Korean Beef Bowl
If you’re craving a fast and satisfying meal that combines sweet, savory, and umami flavors, this Korean Beef Bowl is the answer. Inspired by classic Korean BBQ, this dish is a delicious mix of ground beef, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and brown sugar, all served over a steaming bowl of rice. Plus, it comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
Why You’ll Love This Korean Beef Bowl
- Versatile – Serve it over jasmine rice, plain rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Quick and easy – Ready in just 20 minutes!
- Budget-friendly – Uses ground beef instead of pricier cuts like ribeye or chuck.
- Packed with flavor – A balance of sweet, salty, and spicy notes.
Key Ingredients
- Ground Beef – The star of the dish, ground beef absorbs the bold flavors of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. While any ground beef will work, 80/20 ground chuck provides a great balance of fat and flavor.
- Soy Sauce – This staple in Asian cooking adds deep umami flavor. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer to control the salt level.
- Brown Sugar – Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the saltiness of the soy sauce. The caramelized flavor enhances the beef’s richness.
- Ginger & Garlic – These aromatic ingredients infuse the dish with warmth and depth. Freshly minced garlic and ginger are highly recommended for the best taste.
- Spring Onions – These add a pop of freshness and color to balance the richness of the beef mixture. They also provide a mild oniony bite without overpowering the dish.
How to Make Korean Beef Bowl
- Prepare the sauce – In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and red chili flakes. Set aside.
- Cook the beef – Heat oil in a wide pan over high heat. Add garlic and ground beef. Sear and break up the beef into small chunks as it browns.
- Season the beef – Add salt, black pepper, and continue cooking for about 5 minutes or until the beef is fully cooked and no longer pink.
- Add the sauce – Pour the soy sauce mixture over the beef, stir well, and let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Finish with spring onions – Stir in chopped spring onions, cook for another minute, and remove from heat.
- Serve hot – Spoon the beef mixture over steamed rice, garnish with sesame seeds, and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Korean Beef Bowl
- Use high heat – This helps brown the beef properly, creating a more flavorful and slightly crispy texture.
- Don’t overcook the beef – Cooking too long can dry it out. Keep it juicy by stirring occasionally and watching the texture.
- Adjust spice levels – Increase or decrease the red chili flakes to suit your heat preference.
- Make it healthier – Swap brown sugar with honey, or serve with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Double the batch – This recipe stores well, making it a great meal prep option for the week.
Serving Suggestions
- Traditional: Over steamed jasmine rice or plain white rice.
- With a twist: Serve in lettuce wraps for a Korean-style lettuce wrap experience.
- Topped with a fried egg: The runny yolk adds richness and makes it extra indulgent.
- With vegetables: Pair with steamed broccoli, kimchi, or sautéed mushrooms.
How to Store & Reheat
Microwave option: Heat in short bursts, stirring in between to distribute heat evenly.
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat on the stovetop: Use low-medium heat and add a splash of water if the meat starts to dry out.
More Asian Recipes
You Have to Make This Dish
This Korean Beef Bowl is proof that simple ingredients can create an incredibly satisfying dish. Whether you’re meal-prepping, feeding a family, or just need a quick and tasty dinner, this dish is a must-try. Give it a go and let me know how you liked it! 😊
Easy Korean Beef Bowl Recipe
A delicious Korean dish served on plain rice, or on coconut milk rice. Made with soy sauce, brown sugar, chili flakes and other flavorful ingredients.
Ingredients
- 250 gram ground beef
- 2 garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger minced
- Pinch of salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoon brown sugar
- ¼ cup chopped spring onion
- 3 tablespoon oil to cook
- Sesame seeds to garnish the dish
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix the sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and red chili flakes. Keep aside.
- In a pan, add the oil and when hot add the garlic and the ground beef. You can make small chunks of beef if you wish. Make sure to cook the ground beef in a wide pan to help it brown and cook faster.
- Cook the beef until it is no longer pink.
- Add the salt and black pepper and stir for two minutes on high.
- Add the soy sauce mix to the beef and cook for two minutes or until the beef is cooked.
- Add the chopped spring onion and cook for one minute.
- Serve hot with plain rice.
Notes
- Use high heat – This helps brown the beef properly, creating a more flavorful and slightly crispy texture.
- Don’t overcook the beef – Cooking too long can dry it out. Keep it juicy by stirring occasionally and watching the texture.
- Adjust spice levels – Increase or decrease the red chili flakes to suit your heat preference.
- Make it healthier – Swap brown sugar with honey, or serve with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Double the batch – This recipe stores well, making it a great meal prep option for the week.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 ServingCalories: 483kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 27gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 18gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 81mgSodium: 1103mgPotassium: 515mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 275IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 46mgIron: 4mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know in the comment section below!
My mouth is literally watering looking at this. I need it in my life!
It is one of my favorite Korean dishes, Let me know how you liked it 🙂
Looks great! I am researching a lot Korean lately, it tastes good. Definitely want to try your recipe
Oh thanks for sharing this recipe! I’m so inlove with Korean recipes right now.
This is perfect because it is such a quick and easy meal to put together. Thank you for the suggestion!
I’ve always wanted to try making this one! This looks absolutely delicious as well, thanks for sharing the recipe with us!
Easy meal for those who are fond of such combo. The sauce is what makes this meal awesome.
Korean beef bowl looks awesome! I like the end product and I’m glad you have specified if we can have it with noodles! I was wondering if they can be had alone!
This is so delicious- I love the sweet and spicy combination! This is the kind of meal that I CRAVE on a regular basis.
I love asian bowls. I would sub the beef for shrimp or salmon
This Korean beef bowl looks absolutely delicious! I know it has to taste amazing. I would love to try it myself one day soon!
This looks so tasty! And I love that it is so easy to make. I will be trying this one out soon!
Oooohhh now I want some of these. It looks so good!