Description
Hey friends! After a long day, staring blankly into the fridge and debating between takeout or cereal is a familiar scene, right? I’ve been there. That’s exactly why I created this Quick & Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl—a weeknight superhero that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Imagine savory-sweet, garlicky ground beef glazed to perfection over steaming rice, with just the right touch of heat. It’s comforting, fast, and way better than ordering out.
Ingredients
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1 lb (450g) ground beef (85/15 recommended)
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
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2 tablespoons brown sugar (or honey/maple syrup)
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1 tablespoon sesame oil (added at the end)
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½ teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 tbsp fresh, minced)
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¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
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2 cups cooked white or jasmine rice
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2 green onions, sliced
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1 tablespoon sesame seeds
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Optional toppings: shredded carrots, cucumber, fried egg, kimchi
Instructions
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink, breaking it up with a spatula, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat, leaving a tablespoon for flavor.
Tip: Let the beef sit briefly without stirring to create a nice brown crust—it adds depth of flavor.
Push the beef to one side of the skillet. Add minced garlic to the empty side and cook for 60 seconds until fragrant. Mix into the beef.
Tip: Cooking garlic in the beef drippings intensifies its flavor.
Reduce heat to medium. Add soy sauce, brown sugar, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes. Stir to coat evenly and simmer 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the beef.
Tip: If sauce isn’t thick enough, mix ½ tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water and stir in, simmering another minute.
Remove skillet from heat. Drizzle in sesame oil and stir. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Scoop rice into bowls, top with saucy beef, and sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Add optional toppings like a fried egg, shredded carrots, or kimchi for extra flavor and texture. Serve immediately.
Notes
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Spicy Firecracker: Swap red pepper flakes for 1–2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste) for authentic heat.
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Lean Proteins: Use ground turkey or chicken; add 1 tbsp extra soy sauce for juiciness.
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Veggie Boost: Stir in diced bell peppers, onions, or spinach.
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Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or in lettuce cups instead of rice.
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Sweet Twist: Add ½ cup drained crushed pineapple to the sauce for tangy sweetness.
Nutrition
- Calories: 400 Cal per serving
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 23g