If you're looking for a quick, delicious, and flavor-packed meal, then this Korean Ground Beef Bowl is exactly what you need. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that bursts with bold, savory flavors from the heart of Korean cuisine. Tender ground beef is cooked in a savory, slightly sweet sauce and served over a bed of fluffy rice, making it the perfect weeknight dinner when time is tight but you still want something satisfying.

This dish combines the umami-rich flavors of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic with a touch of brown sugar to create a perfect balance of sweet and savory. The result is a quick and easy Korean-inspired bowl that will satisfy your cravings for Asian flavors. Plus, it’s super customizable! Whether you’re adding vegetables, a soft-boiled egg, or extra toppings, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious.

Let’s dive into this simple yet flavorful recipe that will soon become a weeknight favorite in your household!

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Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Korean Ground Beef:

• 500g ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (15ml)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (9g)
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (2g)
• 3 tablespoon soy sauce (45ml)
• 2 tablespoon brown sugar (30g)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (15ml)
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, 1g)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper (1g)
• 1 tablespoon green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

For the Rice Base:

• 1 cup jasmine rice (200g)
• 2 cups water (480ml)
• ½ teaspoon salt (3g)

For Optional Toppings (Optional but Recommended):

• 1 soft-boiled egg per bowl
• Sautéed spinach or other leafy greens
• Shredded carrots
• Cucumber slices
• Kimchi (for a spicy, tangy kick)

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Rice Base

1. Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy rice.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
4. Once done, remove the pot from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Korean Ground Beef

5. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef to the skillet.
6. Cook the beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, for about 7-8 minutes, or until it’s browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
7. Add the garlic and ginger to the skillet, stirring until fragrant, about 1 minute.
8. Pour in the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
9. Season with black pepper and adjust the sweetness or saltiness to taste by adding more brown sugar or soy sauce, if needed. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Assemble the Bowls

10. To assemble the bowls, start by adding a generous scoop of fluffy rice to each bowl.
11. Spoon the Korean ground beef mixture on top of the rice.
12. For extra texture and flavor, add your choice of toppings. This could include a soft-boiled egg, sautéed spinach, shredded carrots, cucumber slices, or even kimchi for a spicy, tangy contrast.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

13. Garnish the dish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of color and additional flavor.
14. Serve immediately, and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors!

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~450 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fats: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 15g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on exact ingredients used.

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Tips & Tricks for the Best Korean Ground Beef Bowl

🔥 Adjust the Heat – If you like your meal spicier, you can increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add sriracha to the sauce. For a more mild version, omit the red pepper flakes entirely.

🔥 Use Ground Pork or Chicken – Feel free to substitute the ground beef with ground pork, chicken, or turkey if you prefer a leaner option or want to change up the flavor profile.

🔥 Meal Prep Friendly – This dish is perfect for meal prepping. You can cook the beef and rice in advance, then store them separately in the fridge for up to 4 days. Simply reheat and add fresh toppings when ready to serve.

🔥 Make It Vegetarian – For a vegetarian or vegan version, substitute the ground beef with tofu or tempeh, crumbling it into the pan for a similar texture.

🔥 Customize the Toppings – You can go beyond the basic toppings! Try adding avocado slices, pickled onions, edamame, or nori (seaweed) for added flavor and texture.

🔥 Soft-Boiled Egg Tips – To make a soft-boiled egg, bring a pot of water to a boil, then carefully add the eggs. Boil for 6-7 minutes for a perfectly runny yolk. Remove the eggs and place them in an ice bath for 1-2 minutes to stop the cooking process before peeling.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Quick & Easy – This recipe comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something fast but full of flavor.
✔️ Flavorful – The combination of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and brown sugar creates a perfectly balanced sauce that’s both savory and slightly sweet.
✔️ Customizable – Add or remove toppings based on your preferences. Whether you like it spicy, crunchy, or with a creamy egg on top, this dish can be tailored to suit any taste.
✔️ Healthy & Satisfying – The ground beef is packed with protein, and the addition of fresh toppings adds fiber and vitamins, making this a well-rounded and nourishing meal.
✔️ Meal Prep Friendly – This dish is perfect for meal prepping. You can make the beef and rice in advance and simply assemble the bowls when ready to eat.