Name: Korean Ground Beef Bowl (25-Minutes) Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Korean
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); Sesame seeds (for garnish); Sliced cucumber; Kimchi; Pickled vegetables; Vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, or spinach; Egg (a fried egg on top for added richness)

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Introduction

This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Ready in just 25 minutes, it combines savory ground beef with fragrant garlic and ginger, served over a bed of warm rice. Customize with your favorite vegetables and toppings for a satisfying and nutritious bowl.

A white bowl filled with a bed of fluffy white rice forming the bottom layer, topped with a generous serving of cooked ground beef that is dark brown and slightly crumbly in texture. The beef is garnished with small green onion slices scattered evenly and sprinkled with white sesame seeds. Resting on the edge of the bowl are light brown wooden chopsticks with decorative black and white tips. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a gray cloth blurred softly in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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: sesame seeds, sliced cucumber, kimchi, or pickled vegetables
Vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, or spinach)
Egg (a fried egg on top for added richness)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the rice. Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine with 2 cups of water in a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork. Alternatively, use a rice cooker or Instant Pot to prepare the rice following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 2: Cook the ground beef. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Use a spatula to break it apart and cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 3: Add flavors. Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 4: Season the beef. Mix in soy sauce, sesame oil, and chopped green onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes so the flavors meld.
Step 5: Assemble the bowl. Spoon a generous amount of cooked rice into bowls. Top with the seasoned ground beef mixture.
Step 6: Add vegetables and toppings. Add steamed or raw vegetables of your choice on top or around the beef. Garnish with sesame seeds, extra green onions, and optional toppings like kimchi or a fried egg.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a splash of rice vinegar or a sprinkle of chili flakes to the beef mixture.
Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative.
To make it vegetarian, substitute ground beef with crumbled tofu or tempeh and increase the vegetables.
Top with a fried egg for added richness and protein.
Leftover rice can be replaced with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Storage

Store any leftover beef and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Add fresh toppings after reheating to maintain texture and freshness.

How to Serve

A white shallow bowl contains two main layers: at the bottom, there is a fluffy layer of white rice with a soft and slightly sticky texture, and on top, there is a generous layer of cooked ground beef that is dark brown and crumbly. The beef is garnished with small white sesame seeds and bright green chopped scallions, adding a fresh look. A pair of light wooden chopsticks rests on the edge of the bowl, positioned diagonally. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a soft gray cloth in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or pork can be substituted for beef. Adjust cooking time as needed and season to taste.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be made gluten-free by using tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Always check labels to ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.