There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, flavorful bowl of Korean-style beef over steaming rice. This dish is packed with savory, slightly sweet, and mildly spicy flavors that make every bite satisfying. If you’re looking for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner, this Korean beef bowl is a game-changer.

With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can have a meal that tastes like it took hours to make. The best part? It’s a one-pan dish that comes together in less than 30 minutes! Perfect for busy evenings when you want something homemade but don’t have the energy for an elaborate meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• One-Pan Meal: Less cleanup, more flavor!
• Packed with Flavor: A delicious balance of savory, sweet, and umami-rich goodness.
• Customizable: Serve it over rice, noodles, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
• Family-Friendly: A mild yet flavorful dish that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Beef:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

For Serving:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
• ½ cup shredded carrots (optional)

How to Make Korean Beef Bowl

Step 1: Cook the Beef

Heat a large pan over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef and cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease if needed.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir well and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Create the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and cornstarch (if using). Pour this mixture into the pan with the beef and stir well, making sure the meat is evenly coated. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 4: Assemble Your Bowl

Spoon the cooked beef over a bowl of warm rice. Top with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and shredded carrots for added crunch and color.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Your Korean beef bowl is ready to serve! Pair it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh cucumber salad for a complete meal.

Helpful Tips

• Use Fresh Garlic & Ginger: Freshly minced garlic and grated ginger add a deeper, more authentic flavor to the dish.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you love extra heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a drizzle of sriracha.
• Make It Low-Carb: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice or serve the beef in lettuce wraps for a lighter option.
• Double the Recipe: This dish stores well, so making extra for meal prep is a great idea!

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
• Diet: Dairy-Free

Notes

• If you prefer a saucier dish, add an extra splash of soy sauce or a tablespoon of beef broth.
• The brown sugar balances out the saltiness, but you can reduce it slightly if you prefer a less sweet taste.
• Leftover beef can be used in tacos, wraps, or even over a salad for a quick lunch the next day.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 400
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 8g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! While ground beef is traditional, you can swap it for ground turkey, chicken, or even lamb for a unique twist.

What can I serve with this beef bowl?
Steamed vegetables, kimchi, pickled cucumbers, or a simple side salad all pair wonderfully with this dish.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! The beef mixture can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat and serve over fresh rice.

Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild heat from the red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the spice level to your preference.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftover beef in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat or microwave before serving.
• Freezer: Freeze the cooked beef in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheating Tip: If the beef seems dry after refrigerating, add a splash of soy sauce or a little water while reheating.

Related Recipes

If you enjoyed this Korean beef bowl, you might also love:

• Korean Spicy Ramen Noodles
• Spicy Korean Chicken
• Korean Beef Bowl: A Quick and Flavorful Meal to Delight Your Taste Buds
• Bang Bang Chicken Bowl

Final Thoughts

This Korean beef bowl is the perfect combination of convenience and bold flavor. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, it’s a dish that never disappoints. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal right at home.

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