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Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 81 reviews
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Korean
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

This Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowl recipe delivers a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Lean ground beef is sautéed with garlic and tossed in a savory-sweet sauce made with brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and spices, then served over steamed rice and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for a deliciously satisfying dish.


Ingredients

Scale

Beef Mixture

  • 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

To Serve

  • 2 cups hot cooked white or brown rice
  • Sliced green onions, for garnish
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, add the ground beef and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat, breaking the beef into small crumbles until it is fully browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease from the skillet to keep the dish light.
  2. Make the Sauce and Simmer: In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, reduced-sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, ground ginger, crushed red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Pour this sauce over the cooked beef in the skillet and let it simmer gently for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  3. Serve: Spoon the saucy ground beef over hot cooked white or brown rice. Garnish generously with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving for added flavor and texture.

Notes

  • For a lower sodium option, use low-sodium soy sauce and adjust the salt accordingly.
  • Brown rice can be substituted with white rice or cauliflower rice for a lighter meal.
  • Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • To add vegetables, consider mixing in steamed broccoli or shredded carrots before serving.