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Flavorful Korean Beef Bowl Recipe Easy Weeknight Dinner Idea

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A quick and satisfying Korean beef bowl with a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, ideal for busy weeknights. Tender ground beef simmered in a flavorful sauce served over fluffy rice.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80-85% lean)
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce (naturally brewed, low-sodium optional)
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp Korean chili paste (Gochujang, optional)
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 4 cups cooked white rice (jasmine or short-grain)
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Cook the rice: Rinse 2 cups (400 g) jasmine or short-grain rice under cold water until water runs clear. Cook according to package instructions using a rice cooker or stovetop pot (about 15 minutes). Keep warm.
  2. Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, 1 tablespoon gochujang (if using), and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Stir until sugar dissolves. Set aside.
  3. Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound (450 g) of ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until no longer pink and starting to brown, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed but keep a little for flavor.
  4. Add garlic: Reduce heat to medium and stir in 3 cloves minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not burnt.
  5. Simmer with sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the beef. Stir well to combine and simmer for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and coats the meat. Taste and adjust salt or sweetness if needed.
  6. Garnish: Remove from heat. Sprinkle sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the beef.
  7. Assemble the bowls: Spoon warm rice into bowls and top generously with the Korean beef mixture. Optionally, add steamed veggies or a fried egg for extra heartiness.

Notes

If you don’t have toasted sesame oil, toast raw sesame seeds in a dry pan for a couple of minutes to add flavor. Line skillet with foil for easy cleanup if cooking multiple batches. For leftover rice, sprinkle a teaspoon of water before reheating to revive fluffiness. Avoid burning garlic to prevent bitterness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean beef bowl, ground beef recipe, quick dinner, weeknight meal, Korean chili paste, gochujang, easy Korean recipe, savory beef bowl

Find it online: https://islatable.com/flavorful-korean-beef-bowl-recipe-easy-weeknight-dinner-idea/