I still remember the first time I made a Korean beef bowl on a busy weeknight when time was short and cravings were high. The moment garlic and ground ginger hit the hot sesame oil, the kitchen filled with a rich aroma that made me smile. Then came the gochujang, that fiery-sweet Korean chili paste, which gave the beef a flavor so bold and comforting I knew this recipe would become a staple. What I love most is how quickly it comes together. In less than 30 minutes, you can have a meal that feels both satisfying and exciting, like a cozy hug in a bowl.
If you love quick and comforting meals, this Korean beef bowl recipe will be right up your alley. It’s just as cozy as my One Pot Beef Stroganoff Recipe and even faster than my Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe.
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Why You Will Love This Korean Beef Bowl Recipe
This Korean beef bowl recipe is one of those magical meals that feels comforting, exciting, and effortless all at once. Imagine juicy ground beef simmered with gochujang, soy sauce, and garlic, layered over fluffy rice and topped with crisp veggies. This dish comes together in under 25 minutes, making it a true weeknight hero. Much like my Easy Ground Beef Broccoli Recipe, it is hearty, flavorful, and simple to prepare.
You will love it because it is customizable. Swap in your favorite vegetables, spice it up or tone it down, and even try it with Korean beef strips instead of ground beef. This dish also pairs beautifully with a refreshing Korean cucumber salad for that balance of heat and crunch. Quick, bold, and nourishing, this is a weeknight hero you will make again and again.
Korean Beef Bowl Recipe Ingredients
To make this delicious and simple Korean beef rice bowl, here’s everything you will need:
- 1 lb ground beef (lean)
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium if you prefer)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (or 1/2 tsp ground ginger)
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower)
- Optional for authentic flavor: 1–2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- Optional toppings: green onions, sesame seeds, shredded carrots, cucumber slices
Korean Beef Bowl with Optional Gochujang
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef lean
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce low sodium if you prefer
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger or 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 2 cups cooked rice white, brown, or cauliflower
- Optional for authentic flavor: 1–2 tablespoons gochujang Korean chili paste
- Optional toppings: green onions sesame seeds, shredded carrots, cucumber slices
Instructions
- Prepare the rice according to package directions and keep warm.
- In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger; add red pepper flakes if using. For more heat and depth, whisk in 1 to 2 tablespoons gochujang; add 1 tablespoon water if too thick.
- Heat a large skillet over medium high. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it into small pieces, until no longer pink, 4 to 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Pour the sauce over the beef and stir to coat. Simmer 2 to 3 minutes until glossy and slightly thickened; adjust with more gochujang for heat or a splash of water to loosen.
- Scoop rice into bowls, top with the saucy beef, and finish with green onions, sesame seeds, shredded carrots, and cucumber slices. Serve hot.
Notes
- Start with 1 tablespoon gochujang and increase to taste for a gentle build of heat.
- For gluten free, use certified gluten free tamari and check your gochujang label.
- Make it lighter by swapping part of the rice for cauliflower rice, or serve in lettuce cups.
- Meal prep tip: cook beef and rice ahead; reheat with a splash of water or broth to keep everything moist.
- Add quick veggies if desired: toss in thin bell pepper or zucchini during the simmer for extra color and crunch.
Nutrition (per serving, approximate)
- Protein: 26 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Total Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
- Total Sugars: 12 g
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Korean Beef Bowl Recipe
Follow these simple steps and you will have a restaurant-style Korean ground beef bowl right in your own kitchen.
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
Start by cooking your rice according to package instructions. Fluffy rice is the perfect base for this bowl, so get it steaming while you cook the beef.
Step 2: Whisk the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and ginger. Stir in crushed red pepper flakes if using. For a spicier, more authentic flavor, whisk in 1 to 2 tablespoons gochujang. Add 1 tablespoon water if the sauce seems too thick.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium high. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it into small pieces, until no longer pink, about 4 to 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 4: Sauce and Simmer
Pour the sauce over the beef and stir to coat. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until glossy and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust with more gochujang for heat or a splash of water to loosen.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
Scoop rice into bowls. Top with the saucy beef. Add green onions, sesame seeds, shredded carrots, and cucumber slices. Serve hot.
How to Serve Korean Beef Bowl Recipe
The beauty of a Korean beef bowl is how versatile it is. Serve it hot over a bed of fluffy rice and top with sesame seeds and fresh green onions for a classic presentation. For an extra layer of flavor, add a fried egg on top and let the yolk mix into the beef and rice.
If you want to round out the meal, pair it with a refreshing Korean cucumber salad or kimchi on the side. Both add a crisp, tangy bite that balances the savory richness of the beef.
How to Store Leftover Korean Beef Bowl Recipe
- In the fridge: Store beef and veggies in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep rice and cucumber salad in separate containers to maintain freshness.
- Reheating: Warm the beef gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Rice can be reheated in the microwave with a damp paper towel to keep it fluffy.
- Freezing: The beef mixture freezes well. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Noor’s Tips for Perfect Korean Beef Bowl Recipe
- Adjust spice to taste: Gochujang can be mild to spicy depending on the brand. Start with less and add more if you like it hotter.
- Fresh veggies are key: Crisp vegetables give contrast to the savory beef. Do not overcook them.
- Rice matters: Use freshly steamed rice for the best texture, but leftover rice works too if you reheat it properly.
- Boost the flavor: Add a splash of fish sauce or a sprinkle of chili flakes for an extra punch.
- Meal prep friendly: Cook the beef in advance and keep it in the fridge. Just reheat and assemble bowls for a fast lunch or dinner.
- Garnish generously: Sesame seeds, green onions, and cucumber salad bring freshness and balance to every bite.
FAQs about Korean Beef Bowl Recipe
What is a Korean ground beef bowl called?
A Korean ground beef bowl is often simply called a Korean beef bowl. It features seasoned ground beef with gochujang, garlic, and soy sauce served over rice with vegetables.
What to put in a Korean beef bowl?
A Korean beef bowl typically includes rice, seasoned ground beef or beef strips, fresh or sautéed vegetables, and toppings like sesame seeds, cucumber salad, and green onions. A fried egg is a popular addition.
What is the difference between bulgogi and a beef bowl?
Bulgogi is thinly sliced marinated beef grilled or stir-fried, while a beef bowl usually uses ground beef cooked quickly with sauce. Bulgogi is more traditional, while beef bowls are a simplified, weeknight-friendly version.
What is in a bulgogi bowl?
A bulgogi bowl contains marinated bulgogi beef, steamed rice, and vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, and spinach. It is often garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
What is the seasoning in Korean ground beef?
Korean ground beef is seasoned with gochujang, soy sauce, garlic, ground ginger, sesame oil, and a touch of sugar or honey. This combination gives a balance of spicy, savory, and sweet flavors.
What is a famous Korean beef dish?
Bulgogi is the most famous Korean beef dish. It is made with thinly sliced marinated beef grilled or stir-fried until tender and flavorful.
What sides go well with Korean beef?
Traditional sides include kimchi, Korean cucumber salad, pickled radish, and sautéed spinach. Steamed rice and a fried egg also make perfect pairings.
What is the best marinade for Korean beef?
The best marinade combines soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, sugar, and gochujang or pear puree. This creates a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavor.
What cut of beef to buy for bulgogi?
Ribeye, sirloin, or brisket are the most common cuts for bulgogi. They are tender, flavorful, and work well when sliced thin.
What does bap mean in Korean?
Bap means “cooked rice” in Korean. It can also refer to meals in general since rice is a staple food in Korean cuisine.
What toppings go on a Korean bowl?
Popular toppings include sesame seeds, green onions, cucumber salad, shredded carrots, sautéed vegetables, and a fried egg. Kimchi is also a traditional favorite.
What is bulgogi sauce made of?
Bulgogi sauce is made with soy sauce, sugar, garlic, sesame oil, ground pepper, and sometimes pear or apple puree. This creates a balance of sweetness, umami, and aroma.
What is a bibimbap bowl?
Bibimbap is a Korean rice bowl topped with assorted vegetables, beef, a fried egg, and spicy gochujang sauce. The name means “mixed rice,” and it is stirred together before eating.