Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe

Sizzling Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe: A Weeknight Wonder

Crafting a delightful korean ground beef bowl brings comfort and excitement to your dinner table.

Savory flavors dance across perfectly seasoned meat, creating a symphony of taste.

Authentic ingredients blend seamlessly in this simple yet robust dish.

Weeknight meals transform with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Regional spices infuse each bite with rich, complex notes.

Home cooks can easily master this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Let’s embark on a culinary journey that promises to delight your senses and spark kitchen creativity.

Why Korean Ground Beef Bowl Is So Tasty

  • Savor Quick Flavor Fusion: Blend Korean-inspired tastes with incredibly simple cooking steps that transform basic ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal in minutes.
  • Create Customizable Comfort: Adjust spice levels, swap vegetables, or modify protein to match personal preferences, making this dish perfect for diverse family dining experiences.
  • Unleash Nutritious One-Pot Magic: Combine protein-packed ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and nutrient-rich rice into a balanced meal that satisfies hunger and nutrition needs without complicated preparation.
  • Master Restaurant-Style Cooking at Home: Enjoy professional-tasting Asian-inspired cuisine without expensive takeout, using common pantry ingredients and minimal cooking skills.

What’s Inside Korean Ground Beef Bowl

Base Ingredients:
  • Ground Beef: A flavorful protein that serves as the primary component of this Korean-inspired dish.
  • Jasmine Rice: A fragrant rice variety that provides a soft, fluffy base for the beef mixture.
Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Brown Sugar, Hoisin Sauce, Soy Sauce: A combination of sweet and savory sauces that create a rich, complex flavor profile for the beef.
  • Sriracha: A spicy chili sauce that adds a bold kick to the dish.
  • Ginger, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that provide depth and traditional Korean flavor to the beef mixture.
Garnish and Vegetable Ingredients:
  • Bell Pepper: A colorful vegetable that adds crunch and freshness to the beef bowl.
  • Scallions, Sesame Seeds: Toppings that provide a burst of fresh flavor and a nutty, crunchy texture to complete the dish.

Making Korean Ground Beef Bowl Step By Step

Step 1: Prepare Jasmine Rice

Cook jasmine rice following package directions. Ensure rice is fluffy and perfectly cooked.

Step 2: Brown Beef Perfectly

Heat large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break into small crumbles while cooking. Continue until beef turns completely brown and develops rich color. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Craft Flavor-Packed Sauce

Remove skillet from heat. Combine sauce ingredients:
  • Brown sugar
  • Hoisin sauce
  • Soy sauce
  • Sriracha
  • Fresh ginger
  • Minced garlic

Stir ingredients until they create a smooth, glossy mixture that coats beef evenly.

Step 4: Enhance With Colorful Peppers

Return skillet to medium heat. Add chopped bell peppers. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until peppers become slightly tender but retain slight crunch.

Step 5: Assemble Gorgeous Bowl

Spoon steaming beef mixture directly over warm rice. Generously sprinkle with:
  • Sliced green onions
  • Toasted sesame seeds

Serve immediately for maximum flavor and texture enjoyment.

Tips To Improve Korean Ground Beef Bowl

  • Optimize Rice Texture: Rinse jasmine rice before cooking to remove excess starch and achieve perfectly fluffy grains.
  • Control Spice Level: Adjust sriracha amount to match your heat tolerance, adding gradually for personalized flavor.
  • Drain Beef Thoroughly: Remove excess fat after cooking ground beef to prevent greasy sauce and maintain a clean, rich taste.
  • Enhance Vegetable Crunch: Don't overcook bell peppers – keep them slightly crisp for better texture and nutritional value.
  • Boost Flavor Depth: Toast sesame seeds briefly in a dry pan before sprinkling to release their nutty aroma and intensify the garnish.

Switch Things Up In Korean Ground Beef Bowl

  • Veggie Protein Bowl: Replace ground beef with crumbled firm tofu or tempeh, sautéed until golden and seasoned with the same sauce for a plant-based alternative.
  • Cauliflower Rice Edition: Swap jasmine rice with low-carb cauliflower rice, perfect for those following keto or low-carbohydrate diets.
  • Spicy Chicken Remix: Substitute ground beef with ground chicken for a leaner protein option, maintaining the original Korean-inspired flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure hoisin sauce is gluten-free to create a celiac-friendly version of the Korean ground beef bowl.

Sides That Pair With Korean Ground Beef Bowl

  • Pair with Crisp Korean Beer: Select a light, refreshing Korean lager like Cass or Hite to complement the rich, savory beef and balance the spicy sriracha kick.
  • Enhance with Pickled Vegetable Side: Serve quick cucumber kimchi or quick-pickled daikon radish to add tangy crispness that cuts through the meat's richness and provides textural contrast.
  • Cool Down with Cucumber Salad: Prepare a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of sugar to provide a cool, refreshing counterpoint to the warm, spicy beef bowl.
  • Match with Bright White Wine: Choose a slightly off-dry Riesling or Gewürztraminer with subtle sweetness that harmonizes with the dish's sweet and spicy flavor profile.

Korean Ground Beef Bowl Storage Guide

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the beef and rice separate to maintain texture. Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
  • Pack the cooled beef mixture in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months, labeling with the date.
  • Place beef and rice in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent dryness. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
  • Warm the beef in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of soy sauce or water to restore moisture. Stir occasionally and heat until thoroughly hot, about 5-7 minutes.

Questions About Korean Ground Beef Bowl

  • Is this dish spicy?

The heat level depends on the amount of sriracha added. Start with a small amount and adjust to your personal spice tolerance.

  • Can I use different meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work great as alternatives to beef. The flavor profile remains similar.

  • How do I make this gluten-free?

Replace traditional soy sauce with tamari or gluten-free soy sauce. Ensure hoisin sauce is also gluten-free or use a gluten-free alternative.

  • What if I don't have fresh ginger?

Use ground ginger powder as a substitute. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust to taste, as powdered ginger is more concentrated than fresh.

Print
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Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe

Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe


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4.7 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Savor Korean Ground Beef Bowl’s bold fusion of savory flavors dancing across tender rice. Sesame-infused beef delivers authentic Korean street food excitement you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef

Grains:

  • 1 cup (200 grams) uncooked jasmine rice

Flavor Enhancers and Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 grams) packed brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) hoisin sauce
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) sriracha sauce
  • 1 teaspoon (5 grams) grated fresh ginger
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 red bell pepper (chopped)

Garnish:

  • Scallions
  • Sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Prepare jasmine rice following package directions, ensuring fluffy and perfectly cooked grains.
  2. Select a large skillet and heat over medium-high temperature, allowing surface to become hot before adding ground beef.
  3. Crumble ground beef into skillet, cooking thoroughly for 8-10 minutes until meat loses pink color and develops rich brown edges.
  4. Drain excess fat from skillet, maintaining meat’s moisture and preventing greasiness.
  5. Remove skillet from heat and introduce flavor components: brown sugar, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sriracha, grated ginger, and minced garlic.
  6. Stir sauce ingredients vigorously, coating beef evenly and creating a glossy, caramelized texture.
  7. Return skillet to medium heat and incorporate chopped bell peppers, allowing vegetables to soften and meld with seasoned meat.
  8. Cook peppers for 2-3 minutes, maintaining their crisp texture and vibrant color.
  9. Transfer fluffy rice to serving bowls as a foundation for the beef mixture.
  10. Generously spoon seasoned beef and pepper combination over rice.
  11. Enhance presentation and flavor by garnishing with freshly sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds.

Notes

  • Customize rice texture by rinsing before cooking to remove excess starch for fluffier results.
  • Select lean ground beef to minimize grease and create a cleaner, healthier dish.
  • Use fresh ginger and garlic for more vibrant, authentic Korean flavor profile.
  • Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing sriracha according to personal heat tolerance.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 670 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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