Can I make Korean Ground Beef Bowl vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with crumbled firm tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Use the same sauce ingredients, but consider adding 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast to enhance umami flavors typically provided by the beef.

How spicy is this dish?

With 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, this recipe ranks about 3/10 on the spice scale – noticeable but not overwhelming. Adjust to your preference by reducing or increasing the red pepper flakes. For authentic Korean heat, substitute gochujang (Korean chili paste) for even more complex flavor.

Can I prepare any components ahead of time?

Yes! The beef mixture actually improves in flavor when made 1-2 days ahead as the ingredients have time to meld. Rice can be cooked and refrigerated for 3-4 days. Chop vegetables up to 2 days in advance and store in water-filled containers in the refrigerator.

What makes this dish authentically Korean?

The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and garlic creates the signature Korean flavor profile known as "yangnyeom." While traditional Korean beef dishes often use thinly sliced beef (bulgogi), this ground beef variation maintains the authentic flavor while simplifying preparation.

Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Extremely! At approximately $2.75 per serving (as of 2025 average US grocery prices), this meal is 65% less expensive than ordering similar dishes from restaurants. Ground beef is also frequently on sale, making this an economical choice for feeding families.

Can I double the recipe for larger gatherings?

This recipe scales beautifully. Simply double all ingredients and use a larger skillet. The cooking time remains virtually the same, making it perfect for entertaining with minimal additional effort.

Korean Ground Beef Bowl For A Delightful Quick Dinner

Name: Korean Ground Beef Bowl For A Delightful Quick Dinner
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 3 tablespoons brown sugar; 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 2 tablespoons sesame oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon grated ginger; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 3 green onions, thinly sliced; 3 cups cooked jasmine rice; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted; 1 cup shredded carrots; 1 cup thinly sliced cucumber; Optional: kimchi, sliced avocado, or a fried egg

Description

A quick and easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl recipe, perfect for a weeknight dinner. It combines savory-sweet beef with fresh vegetables and rice, offering authentic Asian flavors in just 25 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound lean ground beef
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons sesame oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon grated ginger
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
3 green onions, thinly sliced
3 cups cooked jasmine rice
1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup thinly sliced cucumber
Optional: kimchi, sliced avocado, or a fried egg

Instructions

Prepare rice according to package directions.
Mince garlic and grate ginger.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes.
Pour sauce over beef, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 3-4 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
Add two-thirds of the sliced green onions to the beef mixture, reserving the rest for garnish.
Divide rice among four bowls. Top with beef mixture, carrots, and cucumber.
Garnish with remaining green onions and sesame seeds. Add optional toppings like kimchi or a fried egg.

Notes

For a lower glycemic option, substitute coconut sugar for brown sugar.
Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free diet.
Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sauté
Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 425 kcal
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 620mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: Korean Ground Beef Bowl, quick Korean dinner, Asian rice bowl, easy ground beef recipe, easy dinner, Asian cuisine, quick recipe, weeknight meal