Description
This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring savory ground beef infused with garlic, ginger, and sesame oil, served over fluffy rice and customizable with fresh vegetables and optional toppings like kimchi or a fried egg, it combines delicious traditional Korean flavors in a simple, 25-minute meal.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 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
Rice
- 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 to remove excess starch. Depending on your preferred method, either cook it on the stove by combining the rinsed rice with 2 cups of water, bringing it to a boil, then reducing to low heat and simmering covered for 15 minutes; or use a rice cooker according to manufacturer’s instructions; or cook in an Instant Pot by sealing the lid and cooking on high pressure for 3 minutes followed by a natural pressure release.
- Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until it is no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add Flavors: Drain any excess fat from the beef if needed. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet, cooking an additional 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Season the Beef: 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 so the flavors meld.
- Assemble the Bowl: Start by spooning a generous amount of cooked rice into the bottom of your bowl. Layer the seasoned ground beef on top of the rice.
- Add Vegetables: If using, add steamed or fresh vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, or spinach on or around the beef.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish your bowl with optional toppings like sesame seeds, extra chopped green onions, sliced cucumber, kimchi, pickled vegetables, or a fried egg for extra richness. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari.
- You can use any variety of rice preferred including jasmine, basmati, or brown rice.
- To add protein richness, top with a fried egg.
- Additional vegetables can be steamed or fresh for texture contrast and nutrition.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper based on the saltiness of your soy sauce or tamari.
