Korean-Style Ground Beef Bowl with Steamed Rice

Korean-Style Ground Beef Bowl with Steamed Rice is a flavorful, quick meal featuring savory-sweet ground beef seasoned with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil, served over fluffy rice. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and ready in under 30 minutes
• Sweet, salty, and umami-packed flavor
• Family-friendly and customizable
• Great for meal prep or lunch bowls
• Made with pantry-friendly ingredients

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef (lean or regular)
• Garlic, minced
• Fresh ginger, minced or grated
• Soy sauce or tamari
• Brown sugar or honey
• Sesame oil
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Green onions, sliced
• Cooked white or brown rice
• Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Optional: shredded carrots, cucumber, kimchi, or a fried egg for topping

directions

1. Prepare rice: Cook rice according to package directions and keep warm.
2. Cook beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
3. Add aromatics: Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add sauce: Mix in soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Assemble bowls: Spoon warm rice into bowls. Top with seasoned beef, green onions, sesame seeds, and any optional toppings.
6. Serve: Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for meal prep.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Low-carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or shredded cabbage.
• Vegetarian: Use plant-based ground meat or crumbled tofu.
• Spicy version: Add gochujang or more red pepper flakes.
• Egg topping: Add a fried or soft-boiled egg for extra protein.
• Bulgogi-style: Add thinly sliced onions and marinate the beef briefly before cooking.

storage/reheating

• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked beef mixture (not rice) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or pork are all good substitutes.

Is this dish spicy?

It’s mild unless you add red pepper flakes or gochujang for heat.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe scales easily for meal prep or larger families.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes—sautéed spinach, carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers work well.

What type of rice should I use?

White jasmine rice is traditional, but brown rice or quinoa can also be used.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Absolutely—perfect for preparing meals in advance.

How do I keep the beef from drying out?

Avoid overcooking and add a splash of broth or extra sauce when reheating.

Are the toppings necessary?

No, but they add flavor, texture, and nutrition. Customize as desired.

Is this gluten-free?

Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make it gluten-free.

Can I use fresh herbs?

Yes, garnish with cilantro or Thai basil for extra freshness.

Conclusion

Korean-Style Ground Beef Bowl with Steamed Rice is a quick, flavorful meal that brings bold Korean-inspired flavors to your table with ease. It’s a go-to recipe for busy nights, meal prep, or anyone craving something savory, satisfying, and simple.

Korean-Style Ground Beef Bowl with Steamed Rice

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A quick and flavorful Korean-inspired ground beef dish served over steamed rice, featuring a sweet and savory sauce with garlic, ginger, and soy, topped with green onions and sesame seeds.

• Author: Emma Harper
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 25 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste) or sriracha (optional)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups cooked white rice (jasmine or short grain preferred)
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
• 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thicker sauce)

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Instructions

1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger; sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, gochujang (if using), rice vinegar, and black pepper.
4. Pour the sauce over the cooked beef. Stir to coat and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
5. Optional: For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch and water in a bowl, then stir into the beef mixture and simmer for another 2 minutes.
6. Serve the beef over steamed rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• For extra vegetables, add sautéed spinach, shredded carrots, or steamed broccoli to the bowl.
• Adjust sweetness or spiciness by modifying brown sugar and gochujang amounts.
• Great for meal prep—keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 840mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 70mg