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Korean Ground Beef Bowl

A quick and flavorful Korean Ground Beef Bowl that’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners, featuring a balance of salty, sweet, and umami flavors.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Korean
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Beef Bowl
  • 1 lb ground beef Use a lean cut for less grease
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil For authentic flavor
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce High-quality for best taste
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar Adds sweetness and aids caramelization
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Fresh preferred over jarred
  • 1 tbsp ginger, grated Fresh ginger adds a zesty kick
  • 1 tsp Gochujang or red pepper flakes Adjust to taste for spiciness
For Serving and Toppings
  • 2 cups cooked rice White or brown rice work well
  • 1 cup sliced cucumbers or radishes For a crunchy contrast
  • 4 eggs soft-boiled Optional rich topping
  • 1 cup kimchi For serving on the side

Method
 

Cooking the Beef
  1. In a large skillet, heat the toasted sesame oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  3. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
  4. Stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar, and Gochujang (if using) and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until well combined.
  5. Ensure the sauce thickens and clings to the beef, adjusting sweetness and spice to taste.
Serving
  1. Serve the beef mixture over cooked rice.
  2. Top with soft-boiled eggs, sliced cucumbers, and kimchi.

Notes

This dish is perfect for meal prepping, as flavors meld and improve after a night's rest. Reheat with a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.