Description
This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a quick, flavorful meal perfect for weeknights. Juicy, seasoned ground beef is served over fluffy rice and topped with vibrant garnishes like green onions, sesame seeds, and kimchi. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a satisfying dish that combines savory, sweet, and spicy flavors. Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables or a fried egg on top, this bowl is as versatile as it is delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Beef:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for optimal flavor)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Bowl:
- 2 cups cooked rice (jasmine, basmati, or brown rice)
- Optional toppings: sesame seeds, sliced cucumber, kimchi, or pickled vegetables
Optional Add-Ins:
- Vegetables: bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, or spinach
- Egg: a fried egg for added richness
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
- Stove Method:
- Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Combine with 2 cups of water in a pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until water is absorbed.
- Let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
- Rice Cooker:
- Add rinsed rice and water to your rice cooker and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Instant Pot:
- Combine rinsed rice and water in the pot. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 3 minutes. Let it naturally release.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
- Brown the Beef:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and use a spatula to break it apart while cooking.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink.
- Add Aromatics:
- Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in minced garlic and ginger. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Season the Beef:
- Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and chopped green onions. Stir well and simmer for 2 minutes to meld flavors.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Assemble the Bowl
- Base Layer:
- Spoon cooked rice into the bottom of each bowl.
- Add Beef:
- Top the rice with the seasoned ground beef mixture.
- Add Veggies and Garnish:
- Add optional vegetables like steamed broccoli or sliced bell peppers.
- Garnish with sesame seeds, extra green onions, and optional toppings like kimchi or a fried egg.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a dash of gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the beef mixture.
- Customize with your favorite vegetables or grains like quinoa or cauliflower rice.
- Make it spicy by adding crushed red pepper flakes or additional hot sauce.