Easy & Flavorful Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe

Experience the rich and savory flavors of Korean cuisine with this Korean Ground Beef Bowl. This dish combines seasoned ground beef with aromatic garlic and ginger, served over a bed of fluffy rice, and topped with fresh green onions and sesame seeds. It’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients:

For the beef:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For serving:

• Cooked white or brown rice
• Sliced green onions
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Steamed or sautéed vegetables (such as broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Ground Beef:
   • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it into crumbles, until browned and no longer pink, approximately 5-7 minutes.
   • Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
2. Add Aromatics:
   • To the browned beef, add minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, crushed red pepper flakes, and freshly ground black pepper. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.
4. Combine and Simmer:
   • Pour the sauce mixture over the cooked beef. Stir well to ensure the beef is evenly coated.
   • Let the mixture simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly reduce.
5. Assemble the Bowls:
   • Spoon a serving of cooked rice into each bowl.
   • Top the rice with a generous portion of the seasoned ground beef.
   • Add steamed or sautéed vegetables to the bowl for added nutrition and color.
6. Garnish and Serve:
   • Sprinkle sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the beef.
   • For added heat, drizzle with Sriracha or sprinkle additional red pepper flakes if desired.
   • Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful Korean Ground Beef Bowl.

Tips:

• Rice Preparation: For best results, rinse rice under cold water until the water runs clear before cooking. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky.
• Vegetable Variations: Incorporate vegetables like zucchini, snap peas, or spinach to enhance the nutritional value and add variety.
• Protein Alternatives: Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a substitute for beef if preferred.
• Meal Prep: This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it an excellent option for meal prepping. Store the beef and rice separately to maintain texture when reheating.

This Korean Ground Beef Bowl offers a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, making it a standout dish that’s both easy to prepare and satisfying. Enjoy!