Name: Delicious Korean Ground Beef Bowl (Quick & Easy)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ginger, grated; 1/4 cup soy sauce (or coconut aminos for gluten-free); 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste); 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds; 2 green onions, chopped; Cooked rice (for serving); Optional toppings: cucumber slices, steamed vegetables, kimchi

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This Delicious Korean Ground Beef Bowl (Quick & Easy) is a flavorful, savory, and slightly spicy dish that comes together super quickly. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when I want something satisfying but don’t have hours to cook. The combination of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors pairs beautifully with rice and fresh vegetables, making it a complete and comforting meal.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

1 tablespoon sesame oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon ginger, grated

1/4 cup soy sauce (or coconut aminos for gluten-free)

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon sesame seeds

2 green onions, chopped

Cooked rice (for serving)

Optional toppings: cucumber slices, steamed vegetables, kimchi

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked—about 5 to 7 minutes.

Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes while stirring frequently.

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, gochujang, and black pepper. Pour this sauce over the cooked beef and stir to combine well.

Let the mixture simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Serve the Korean ground beef over cooked rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. For extra flavor and texture, I like to add cucumber slices, steamed vegetables, or kimchi on the side.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings.

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 10 minutes

Total time: 20 minutes

Each serving contains roughly 350 calories.

Variations

I sometimes switch up the protein by using ground turkey or chicken if I want a leaner option. For a vegetarian twist, crumbled tofu or tempeh works well with the sauce too. If I want it milder, I reduce the gochujang or leave it out completely. Adding different veggies like bell peppers, shredded carrots, or snap peas is another way I keep this dish fresh and exciting.

Storage/Reheating

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I warm the beef mixture in a skillet over medium heat to keep the sauce from drying out. It also reheats well in the microwave—just add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. This dish is great for meal prep, so I often double the recipe and enjoy it throughout the week.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, I substitute regular soy sauce with coconut aminos or tamari to keep it gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.

What can I use if I don’t have gochujang?

If I’m out of gochujang, I sometimes use a mix of chili paste and a bit of miso paste to mimic that sweet-spicy umami flavor.

Is this recipe spicy?

The gochujang adds a mild to moderate heat, but I can adjust the amount based on how spicy I want it. For less heat, I use less or skip it.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Absolutely! The beef mixture can be made a day ahead and reheated. Just store it separately from the rice and any fresh toppings.

What sides go well with this dish?

I love serving it with steamed or roasted vegetables, cucumber salad, kimchi, or even a simple green salad for a refreshing balance.

Conclusion

I find this Korean Ground Beef Bowl to be a perfect quick meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor. It’s comforting, easy to customize, and comes together in just 20 minutes. Whether I’m feeding myself or a family, this dish hits the spot with its delicious balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes. It’s definitely become one of my go-to recipes for busy nights that still call for something special.

Recipe:

Delicious Korean Ground Beef Bowl (Quick & Easy)

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A quick and flavorful Korean Ground Beef Bowl with a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors served over rice, ideal for busy weeknights.

Instructions

Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked—about 5 to 7 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes while stirring frequently.
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, gochujang, and black pepper. Pour this sauce over the cooked beef and stir to combine well.
Let the mixture simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Serve the Korean ground beef over cooked rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Add optional toppings like cucumber slices, steamed vegetables, or kimchi if desired.