Korean Ground Beef Bowl
This quick and flavorful Korean Ground Beef Bowl delivers classic bulgogi-inspired sweetness, saltiness, and gentle heat in just 15 minutes. Using simple pantry ingredients, it creates a sticky, caramelized beef topping perfect for spooning over warm rice for an effortless weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
The Beef & Sauce
- 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.25 cup brown sugar, packed
- 0.25 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 0.25 teaspoon ground ginger
- 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
For Serving
- 2 cups hot cooked white or brown rice Jasmine or short-grain recommended
- sliced green onions for garnish
- toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and minced garlic, breaking the meat into crumbles. Allow it to sear undisturbed for 45–60 seconds, then cook until fully browned.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, ground ginger, red pepper flakes, and black pepper until the sugar dissolves.
- Pour the sauce over the cooked beef. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 2–3 minutes, letting the mixture bubble and thicken into a glossy glaze.
- Spoon the beef over hot cooked rice, then garnish generously with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
Notes
For a spicier, more authentic kick, add a teaspoon of Gochujang to the sauce. Swap beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter variation. To make it low carb, serve over cauliflower rice and replace brown sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 238 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 610mg
- Potassium: 448mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 14g
- Vitamin C: 0.7mg
- Calcium: 28mg
- Iron: 3.1mg