These Korean beef bowls taste like Korean BBQ and are ready in just 15 minutes! This easy recipe is a twist on the traditional Korean dish, bulgogi, using ground beef instead of sirloin for a quick and budget-friendly meal.
Why This Recipe Is a Favorite
- Fast and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish comes together in minutes.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples like ground beef and rice, it’s an economical choice.
- Versatile: Use your favorite meat or add leftover veggies for a customizable meal.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Reduced Sodium Soy Sauce: Use reduced sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness without sacrificing flavor.
- Meat Options: Ground beef, pork, chicken, turkey, tofu, or plant-based ground beef all work well.
- Veggie Boost: Add mushrooms, carrots, bell peppers, or snow peas for a heartier meal.
- Protein Power: Top bowls with a fried egg for extra protein.
- Grain Choices: Serve with white rice, brown rice, cauliflower rice, quinoa, or farro.
- Meal Prep: These bowls are perfect for meal prepping and enjoying throughout the week.
What to Serve with Korean Beef Bowls
Consider pairing these bowls with:
- Chicken Fried Rice
- Sheet Pan Fried Rice
- Chinese Chicken Salad
- Korean Cheese Corn
- Vegetable Potstickers
Frequently Asked Questions
- Ground Beef Alternatives: Ground pork, chicken, turkey, tofu, or plant-based ground beef can be used.
- Meal Prepping: This recipe is ideal for meal prepping (see instructions below).
- Storing Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze leftovers in individual freezer bags, thaw overnight, and reheat on the stovetop with a tablespoon of water as needed.
- Slow Cooker Option: Korean beef can also be made in a slow cooker.
Korean Beef Bowl
This quick and easy Korean beef bowl is packed with bold flavors and ready in just 15 minutes. A perfect weeknight meal with a delicious balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors.
Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- ¼ teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and ground ginger.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the soy sauce mixture and green onions, then let it simmer for about 2 minutes until heated through.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 310 | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 65mg | Sodium: 560mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 10g