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Flavorful Korean Ground Beef Rice Bowls

Korean ground beef rice bowls - featured image
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A quick and easy Korean-inspired ground beef rice bowl recipe that balances sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (85% lean)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 cups cooked white rice (about 800g)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Cook the rice: Rinse 2 cups (about 400g) of white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook according to package instructions—about 15 minutes in a rice cooker or simmer gently in a pot with 4 cups (960ml) of water and a pinch of salt.
  2. Prepare aromatics: Peel and mince 3 garlic cloves and grate 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger. Thinly slice 2 green onions, separating the white and green parts.
  3. Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound (450g) of ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until mostly browned and starting to caramelize, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  4. Add garlic, ginger, and white green onions: Push the beef to one side of the pan, add 1 teaspoon sesame oil, then toss in the garlic, ginger, and white parts of the green onion. Stir frequently until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
  5. Mix in sauce ingredients: Stir in 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce bubble and thicken slightly, coating the beef in a glossy glaze, about 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Assemble the bowls: Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and divide between 4 bowls. Spoon the Korean ground beef mixture over the rice. Garnish with the green parts of the onions and 1 tablespoon sesame seeds.
  7. Serve immediately: Enjoy while the beef is warm and the rice is fluffy. Optionally, top with crunchy cucumber slices or a fried egg.

Notes

Do not rush browning the beef to develop caramelized flavor. Stir constantly when adding sauce to prevent burning. Use fresh ginger and garlic for best flavor. Optionally add shredded carrots or mushrooms with aromatics for extra veggies. Sesame oil adds signature nutty aroma.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean ground beef, rice bowls, quick dinner, weeknight meal, easy Korean recipe, savory beef, sweet and spicy, sesame oil, garlic, ginger

Find it online: https://sparklechew.com/flavorful-korean-ground-beef-rice-bowls-easy-weeknight-dinner-recipe/