Korean Ground Beef Bowl (Print)

Savory beef, rice, and crisp vegetables unite in a flavorful bowl inspired by Korean culinary tradition.

# What You'll Need:

→ Beef Preparation

01 - 1 pound lean ground beef
02 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
03 - 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
04 - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
05 - 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
06 - 2 teaspoons sesame oil
07 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
08 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
09 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

→ Bowl Assembly

10 - 3 cups cooked jasmine or short-grain white rice
11 - 1 medium carrot, julienned
12 - 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
13 - 1 cup shredded red cabbage
14 - 1 cup bean sprouts (optional)
15 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish
16 - Extra green onions, sliced, for garnish

# How to Cook:

01 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking apart with a wooden spoon, until evenly browned and completely cooked through, approximately 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
02 - Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute, stirring continuously, until fragrant.
03 - Stir in low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the beef to absorb flavors and sauce consistency to develop.
04 - Remove from heat. Fold in the sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
05 - Portion the cooked rice into four separate serving bowls.
06 - Spoon the warm beef mixture over the rice in each bowl.
07 - Distribute julienned carrot, sliced cucumber, shredded red cabbage, and bean sprouts alongside the beef in each bowl.
08 - Sprinkle each bowl with sesame seeds and additional sliced green onions. Serve immediately while warm.

# Helpful Hints:

01 -
  • Ready in under thirty minutes so perfect for a hectic schedule
  • Uses fridge basics and pantry staples
  • Customizable with whatever veggies you have
  • Nutritious and filling for both adults and kids
  • The sweet-savory sauce really wins over picky eaters
02 -
  • Great source of protein with balanced carbs from rice
  • Stays fresh and tasty for meal prep
  • A hit with both grownups and kids alike
  • That toasted sesame oil is my secret weapon—it makes the beef irresistible and reminds me of a family dinner when my kids fought over the last scoop. I always double up the veggies after my sister shared she thought it was prettier and even better for leftovers.
03 -
  • Toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet to maximize their aroma
  • Always grate ginger fresh right before cooking for brightest flavor
  • Build the bowl with rice slightly warm and veggies freshly chopped so each bite holds its own texture
  • A quick marinade for veggies can add tang and depth if you have an extra five minutes

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