Description
This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a quick and flavorful weeknight meal that combines savory, sweet, and spicy elements in a simple skillet dish. Tender ground beef is sautéed with garlic and ginger, then simmered in a soy-based sauce with brown sugar and sesame oil, topped with green onions and sesame seeds, and served over steamed rice. The optional cornstarch thickens the sauce for a perfect coating. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s an easy recipe that brings classic Korean-inspired flavors to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional for thickening)
Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Garnishes and Serving
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess grease if necessary to prevent sogginess.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for about 1 minute until the mixture is fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and black pepper. Pour this sauce over the browned beef and stir well to coat evenly.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir it into the beef mixture. Continue cooking for another minute until the sauce has slightly thickened.
- Finish & Serve: Stir in the sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a fresh and nutty flavor boost. Serve the prepared beef mixture over hot cooked white or brown rice. Garnish with shredded carrots or additional green onions, if desired, for extra color and texture.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level or omit for a milder dish.
- Vegetarians can substitute ground beef with ground plant-based meat alternatives or crumbled tofu.
- Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serve with steamed veggies like broccoli or snap peas for a balanced meal.
