Quick Korean Ground Beef Bowl: Weeknight Flavor Burst (Print Version)
Make a Quick Korean Ground Beef Bowl in minutes! This savory, slightly spicy dish is packed with flavor, perfect for busy weeknights and easy meal prep.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Korean
Dietary: Dairy-Free
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
02 -
2 tbsp brown sugar
03 -
1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
04 -
1 tbsp sesame oil
05 -
2-3 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste, adjust to taste)
06 -
1 tbsp rice vinegar
→ Flavor Boosters
07 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
08 -
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
→ Garnish & Toppings
09 -
2 green onions, sliced
10 -
1 tbsp sesame seeds
→ Optional Extras
11 -
Steamed rice, for serving
12 -
Fried egg
13 -
Kimchi or pickled cucumbers
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get all your ingredients ready. Mince that garlic, grate that ginger, measure out your sauces. This is where I always make a mini-mess, with little bowls everywhere, but it saves so much stress later. Trust me, having everything prepped makes this Quick Korean Ground Beef Bowl come together so fast. I've definitely started cooking only to realize I'm out of soy sauce mid-way – don't do that!
02 -
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and break it up with a spoon. You want it nicely browned, no sad grey bits! This step builds the foundation of flavor for our Quick Korean Ground Beef Bowl. Drain any excess fat, but honestly, I leave a little for extra richness. The kitchen starts to smell so good here, that savory beef aroma is just *chef's kiss*.
03 -
While the beef is browning, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, gochujang, sesame oil, and rice vinegar in a small bowl. Make sure that brown sugar is dissolved, no gritty bits! This is the magic potion that transforms plain beef into a Quick Korean Ground Beef Bowl sensation. I usually give it a little taste test here – sometimes I add a tiny bit more gochujang for extra kick!
04 -
Once the beef is browned and drained, toss in your minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about a minute, until they're fragrant. Oh, that smell! It's warm, spicy, and just makes your mouth water. Be careful not to burn the garlic; a quick stir is all it needs to release its amazing aroma for our Quick Korean Ground Beef Bowl.
05 -
Pour that glorious sauce mixture over the beef and aromatics. Stir everything together, making sure every bit of beef is coated. Bring it to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and clings to the beef. This is where the flavors really come alive, melding into that delicious Quick Korean Ground Beef Bowl goodness.
06 -
Remove the skillet from the heat. Serve your Quick Korean Ground Beef Bowl immediately over steamed rice. Garnish generously with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Sometimes I add a fried egg on top, runny yolk and all – it’s a game changer! Take a moment to enjoy the vibrant colors and incredible aroma. You did it!
# Notes:
01 -
Don't overcook the sauce; it can get too sticky if you reduce it too much.
02 -
Fresh ginger and garlic make a HUGE difference, don't skimp on them.
03 -
Taste the sauce before adding it to adjust spice and sweetness to your liking.
04 -
For extra depth, a dash of fish sauce can be a secret weapon I sometimes use.
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Large skillet
02 -
whisk
03 -
measuring cups & spoons
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 450 kcal
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 30g
Protein: 28g