Korean Ground Beef Rice Bowls
A quick and easy Korean ground beef and rice bowl that’s full of savory flavor. Ready in just 15 minutes, this protein-rich dish is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a satisfying dinner. Customize with fresh veggies and optional bibimbap sauce for a delicious, wholesome meal.
Equipment
- 1 Medium mixing bowl
- 1 Large skillet or frying pan
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 Measuring Spoon Set
- 1 spatula or wooden spoon
- 1 knife and cutting board
- 1 Rice cooker or pot
Ingredients
Ground Beef Sauce:
- 60 ml ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1½ Tbsp rice wine mirin or cooking wine
- ½ Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp minced ginger
- Pinch ground black pepper
- ½ Tbsp toasted sesame oil
Ground Beef Bowl:
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil e.g., rice bran oil
- 500 g 1.1 lb ground beef
- ½ Tbsp toasted sesame seeds for garnish
- 2 stalks green onions thinly sliced
- 2 cups cooked rice sushi, jasmine, basmati, brown, or cauliflower rice
Optional Side Dish Ideas:
- Avocado thinly sliced
- Cucumber thinly sliced
- Pink radish thinly sliced
- Broccoli steamed or pan-fried
- Asparagus pan-fried
- Bell peppers pan-fried
- Egg sunny side up
- Kimchi chopped
- Roasted seasoned seaweed crushed or shredded
Optional Bibimbap Sauce:
- 2 Tbsp gochujang Korean chili paste
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp water
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp minced garlic
Instructions
- Prepare the Flavorful Beef Sauce: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, rice wine, minced garlic, minced ginger, ground black pepper, and toasted sesame oil. Whisk gently but thoroughly until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture becomes smooth and aromatic. This sauce will form the heart of the dish, infusing the ground beef with savory depth and a subtle balance of sweetness. Set this aside so the flavors can mingle while you prepare the beef.
- Prepare the Bibimbap Sauce (Optional): If you wish to add an extra layer of flavor, prepare the bibimbap sauce separately. In a small bowl, combine gochujang, toasted sesame oil, sugar, water, toasted sesame seeds, rice vinegar, and minced garlic. Whisk until the ingredients blend into a smooth, slightly thick sauce. Set aside — this will be drizzled over the finished bowl for a spicy, tangy kick.
- Heat the Skillet for Cooking: Place a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Allow it to warm for 1–2 minutes so it’s evenly heated before adding oil. This step is crucial to sear the beef properly and develop flavor. Use a good quality pan to ensure even heat distribution.
- Sauté the Ground Beef: Add cooking oil (such as rice bran oil) to the heated skillet, swirling to coat the surface. Immediately add the ground beef to the pan. Spread the beef evenly so it cooks uniformly. Stir frequently with a spatula or wooden spoon, breaking up the meat into small, even crumbles. Cook for about 3–4 minutes until the beef changes color and is mostly browned. This step builds the base of the bowl with rich, caramelized beef flavor.
- Add the Sauce to the Beef: Pour the prepared beef sauce evenly over the browned beef in the skillet. Reduce the heat slightly to medium. Stir the beef thoroughly so every piece is coated with the sauce. Allow the beef to simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally so the sauce thickens and infuses the meat completely. The result should be glossy, fragrant beef with a slightly sticky coating.
- Garnish with Sesame Seeds and Green Onions: Once the beef is fully cooked and infused with the sauce, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the skillet. Add thinly sliced green onions on top, stirring briefly to distribute them evenly. This step not only adds a burst of fresh flavor but also enhances texture and aroma, making the bowl visually appealing.
- Prepare the Rice Base: While the beef cooks, prepare your rice if not already done. For a perfect bowl, cook 2 cups of rice of your choice — sushi rice, jasmine, basmati, brown rice, or cauliflower rice work beautifully. Fluff the rice gently with a fork once cooked to keep it light and airy. If using pre-cooked rice, warm it slightly before serving to enhance texture.
- Assemble the Beef and Rice Bowls: Divide the cooked rice evenly into four serving bowls. Spoon the flavorful ground beef generously over the rice, ensuring each bowl gets a hearty portion of beef and sauce. This creates a balanced foundation for your meal with a harmonious ratio of grains to protein.
- Add Optional Toppings and Sides: Enhance your Korean ground beef bowl with optional fresh toppings and sides for extra flavor and texture. Consider adding thinly sliced avocado, cucumber, or pink radish for freshness. Steamed or pan-fried broccoli, asparagus, and bell peppers add nutritional richness. Top with a sunny-side-up egg for added protein and creaminess, or garnish with chopped kimchi and crushed roasted seaweed for authentic Korean flair.
- Drizzle with Bibimbap Sauce (Optional): For a bold flavor boost, drizzle the prepared bibimbap sauce over each bowl. The sauce will add tangy spice and depth, complementing the savory beef perfectly. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance — even a small drizzle will transform the dish.
- Serve and Enjoy Immediately: Serve your Korean ground beef and rice bowls hot for the best flavor experience. Each bite should be a harmonious blend of savory beef, fragrant sauce, fluffy rice, and fresh vegetable accents. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish also makes an excellent meal prep option — simply store cooked components separately and assemble before serving for a quick, delicious meal any day.
Notes
- For best flavor, use freshly minced garlic and ginger instead of pre-minced varieties.
- Adjust soy sauce and sugar in the beef sauce to suit your taste — more sugar for sweetness, more soy sauce for saltiness.
- Toast sesame seeds lightly before garnishing for extra aroma.
- This recipe works well with any variety of rice, but sticky sushi rice gives the most authentic texture.
- Optional vegetables and bibimbap sauce elevate the dish — feel free to customize based on what’s available in your kitchen.
