste with minimal effort. Serve it over rice with your favorite toppings and enjoy a satisfying, homemade take on Korean comfort food.
The Korean Beef Bowl is a quick, flavorful dish made with ground beef cooked in a savory-sweet Korean-inspired sauce, served over steamed rice with your choice of vegetables.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp brown sugar
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ginger, minced or grated
1 tbsp sesame oil
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 green onions, sliced
2 cups cooked white or brown rice, for serving
1 tbsp sesame seeds, for garnish
Steamed or sautéed vegetables (e.g., broccoli, carrots, spinach), optional
Instructions
In a large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat.
Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
Stir in minced garlic and ginger. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Add soy sauce, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef.
Remove from heat and stir in sliced green onions.
Serve over bowls of steamed rice, topped with sesame seeds and your choice of vegetables.
Notes
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option.Substitute cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.Add mushrooms or bell peppers to the beef for extra flavor and texture.Top with a fried egg for a Korean bibimbap-style twist.Add gochujang or more red pepper flakes for extra heat.
