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Korean Ground Beef Bowl

A comforting and flavorful Korean dish featuring ground beef, rice, and vegetables, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Korean
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Beef and Marinade
  • 1 pound ground beef (85/15) For richer flavor; can swap for ground turkey for a lighter option.
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce Or tamari for gluten-free.
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar Maple syrup is a lovely substitute.
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Or 1 teaspoon garlic powder in a pinch.
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated Sub with 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger.
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes Optional for heat.
Vegetables and Accompaniments
  • 2 cups cooked short-grain rice Use cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
  • 1 cup shredded carrots or julienned cucumber For crunch.
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds For garnish.
  • to taste Kimchi or quick-pickled radishes For serving (optional).
  • to taste Lime wedges Brightens the dish.

Method
 

Cooking
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the toasted sesame oil and let it warm until it releases a fragrant, nutty aroma.
  2. Add the white parts of the scallions and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for 30 to 45 seconds until the garlic is fragrant.
  3. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  4. Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce reduces slightly.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning: add a splash more soy sauce for salt, a pinch more sugar for sweetness, or a squeeze of lime to brighten.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in half the sliced green scallions.
  7. Assemble bowls: spoon rice into bowls, top with a generous heap of the Korean ground beef, then scatter shredded carrots or cucumber.
  8. Add a spoonful of kimchi if desired, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds and remaining scallions.
  9. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a vegetarian twist, replace beef with firm tofu crumbles or a meatless ground substitute. Add 1 teaspoon of fish sauce or 1/2 teaspoon of mushroom powder for more umami flavor.