Craving a delicious, restaurant-quality meal that comes together in minutes? This Korean ground beef bowl recipe is your answer! Also known as “Bulgogi Beef Bowl”, this dish features tender, savory-sweet ground beef cooked in a rich, umami-packed sauce, served over steamed rice and topped with fresh veggies. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy dinner delivers bold Korean flavors without the hassle—no marinating or special techniques required. Whether you’re new to Korean cuisine or a longtime fan, this ground beef bowl is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s both quick and delicious.
What makes this Korean beef bowl so irresistible is its perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory flavors. The sauce—a mix of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil—coats the beef beautifully, creating a glossy, caramelized finish. Paired with fluffy rice, crisp cucumbers, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, every bite is a harmony of textures and tastes. Plus, it’s infinitely customizable—swap in ground turkey or chicken, add spicy gochujang for heat, or load it up with your favorite veggies. This 30-minute meal is ideal for meal prep, family dinners, or even impressing guests with minimal effort!
What Makes This Korean Ground Beef Bowl Special?
This easy Korean beef bowl stands out because it captures the essence of traditional bulgogi (Korean grilled beef) in a simplified, ground beef version. The sauce is the star—thick, sticky, and packed with umami depth, making it incredibly addictive. It’s also budget-friendly, kid-approved, and meal-prep ready, so you can enjoy it all week long!
Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe: An Easy & Flavorful Dinner
4
servings10
minutes15
minutes450
kcalIngredients for Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe
1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tbsp brown sugar (or honey)
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tsp rice vinegar
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 tbsp sesame seeds
Cooked white rice, for serving
- Toppings (Optional but Recommended)
Sliced cucumbers
Shredded carrots
Kimchi
Fried egg
Sriracha or gochujang (for extra spice)
Directions for Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe
- Cook the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it into crumbles with a spatula, until fully browned (about 5-6 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
- Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Pour the sauce over the cooked beef and stir well.
- Simmer & Thicken the Sauce
Reduce heat to medium and let the beef simmer in the sauce for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef evenly.
- Add Green Onions & Sesame Seeds
Stir in sliced green onions and sesame seeds, reserving some for garnish. Cook for another minute.
- Assemble the Bowls
Spoon the Korean beef over a bed of steamed rice. Top with cucumbers, carrots, kimchi, or a fried egg for extra flavor and texture.
- Serve & Enjoy!
Drizzle with extra sesame oil or sriracha if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
What to Serve with Korean Ground Beef Bowl?
- Steamed jasmine or brown rice
- Quick-pickled vegetables (radish, cucumber)
- Seaweed salad
- Miso soup
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Fat: 22g
Final Thoughts
This Korean ground beef bowl is a flavor explosion that’s easy, fast, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a meal-prep staple, this dish delivers restaurant-quality taste in under 30 minutes. Try it once, and it’ll become a regular in your rotation!
