Print

Easy Korean Beef Bowl Recipe with Sesame Ginger Rice

easy korean beef bowl - featured image

A quick and flavorful Korean beef bowl paired with fragrant sesame ginger rice, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (85% lean preferred)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons (25 g) brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) sesame oil (toasted)
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) grated fresh ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Green onions, sliced for garnish
  • Sesame seeds for garnish (toasted if possible)
  • 1 cup (190 g) jasmine rice
  • 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon (5 g) freshly grated ginger
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional toppings: steamed or roasted broccoli, julienned carrots or cucumber slices, pickled radishes or kimchi

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup jasmine rice under cold water until water runs clear to remove excess starch.
  2. Combine rinsed rice with 1 1/4 cups water or chicken broth, 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger, and a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat.
  3. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cover tightly. Simmer gently for 15 minutes without peeking.
  4. Turn off heat and let rice steam for another 10 minutes, still covered.
  5. While rice cooks, heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  6. Add minced garlic and grated ginger; sauté about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
  7. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  8. Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats beef. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  9. Fluff the sesame ginger rice with a fork and divide among bowls.
  10. Top rice with Korean beef mixture, garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
  11. Add optional veggies or kimchi on the side if desired.

Notes

Do not burn the garlic and ginger; keep heat moderate and stir constantly. Fluff rice thoroughly to avoid stickiness. Adjust soy sauce and brown sugar to taste due to varying saltiness. For gluten-free, substitute tamari for soy sauce. The dish can be made spicier by adding more red pepper flakes or gochujang. Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days when stored separately and reheat gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean beef bowl, sesame ginger rice, easy dinner, quick recipe, weeknight meal, ground beef recipe, Korean cuisine