Name: Korean Ground Beef Bowl
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 2 green onions, chopped; 2 cups cooked jasmine rice; 2 large eggs (for frying); 1 small cucumber, sliced; ¼ cup kimchi (optional); 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Looking for a quick weeknight dinner that satisfies both flavor and comfort? The Korean Ground Beef Bowl is your answer. This dish brings bold, savory, and slightly sweet Korean-inspired flavors together in a cozy bowl of rice, topped with crunchy cucumbers, kimchi, and a golden fried egg. It’s fast, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable.

Imagine a bowl layered with steaming jasmine rice, saucy ground beef caramelized in garlic, soy sauce, and brown sugar, then finished with sesame oil and green onions. Add a pop of heat with sriracha, or keep it mellow for the kids. Whether you’re meal-prepping or cooking for one, this is a bowl that’ll keep showing up on your menu.

What Kind of Rice Should I Use?

Jasmine rice is the classic go-to for this bowl because of its slightly sticky texture and fragrant aroma, but you can easily swap in brown rice for more fiber or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. Whatever your choice, the rice serves as the perfect canvas for soaking up the flavorful beef juices.

Ingredients for the Korean Ground Beef Bowl

Ground Beef: The heart of this dish, ground beef soaks up the sweet and salty marinade beautifully, giving every bite that umami-packed punch.

Soy Sauce: Brings the deep, salty base that defines Korean-style beef bowls.

Brown Sugar: Adds that caramelized edge and balances the savory elements with a touch of sweetness.

Garlic & Ginger: These aromatics build depth and give the dish a warm, authentic Korean essence.

Sesame Oil: Just a drizzle at the end infuses a nutty aroma that takes the flavor to the next level.

Green Onions: Fresh and crisp, they cut through the richness of the beef.

Cooked Rice: Fluffy jasmine rice is the most popular base, but you can switch it up based on your dietary needs.

Egg: A sunny-side-up egg not only looks stunning but also adds creaminess as the yolk breaks into the bowl.

Cucumbers: Crisp and cool, these slices offer a refreshing contrast.

Kimchi (optional): A spicy, tangy kick that brings authenticity and gut-friendly benefits.

Sesame Seeds: For a little crunch and visual appeal.

How To Make the Korean Ground Beef Bowl

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until it’s fully browned with no pink left, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Once the beef is cooked, stir in freshly minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, letting the aromatics infuse into the meat.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Pour in soy sauce and sprinkle in the brown sugar. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly and coat the beef in a shiny glaze.

Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches

Remove the skillet from heat and drizzle in sesame oil. Toss in chopped green onions and give everything a final stir.

Step 5: Prepare the Bowls

Scoop warm cooked rice into serving bowls. Spoon the saucy beef mixture over the rice. Add slices of fresh cucumber, a scoop of kimchi (if using), and top with a sunny-side-up egg.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top and serve immediately. Optional: add a drizzle of sriracha or gochujang for a spicy kick.

How to Serve and Store the Korean Ground Beef Bowl

Serve your Korean Ground Beef Bowl piping hot with freshly cooked rice and all your toppings arranged beautifully for that eye-catching presentation. It’s a great dish for build-your-own dinners too—set out bowls of cucumbers, kimchi, green onions, and fried eggs so everyone can customize their bowl just the way they like.

For leftovers, store the beef and rice separately in airtight containers. The beef will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheats beautifully in a skillet or microwave. You can also freeze the cooked beef for up to 2 months—perfect for quick meal prep. Just cook a fresh egg and reheat your rice when you’re ready to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the beef and rice in advance. Store them separately in the fridge and reheat just before serving. Fry the egg fresh for best texture.

Is this recipe spicy?

The base recipe isn’t spicy, making it family-friendly. You can spice it up with sriracha, gochujang, or red pepper flakes.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead?

Yes! Ground turkey or chicken makes a leaner option and still absorbs the sauce beautifully. Just don’t skip the sesame oil and garlic for full flavor.

Is kimchi necessary?

Not at all—it’s totally optional. Kimchi adds a punch of tang and heat, but the bowl is delicious even without it.

Can I make it low-carb?

Definitely. Swap the jasmine rice for cauliflower rice, and you’ll still get all the flavor with fewer carbs.

What vegetables go well with this bowl?

Aside from cucumbers, try shredded carrots, sautéed spinach, or even edamame for extra color and nutrients.

Want More Rice Bowl Ideas?

If you’re a fan of this Korean Ground Beef Bowl, here are more crave-worthy dishes that bring comfort and flavor in every bite:

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli for a cozy pasta twist.
Dirty Rice with Ground Beef for another bold, savory skillet meal.
Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet if you’re looking for a wholesome one-pan option.
One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta for easy clean-up and hearty flavor.
Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef for a saucy, comforting dinner fix.

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Tried this Korean Ground Beef Bowl? Let me know how it turned out in the comments! Did you go spicy or keep it mellow? Swap out the protein or go heavy on toppings?

I love hearing your tweaks and tips—sharing ideas helps us all eat better and cook smarter!

Korean Ground Beef Bowl

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 2 to 3 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Korean Ground Beef Bowl brings sweet and savory flavors together in a hearty, customizable rice bowl. Juicy ground beef is glazed in soy, garlic, and brown sugar, then topped with fresh cucumber, kimchi, and a sunny-side-up egg for a quick, satisfying meal that’s easy to meal-prep or serve hot right away.