Korean Ground Beef Bowl

There's something magical about the way Korean flavors come together in a simple bowl - the sweet, spicy, and savory elements creating a symphony of taste that's both comforting and exciting. This Korean Ground Beef Bowl brings that magic to your dinner table in just 30 minutes, combining gochujang-spiced beef with fresh vegetables and the tangy punch of kimchi. It's the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying that doesn't sacrifice flavor for convenience.

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The heart of this dish is the beautifully seasoned ground beef, where gochujang (Korean chili paste) provides that signature Korean heat and depth. Combined with aromatic ginger and garlic, sweet brown sugar, and the umami richness of soy sauce, the beef becomes irresistibly flavorful. As it simmers, your kitchen will fill with an aroma that makes waiting the hardest part of the recipe.

Ingredients

• For the Beef:
• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
• 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, minced
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• For the Bowl:
• 4 cups cooked short-grain rice (white or brown)
• 1 cup shelled edamame, cooked
• 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 cup carrot, julienned
• 1 cup kimchi, chopped
• 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

Step 1

In a large skillet over medium heat, add sesame oil. Sauté garlic and ginger for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 2

Add ground beef and cook, breaking up meat with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes.

Step 3

Stir in gochujang, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the beef.

Step 4

Remove from heat. Stir in half of the green onions.

Step 5

To assemble bowls, divide rice among 4 serving bowls. Top each with ground beef, edamame, cucumber, carrot, and kimchi.

Step 6

Sprinkle with remaining green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Prepare all your vegetables before starting to cook the beef, as the meat portion comes together very quickly. If you're new to gochujang, start with 1 tablespoon and adjust to your heat preference. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools, so don't worry if it seems a bit thin when hot. For the best texture, slice your cucumbers just before serving to maintain their crunch.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This recipe is wonderfully flexible. For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. Vegetarians can use plant-based crumbles or even crumbled tofu seasoned with the same sauce. If you're watching carbs, serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice. The vegetables can be easily swapped based on what's in your fridge – try thinly sliced bell peppers, radishes, or shredded cabbage for additional crunch and color.

Serviervorschläge

For a complete Korean-inspired meal, serve these bowls with small sides of banchan (Korean side dishes) like quick pickled vegetables or seaweed salad. A fried egg with a runny yolk makes a luxurious topping that adds richness when mixed in. For additional sauce, offer a small dish of extra gochujang mixed with a touch of sesame oil and rice vinegar that diners can add to taste. Pair with cold barley tea (boricha) or a light Korean beer for the perfect meal.

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This Korean Ground Beef Bowl exemplifies how global flavors can transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary. The combination of spicy, sweet beef with fresh vegetables and tangy kimchi creates a satisfying meal that feels both nourishing and indulgent. Whether you're new to Korean flavors or a longtime fan, this accessible recipe offers a delicious entry point to Korean-inspired home cooking that might just become your new weeknight favorite.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What is gochujang and how does it affect the dish?

Gochujang is a Korean chili paste that adds a spicy, sweet, and savory depth to the ground beef, balancing richness with a hint of heat.

→ Can I use a different protein instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles work well and make the dish lighter or suitable for various diets.

→ How do I ensure the rice is the right texture for the bowl?

Use short-grain rice cooked to tender yet slightly sticky consistency to hold toppings well and complement the flavors.

→ What is the purpose of toasted sesame oil in cooking the beef?

Toasted sesame oil adds a rich, nutty aroma and flavor that enhances the overall savory profile of the beef mixture.

→ How can I adjust the spice level in this dish?

Modify the amount of gochujang according to your heat preference or balance with a touch more sugar or soy sauce to mellow the spice.

→ Are there any common allergens in this dish?

This dish contains soy from soy sauce and edamame, gluten if not using tamari, and sesame. Kimchi may include fish sauce or shrimp paste—check ingredient labels if allergic.