Go Back
Korean Ground Beef Bowl with rice topped with sesame seeds and green onions in white bowl

Korean Ground Beef Bowl

Quick and flavorful Korean Ground Beef Bowl ready in 30 minutes with savory beef, soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic served over fluffy rice. Perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Korean
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef 80/20 blend recommended
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger minced
  • 2 green onions chopped, plus extra for garnish
  • 2 cups cooked rice from about 3/4 cup uncooked jasmine, basmati, or brown rice
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish
  • 1-2 teaspoons brown sugar optional, for sweetness

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Rice cooker or pot with lid
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Cook rice according to package directions or using a rice cooker. For stovetop: rinse 3/4 cup rice until water runs clear, combine with 1.5 cups water in pot, bring to boil, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes before fluffing.
  2. Heat large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break apart with spatula. Cook 5-7 minutes until no pink remains and beef develops golden-brown caramelization. If excessive fat is pooling, drain it off leaving a thin layer for flavor.
  3. Add minced garlic and ginger to browned beef. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and garlic just begins to turn golden.
  4. Pour in soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring to coat beef evenly. Add chopped green onions and optional brown sugar. Let mixture simmer 2-3 minutes allowing sauce to reduce slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Assemble bowls by spooning about 1 cup rice into bottom of each bowl, topping with seasoned beef mixture (about 3/4 cup per serving), and garnishing with sesame seeds, extra green onions, and optional toppings like kimchi or fried egg.

Notes

Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 3 days. For best results, store rice and beef separately. Reheat in microwave for 1-2 minutes or in skillet over medium heat. This recipe is perfect for meal prep and can be easily doubled.