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- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey) - 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium) - 2 tablespoons brown sugar - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1 cup cooked jasmine rice - 1 cup broccoli florets (steamed) - 1 carrot, julienned - 2 green onions, sliced - Sesame seeds for garnish - Optional: kimchi for serving You can swap ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner option. If you need a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Brown sugar can be replaced with honey or coconut sugar. For a nutty flavor, try using avocado oil instead of sesame oil. If ginger is not available, use ground ginger but cut the amount in half. - Meat: Look for ground beef with a bright red color. Avoid any with brown spots. - Vegetables: Choose broccoli that is vibrant and firm. The florets should not be wilted. - Rice: Jasmine rice should smell fragrant. If it smells off, do not buy it. - Ginger and Garlic: Pick ginger that is firm and smooth. For garlic, choose bulbs with tight skin. - Green Onions: Look for ones with crisp green tops. Avoid any that are wilting or turning yellow. Using fresh ingredients makes your Korean Ground Beef Bowl taste amazing! {{ingredient_image_1}} Gather your ingredients first. This makes cooking easier and faster. You need: - 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey) - 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce - 2 tablespoons brown sugar - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1 cup cooked jasmine rice - 1 cup broccoli florets (steamed) - 1 carrot, julienned - 2 green onions, sliced - Sesame seeds for garnish - Optional: kimchi for serving 1. Heat the oil: In a large skillet, pour in the sesame oil. Heat it over medium-high heat. 2. Sauté the aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for about 1 minute until you smell a nice aroma. 3. Cook the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until it is browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. 4. Drain excess fat: If there is too much fat in the skillet, drain it. Then, lower the heat to medium. 5. Add sauces and spices: Stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. This helps the flavors mix well. 6. Steam the broccoli: While the beef simmers, steam the broccoli florets until they are bright green and tender. This takes about 3 to 4 minutes. In serving bowls, start with a scoop of jasmine rice. Then, add the cooked ground beef mixture on top. Next, place the steamed broccoli and julienned carrots on the side. Finally, garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. If you like spice, serve with kimchi on the side. Enjoy your Korean Ground Beef Bowl! To make your Korean ground beef bowl shine, focus on the seasoning. Use low-sodium soy sauce for a balanced taste. Brown sugar adds sweetness and depth. Adjust red pepper flakes to match your spice level. Mix these ingredients well to ensure every bite is flavorful. Taste as you go, and feel free to tweak the seasonings. The right blend creates a tasty dish. Meal prep can save you time. Cook the jasmine rice ahead of time. Store it in the fridge so it’s ready to go. You can also chop the broccoli and carrots in advance. Keep them in airtight containers. This way, you can whip up the meal quickly on busy nights. You can even prepare the beef mixture a day before. Just reheat it when you're ready to serve. Pair your Korean ground beef bowl with fresh sides. Steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition. You can also serve it with pickled vegetables for a nice crunch. Kimchi is a great spicy option if you like heat. For a refreshing drink, try iced green tea. These sides complement the flavors in your bowl and enhance the meal experience. Pro Tips Choosing the Meat: Ground beef is traditional, but ground turkey is a healthier alternative that still retains flavor. Flavor Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice preference for a milder or spicier dish. Vegetable Variations: Substitute or add other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra nutrition and color. Meal Prep Friendly: This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prepping! {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish meatless. Use 1 lb of lentils instead of beef. Cook the lentils until tender, about 20 minutes. Replace soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option. You can add tofu for more protein. Crumble extra-firm tofu into the pan with ginger and garlic. Let it brown for a few minutes. This gives a nice texture and flavor. To keep this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari has a rich flavor and works well in many recipes. You can also use coconut aminos as an alternative. It is slightly sweeter but still delicious. Check labels on other ingredients, like sesame oil and red pepper flakes, to ensure they are gluten-free. Get creative with your toppings! Try adding sliced avocado for creaminess. You can also use pickled radishes for a zesty twist. For a crunch, sprinkle crispy fried onions on top. You might also swap jasmine rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice. These options add unique flavors and textures to your bowl. Don't be afraid to experiment! Store any leftover Korean ground beef in an airtight container. It stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Always let the dish cool down before sealing it. This helps keep moisture in check. If you want to save it for later, freezing works well. Put the cooled beef in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 3 months. Make sure to label it with the date. This way, you know when to use it. To reheat, you can use the microwave or stovetop. If using the microwave, heat it in short bursts to avoid drying it out. On the stovetop, warm it gently over low heat. Stir often to keep it moist. Add a splash of water or soy sauce if it seems dry. Enjoy your meal just like the first time! You can pair this dish with several tasty sides. Here are some ideas: - Steamed broccoli - Sliced cucumbers - Kimchi - Pickled radish - Edamame These sides add color and texture. Plus, they balance the rich flavor of the beef. Yes, you can switch the meat. Ground turkey works well. You might also try ground chicken. Just keep the cooking time similar for best results. The spice level depends on the red pepper flakes. If you like heat, use more flakes. For a milder taste, reduce the amount. You can also skip them if you prefer no spice. To boost flavor, consider these additions: - A splash of rice vinegar - A drizzle of hoisin sauce - Chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or basil These options can enhance the dish and give it a unique twist. In this blog post, we explored key ingredients for a Korean Ground Beef Bowl, including how to choose fresh options. I shared step-by-step cooking steps, serving ideas, and tips for seasoning. We discussed variations like vegetarian and gluten-free adaptations, plus storage and reheating tips. Lastly, I answered common questions about sides and spiciness. Embrace these ideas and make this dish your own. Cooking can be fun and easy with the right approach!

Korean Ground Beef Bowl

A delicious and quick Korean-inspired dish featuring ground beef served over jasmine rice with steamed vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Korean
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 cup cooked jasmine rice
  • 1 cup broccoli florets (steamed)
  • 1 carrot julienned
  • 2 green onions sliced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish
  • 1 serving kimchi (optional for serving)

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat.
  • Once hot, add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Drain any excess fat from the cooked beef, then reduce the heat to medium.
  • Stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Let the mixture simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  • While the beef is simmering, prepare the vegetables. In a separate pot, steam the broccoli florets until bright green and tender, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  • In serving bowls, place a scoop of jasmine rice at the bottom, and top with the cooked ground beef mixture.
  • Add steamed broccoli and julienned carrots on the side.
  • Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
  • For a spicy kick, serve with kimchi on the side if desired.

Notes

For a spicy kick, serve with kimchi on the side if desired.
Keyword ground beef, Korean, quick meal, rice bowl