WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
Looking for a quick and tasty meal? These Korean Ground Beef Bowls are savory, sweet, and super easy to make. You just need a few simple ingredients like ground beef, soy sauce, and gochujang. In no time, you’ll have a flavorful dish ready to impress friends or family. Let’s dive into how to whip up this delicious meal in just a few simple steps!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of garlic, ginger, and gochujang creates a rich and savory profile that’s hard to resist.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less gochujang or serving it with cooling cucumbers.
- Healthy and Balanced: This dish is packed with protein and veggies, served over nutritious jasmine rice for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1-inch piece ginger, grated
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 green onions, finely chopped
– 1 cup shredded carrots
– 1 cup cooked jasmine rice
– 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish
– Salt and pepper to taste
The main ingredients make this dish tasty and easy. The ground beef is the star. It cooks fast and absorbs all the flavors well.
Sesame oil gives a rich nutty taste. Garlic and ginger add a punch of flavor. They make your kitchen smell amazing as they cook.
Soy sauce brings saltiness and depth. Brown sugar balances the salt with a touch of sweetness. Gochujang adds a spicy kick. Adjust this to suit your taste.
Green onions add freshness. Shredded carrots not only bring color but also a slight crunch. Jasmine rice is the perfect base for this meal.
Finally, sesame seeds add a nice crunch on top. A little salt and pepper finish the dish.
Optional Ingredients
– Sliced cucumbers
– Kimchi for serving
Optional ingredients can make your meal even better. Sliced cucumbers offer a cool crunch. Kimchi adds a spicy, tangy flavor that pairs well. Both can elevate your Korean Ground Beef Bowls.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Beef Mixture
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1-inch grated ginger. Sauté for about 1 minute. You want it fragrant but not burned.
3. Raise the heat to medium-high and add 1 pound of ground beef. Cook until it turns brown, breaking it apart as it cooks. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
4. Drain any excess fat from the beef. Season it with salt and pepper to taste.
Adding Flavor
1. In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon gochujang. Stir until combined.
2. Pour this mixture over the browned beef in the skillet. Stir well to coat the beef evenly.
3. Let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken slightly and infuse the beef with flavor.
Final Assembly
1. Add 1 cup of shredded carrots and half of the 2 finely chopped green onions to the beef. Stir everything together.
2. Cook for an additional 2 minutes. This softens the carrots a bit while keeping some crunch.
3. Serve the beef mixture over 1 cup of cooked jasmine rice in bowls.
4. Garnish with the remaining green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. For extra crunch, add optional sliced cucumbers and kimchi on the side.
Tips & Tricks
Enhancing Flavor
– Always use fresh ingredients. Fresh veggies and herbs bring out great taste.
– Adjust the gochujang to fit your spice level. Start with a little, then add more.
Cooking Techniques
– For browning beef, heat your skillet well. This helps create a nice crust.
– Sauté garlic and ginger first. This adds a warm, rich flavor.
Serving Suggestions
– Pair these bowls with side dishes like pickled veggies or a simple salad.
– Add toppings like sliced cucumbers, kimchi, or extra green onions. They add crunch and flavor.
Pro Tips
- Use lean ground beef: Opt for 85% lean ground beef to reduce excess fat while still maintaining flavor.
- Customize spice levels: Adjust the amount of gochujang based on your spice tolerance to make the dish milder or spicier.
- Prep ahead: Make the beef mixture in advance and store it in the fridge, then reheat for a quick meal during busy weeknights.
- Fresh garnishes matter: Adding fresh green onions and sesame seeds right before serving enhances the dish’s flavor and presentation.

Variations
Alternative Proteins
You can switch up the protein in your Korean Ground Beef Bowls. Ground turkey or chicken works great. These options are leaner but still tasty. If you want a vegetarian dish, try using tofu. Firm tofu absorbs flavors well. Simply crumble it and cook it like the beef.
Flavor Variations
You can change the flavor by adding different vegetables. Try bell peppers, snap peas, or spinach. Each adds color and crunch. You can also experiment with sauces or spices. For a sweeter taste, add more brown sugar. If you like heat, increase the gochujang.
Serving Styles
You can enjoy these bowls in different ways. Serve them in bowls, or use lettuce wraps for a fun twist. This makes for a low-carb option. For meal prep, make a big batch. Store the beef mixture and rice separately. This helps keep everything fresh and tasty throughout the week.
Storage Info
Refrigeration
To store leftovers, let the beef cool first. Use airtight containers to keep it fresh. I recommend glass or BPA-free plastic containers. They help keep flavors intact and prevent spills. Store in the fridge for up to three days.
Reheating Tips
For reheating, I suggest using the stovetop. Heat in a skillet over medium heat until warm. Stir it often to avoid burning. This usually takes about 5–7 minutes. You can also use the microwave. Heat it in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between. This keeps the beef juicy.
Freezing Options
If you want to freeze, cool the beef completely first. Place it in freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can last in the freezer for about three months. For thawing, move it to the fridge overnight. You can also use a microwave for quick thawing. Just remember to cook it immediately after thawing.
FAQs
How long does it take to make Korean Ground Beef Bowls?
It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook. In total, you will spend around 30 minutes making this meal. It’s fast and easy, perfect for a busy weeknight.
Can I use beef substitutes?
Yes, you can! Ground turkey or chicken work well in this recipe. If you want a plant-based option, try using crumbled tofu or tempeh. Just adjust the cooking time if needed.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. To maintain freshness, let the meal cool before sealing it.
Korean Ground Beef Bowls are simple and tasty. We covered the main ingredients, like ground beef and veggies, plus optional additions like kimchi. I explained how to prepare the beef, bring in flavor, and assemble your meal. You learned handy tips for better taste and cooking methods. We also discussed variations and storage ideas.
Enjoy creating your own delicious bowls, using what you have on hand. Just remember to experiment and make it your ow
Korean Ground Beef Bowls
Discover this delicious Korean ground beef recipe perfect for weeknight dinners! These easy beef bowls are packed with flavor, featuring savory gochujang and fresh vegetables. Ready in just 20 minutes, this healthy Asian cuisine option is a must-try. Serve it over jasmine rice for a satisfying meal your family will love. Don’t miss out on this quick and nutritious dish—save it for later! #KoreanGroundBeef #EasyBeefBowls #HealthyAsianCuisine #WeeknightDinners
1 lb ground beef
1 tablespoon sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece ginger, grated
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
2 green onions, finely chopped
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup cooked jasmine rice
1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: Sliced cucumbers and kimchi for serving
In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, around 5-7 minutes.
Drain any excess fat and season the beef with salt and pepper.
In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, brown sugar, and gochujang until combined. Pour this mixture over the browned beef. Stir well to coat evenly and simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Add in the shredded carrots and half of the chopped green onions, stirring everything to combine. Cook for another 2 minutes until the carrots are slightly softened.
Serve the beef mixture over a bed of jasmine rice in bowls.
Garnish with the remaining green onions and sesame seeds. Optional: Add sliced cucumbers and kimchi on the side for an extra crunch and flavor.
Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 20 minutes | 4 servings
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?