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Korean Beef and Rice Bowl

Korean Beef and Rice Bowl

The Korean Beef and Rice Bowl is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender ground beef seasoned with a savory, slightly sweet Korean-inspired sauce. Served over steamed rice, this comforting bowl is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavors with minimal effort and simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Sauce Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil

To Serve

  • 3 cups cooked white or brown rice
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • Optional: toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Rice: Cook white or brown rice according to package instructions until fluffy and set aside.
  2. Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if desired.
  3. Add Aromatics and Sauce: Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef evenly.
  4. Garnish and Assemble: Spoon the beef mixture over a bowl of steamed rice. Top with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired for added freshness and crunch.

Notes

  • Use fresh ginger for a bright, authentic flavor.
  • Don’t skip the sesame oil; a small drizzle adds a toasty finish.
  • Adjust brown sugar to balance the saltiness to your taste.
  • Cooking beef on high heat seals in juices and creates flavorful browned bits.
  • Let cooked beef rest off heat for a minute to meld flavors before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean beef bowl, quick dinner, ground beef recipe, Korean-inspired, rice bowl, weeknight meals, easy Korean recipe, gluten-free dinner