Quick & Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl (Print Version)
Korean Ground Beef Bowl delivers savory, sweet, and spicy flavors in minutes. This quick and easy weeknight meal is perfect for busy evenings, ready in under 30 minutes.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Korean
# Ingredients:
→ Savory Beef Foundation
01 -
1 lb lean ground beef (90/10)
02 -
1 tbsp neutral oil (such as canola or vegetable)
03 -
1/2 yellow onion, finely diced
04 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
→ Umami-Rich Sauce
06 -
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
07 -
2 tbsp brown sugar, packed
08 -
1 tbsp sesame oil
09 -
1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
10 -
1 tsp rice vinegar
11 -
1/4 cup water
12 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
→ Fresh Bowl Elements
13 -
3 cups cooked short-grain rice
14 -
2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
15 -
1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
16 -
1 tbsp sesame seeds, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp gochujang, 1 tsp rice vinegar, and 1/4 cup water. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. This forms the flavorful base for your Quick & Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl.
02 -
Heat 1 tbsp neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10) and 1/2 yellow onion, finely diced. Cook, breaking up the beef, until browned and the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
03 -
To the browned beef and onion, add 3 cloves garlic, minced, and 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. This aromatic foundation is key for a delicious Quick & Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl.
04 -
Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet with the beef and aromatics. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef.
05 -
Stir in 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped, directly into the hot beef mixture. Cook for just 1-2 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted. The residual heat will perfectly cook the spinach without overdoing it.
06 -
Divide 3 cups cooked short-grain rice among four bowls. Top each with a generous serving of the Quick & Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl mixture. Garnish with 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced, and 1 tbsp sesame seeds before serving immediately.
# Notes:
01 -
For an extra kick, serve with a drizzle of sriracha or an additional dollop of gochujang on top. A fried egg is also a fantastic addition!
02 -
If you don't have gochujang, you can substitute with sriracha for heat, though the flavor profile will be slightly different. For a vegetarian option, use crumbled firm tofu or plant-based ground.
03 -
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed.
04 -
For perfectly fluffy rice, rinse your short-grain rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch. This prevents stickiness and ensures each grain is distinct.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet
02 -
Cutting board
03 -
Chef's knife
04 -
Measuring cups and spoons
05 -
Rice cooker or saucepan
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 464 kcal
Total Fat: 19 g
Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
Protein: 25 g