Name: Korean Ground Beef Bowls Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; Salt and freshly ground black pepper; 5 cloves garlic, minced; 1 Tablespoon sesame oil; 1 Tablespoon freshly grated ginger; 2/3 cup light brown sugar; 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 2 teaspoons Sriracha hot sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, or chili garlic sauce; 1 bunch green onion, chopped; Hot cooked brown or white rice; Fresh cucumber, sliced

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 19 reviews

If you’re craving a meal that delivers big, bold flavor in a hurry, look no further than these Korean Ground Beef Bowls. This dish brings together tender ground beef sautéed with fresh garlic and ginger, sweet brown sugar, savory soy sauce, and a dash of heat, all lovingly spooned over steaming rice and topped with crisp cucumbers and green onions. The result is a crave-worthy bowl that’s equal parts comforting and exciting—an incredibly satisfying dinner you’ll want to make again and again!

Korean Ground Beef Bowls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients to create incredible Korean Ground Beef Bowls at home. Each element layers in flavor, from aromatic ginger to crunchy cucumbers, making every bite a perfect balance of sweet, salty, spicy, and fresh.

Lean ground beef: Go for lean to keep things healthy without sacrificing flavor; it cooks up tender and absorbs all those tasty sauces.
Salt and black pepper: A simple seasoning to bring out the natural flavors of your beef right at the start.
Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic infuses the meat with essential, mouthwatering aroma and a punchy bite.
Sesame oil: This nutty oil adds a subtle toastiness that is truly characteristic of Korean dishes.
Freshly grated ginger: Ginger brings brightness and zing, keeping the bowl from feeling too heavy.
Light brown sugar: The sweetness rounds out the salty soy and spicy elements, creating irresistible caramelized notes.
Low-sodium soy sauce: Salty, tangy, and deeply savory, this is the umami backbone for your Korean Ground Beef Bowls.
Sriracha or red pepper flakes: Choose your heat—sriracha for sauciness or red pepper for a sharper bite.
Green onion (chopped): This ingredient works double-duty for vibrant freshness both in the bowl and as a garnish.
Hot cooked brown or white rice: Rice soaks up all those gorgeous juices, turning this dish into a true comfort food.
Fresh cucumber (sliced): Crisp and cool, these slices add a lovely contrast and keep things feeling light.

How to Make Korean Ground Beef Bowls

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle a little black pepper over your ground beef, then toss it into the pan. Use a wooden spoon to crumble it up as it cooks until you see deep, golden-brown pieces and no pink remains. Browning is key—the beef’s flavor deepens as those bits caramelize. Drain off any extra grease so things stay light and vibrant. (For an ultra-fine texture—totally optional—give the cooked meat a couple of pulses in a food processor and return it to the pan.)

Step 2: Build the Sauce

With the beef still in the pan, add your fragrant sesame oil, freshly minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir these together and let the heat work its magic for about a minute, releasing waves of garlicky, gingery aroma. Then pour in your brown sugar, soy sauce, and chosen form of heat (Sriracha, red pepper flakes, or chili garlic sauce). Let everything simmer together for a few minutes: the beef bathes in the sweet, spicy, salty sauce and absorbs the flavors beautifully.

Step 3: Finish and Serve

Scatter in half of your chopped green onions and stir to combine. This little blast of freshness makes such a difference! The other half? Set it aside for your finishing touch. Now assemble your Korean Ground Beef Bowls: spoon generous helpings of the beef over hot rice, then shower with the remaining green onions and a handful of crisp cucumber slices. Dinner is ready—in less time than it takes to order takeout!

How to Serve Korean Ground Beef Bowls

Garnishes

Garnishing is where you have full creative license! More chopped green onions bring an extra hit of sharpness and color. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds or even a few nori strips for extra texture and visual appeal. Some people love a drizzle of extra Sriracha or a dash of crushed red pepper right before serving for a little extra sparkle and heat.

Side Dishes

Korean Ground Beef Bowls play nicely with so many sides. Try serving them with simple steamed or roasted vegetables—think broccoli, edamame, or snap peas. For a real Korean touch, kimchi is a must (its tangy crunch is an incredible companion). A crisp, simple Asian cucumber salad or pickled carrots on the side really rounds out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to switch things up, try making lettuce wraps using butter lettuce leaves as little bowls for the beef and rice. Or, build a bigger meal by serving the beef over noodles or quinoa for a twist. For fun dinner parties, set up a DIY Korean Ground Beef Bowl bar with small bowls of garnishes and let everyone build their dream bowl!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Korean Ground Beef Bowls store effortlessly in the fridge. Let the beef cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. The flavors develop even more after a day or two, so don’t be surprised if tomorrow’s lunch is somehow even tastier!

Freezing

This beef is a freezer superstar. Let the cooked, cooled beef mixture chill in a shallow airtight container or freezer bag. Label and date it, and you’ll have a flavorful protein option at the ready for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator and you’re just minutes away from a hot bowl.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop the beef into a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring occasionally until hot. If you’re in a rush, microwaving in a covered dish works too. Add a splash of water or extra soy sauce to refresh the sauce if needed. Serve freshly reheated over hot rice with your favorite garnishes for a speedy, satisfying meal.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are both great alternatives and soak up the sauce flavors beautifully. The dish will be a bit lighter but just as delicious, so use what you have or love!

How spicy are these Korean Ground Beef Bowls?

That’s totally up to you. The Sriracha or crushed red pepper adds just enough warmth for most palates, but you can always dial it up or down depending on your heat tolerance. Want mild? Skip the spicy ingredients. Love heat? Add more!

Can I make this meal gluten-free?

Definitely! Swap the regular soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to make these Korean Ground Beef Bowls completely gluten-free. Serve over rice or a gluten-free grain and double-check any packaged garnishes.

Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?

Yes! Substitute plant-based ground “meat” or crumbled firm tofu for the beef. Prepare exactly the same way for a vegetarian Korean Ground Beef Bowls experience that still bursts with flavor.

Why is the beef sometimes pulsed in a food processor?

This optional step gives the meat a finer, more “bulgogi-style” texture, which some people love. It’s not required, but it does help the sauce coat each piece and creates a special, almost melt-in-your-mouth feel.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about how quickly and simply these Korean Ground Beef Bowls come together, and how powerful the flavors are in every spoonful. Give them a try next time you need a fast, delicious dinner—your taste buds will thank you and you might just add a new staple to your weekly lineup!