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Delicious Korean Ground Beef Bowl with rice, green onions, and savory sauce.

Korean Ground Beef Bowl

A savory, slightly sweet, and a little spicy bowl of ground beef served over rice, perfect for a quick and comforting dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Korean
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 1 pound ground beef, ideally 80/20 For optimal flavor
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced or grated
  • 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey For sweetness
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons gochujang or sriracha For heat, optional
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice
  • Cooked white or brown rice For serving
  • Green onions and sesame seeds For garnish
  • Quick cucumber slices or kimchi Optional but recommended

Method
 

Cooking
  1. Warm a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon as it browns. Let it sit in the hot pan for a minute or two at a time to get browned bits.
  2. Stir in the onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger and cook just until fragrant.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk the soy sauce, brown sugar, gochujang or sriracha if using, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Pour this sauce over the meat. Let it bubble and reduce for 2 to 3 minutes until glossy and clinging to the beef.
  4. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Finish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
  5. Scoop over warm rice and add quick cucumber slices or kimchi for crunch and zing.

Notes

Use 80/20 ground beef for flavor. Let the meat brown properly for the best taste. Adjust the heat and sweetness of the sauce according to your preference. Fresh or day-old rice works well as a base.