Korean Ground Beef Bowl
A saucy and savory Korean ground beef bowl that's quick to prepare and loaded with umami flavor, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) Use leaner if preferred.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Add towards the end to prevent burning.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce Use low-sodium if watching salt.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar Light or dark, to taste.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil Toast briefly for more aroma.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes Adjust to taste.
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced For garnish and flavor.
- Cooked rice for serving Use white, brown, or cauliflower rice.
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula. Cook until nicely browned, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if you prefer a leaner finish.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned.
Cooking
- Add the soy sauce and brown sugar, stir to combine. Pour in the sesame oil and sprinkle the red pepper flakes. Let the mixture simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust: add more sugar for sweetness, or a splash of water if it gets too sticky. Remove from heat and stir in half of the green onions.
- Serve the beef over hot cooked rice and scatter the remaining green onions on top.
Notes
Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently with a splash of water or soy sauce.