Description
This flavorful Korean Beef Bowl recipe combines savory ground beef cooked with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and spicy gochujang paste, served over steamed rice and topped with fresh vegetables like cucumbers, carrots, and green onions. Optional garnishes like kimchi, sesame seeds, and a fried egg add traditional Korean flair. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for a quick, delicious weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb. Ground Beef (80/20, 85/15, or 93/7%)
- 3 Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 2 teaspoons Fresh Ginger (grated)
- 1/3 cup Soy Sauce
- 3 Tablespoons Brown Sugar (or honey)
- 1 Tablespoon Gochujang Paste (or 2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce)
- 1 teaspoon Rice Vinegar (omit if using chili garlic sauce)
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon Red Chili Flakes
- Optional: 2 teaspoons Sesame Oil
Vegetables & Toppings
- Cooked Rice
- 1 Hot House Cucumber (sliced)
- 1-2 Carrots (julienned or shredded)
- 2 Green Onions (sliced)
- Optional: Kimchi, Sesame Seeds, Fried Egg
Spicy Mayo (Optional)
- 1/4 cup Mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons Sriracha
Instructions
- Cook the rice and beef: Prepare the rice according to package instructions. Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil if desired. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add aromatics and sauce: Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then add soy sauce, brown sugar (or honey), optional sesame oil, gochujang paste or chili garlic sauce, rice vinegar (if using), and red chili flakes. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Assemble the bowls: Divide the cooked rice into bowls. Spoon the Korean beef mixture evenly over the rice. Top each bowl with sliced cucumbers, shredded or julienned carrots, and sliced green onions. Add optional toppings such as kimchi, sesame seeds, or a fried egg if desired.
- Prepare and add spicy mayo: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise and sriracha sauce. Drizzle the spicy mayo over the bowls for extra flavor. Optionally, sprinkle with additional sesame seeds to finish.
Notes
- You can adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of gochujang paste or chili garlic sauce and red chili flakes.
- Use brown sugar or honey interchangeably depending on your preference for sweetness.
- For a lower fat option, select leaner ground beef such as 93/7.
- Adding a fried egg on top provides extra protein and richness.
- This recipe can easily accommodate additional vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for more color and crunch.
