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Korean Ground Beef Bowl served over white rice topped with green onions and sesame seeds in white bowl

Korean Ground Beef Bowl

A quick and flavorful Korean-inspired ground beef bowl with sweet and savory sauce, ready in 20 minutes. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Korean
Calories: 385
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb lean ground beef 90/10 or 93/7
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar light brown recommended
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce low sodium preferred
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional, adjust to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger or 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 2 cups cooked rice white, brown, or cauliflower, prepared ahead
  • green onions sliced, for topping
  • sesame seeds for garnish
  • shredded carrots or cucumber slices optional toppings

Equipment

  • 10-inch or 12-inch skillet
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Microplane or fine grater for ginger

Method
 

  1. Note: Have your rice cooked and warm before starting the beef so everything stays hot and ready to serve together.
  2. Place a 10-inch or 12-inch skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon, but let it sit undisturbed for 2-3 minutes first to develop a brown crust. Continue breaking it up and cook for 5-7 minutes total until completely browned. Drain any excess fat by tilting the skillet and spooning it out.
  3. Add the minced garlic and fresh ginger directly to the cooked beef. Stir constantly for about 60 seconds until fragrant and slightly golden. Watch carefully so the garlic doesn't burn.
  4. Pour in the soy sauce, add the brown sugar, drizzle the sesame oil, and sprinkle the red pepper flakes. Stir everything together thoroughly. Let simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce coats the back of a spoon and clings to the beef with a glossy finish.
  5. Taste and adjust seasonings. If too salty, add more brown sugar. If too sweet, add more soy sauce. Spoon the beef over prepared rice, top with green onions, sesame seeds, and vegetables. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Meal prep tip: Double the batch and store in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Flavors deepen overnight. Try adding a fried egg on top for extra richness. Use cauliflower rice for low-carb version. Stores separately work best for meal prep.