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Quick Savory Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe Easy 15-Minute Dinner

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A fast and flavorful Korean ground beef bowl with a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and umami flavors, ready in just 15 minutes. Ideal for weeknight dinners and busy nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend preferred)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 green onions, sliced (separate white and green parts)
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) soy sauce (naturally brewed)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean fermented chili paste, optional or reduced for less heat)
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 4 cups (900 g) cooked white short-grain rice
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Prepare the rice: Cook 4 cups (900 g) of white short-grain rice according to package instructions, about 15-20 minutes.
  2. Chop aromatics: Mince 3 cloves of garlic and slice 3 green onions, separating the white and green parts.
  3. Cook the ground beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, break it up, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat if necessary, leaving a little for flavor.
  4. Add garlic and white parts of green onions: Stir in minced garlic and white parts of green onions. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together ⅓ cup (80 ml) soy sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, 1 tablespoon gochujang, ½ teaspoon ground ginger, and ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes if using.
  6. Add sauce to beef: Pour the sauce over the beef mixture. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and clings to the beef.
  7. Final touches: Stir in half of the sliced green parts of the green onions. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  8. Assemble the bowl: Spoon cooked rice into bowls, top with the beef mixture, and sprinkle with remaining green onions and toasted sesame seeds.

Notes

Use 80/20 ground beef for juiciness. Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure proper browning. Let the sauce reduce slowly for a glossy coating. Fresh garlic is preferred over garlic powder. Toasted sesame oil added at the end enhances aroma. Adjust gochujang for heat preference. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of water or soy sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean ground beef bowl, quick dinner, savory beef bowl, easy Korean recipe, weeknight meal, gochujang recipe, sesame oil, ground beef recipe

Find it online: https://spoonette.com/quick-savory-korean-ground-beef-bowl-recipe-easy-15-minute-dinner/