Description
This Korean Beef Rice Bowls recipe features savory ground beef cooked with garlic, ginger, and a flavorful soy-based sauce, served over warm rice. Enhanced with optional toppings like sautéed spinach, shredded carrots, cucumber slices, kimchi, or a fried egg, this dish is perfect for easy, satisfying meals any day of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (lean)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
Optional Toppings
- Sautéed spinach
- Shredded carrots
- Cucumber slices
- Kimchi
- Fried egg
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease if there is too much.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1–2 minutes or until fragrant, to infuse the beef with bright and savory flavors.
- Prepare and Add Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes if using. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the beef and stir until the meat is evenly coated. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Thicken Sauce (Optional): If a thicker sauce is desired, combine the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to make a slurry, then stir it into the skillet. Continue cooking for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef well.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle in the sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Stir to combine and add a fresh crunch and nutty flavor.
- Serve: Spoon the savory beef mixture over warm cooked rice. Add optional toppings such as sautéed spinach, shredded carrots, cucumber slices, kimchi, or a fried egg to complete your Korean rice bowl experience.
Notes
- For a leaner, healthier alternative, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
- Prepare the beef mixture ahead of time for convenient weekday lunches or quick dinners.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness according to your preference.
- Use low sodium soy sauce to reduce the sodium content of the dish.
