Description
This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a quick, flavorful meal ready in just 25 minutes. Featuring savory ground beef seasoned with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil, served over fluffy rice and topped with fresh vegetables and optional garnishes like kimchi and a fried egg. Perfect for a nutritious and comforting dinner with vibrant Korean-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
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
- 2 cups cooked rice (jasmine, basmati, or brown rice)
Optional Toppings and Vegetables
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced cucumber
- Kimchi
- Pickled vegetables
- Vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, or spinach
- 1 Egg (fried, for added richness)
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice. Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Then, depending on your preferred method, cook the rice: on the stove by boiling 2 cups of water, reducing heat to low, covering, and simmering about 15 minutes until water is absorbed, followed by a 5-minute rest; in a rice cooker by adding rinsed rice and water and cooking according to the machine’s instructions; or in an Instant Pot by sealing rinsed rice and water, cooking on high pressure for 3 minutes, and allowing a natural release.
- Cook the Ground Beef. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Aromatics and Seasonings. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in soy sauce, sesame oil, and chopped green onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for a couple of minutes to meld the flavors.
- Assemble the Bowl. Spoon a generous amount of cooked rice into each bowl. Layer the seasoned ground beef on top. Add your choice of cooked or raw vegetables like steamed broccoli or sliced bell peppers. Garnish with sesame seeds, extra chopped green onions, kimchi, sliced cucumber, pickled vegetables, and a fried egg if desired for extra richness.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- This recipe is very versatile; add any vegetables you like or have on hand.
- Frying an egg on top adds richness and protein to the dish.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper after tasting since soy sauce adds saltiness.
- Leftover rice works great for this recipe and speeds up preparation time.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option.
