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- 1 pound ground beef (85% lean) - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1-inch piece of ginger, grated - 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium) - 2 tablespoons brown sugar - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste) - 1 cup green onions, chopped (white and green parts separated) - 2 cups cooked jasmine rice - 1 cup shredded carrots - 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish - Optional: Kimchi for serving These ingredients come together to create a tasty Korean ground beef bowl. The ground beef gives a hearty base, while the sesame oil adds a rich flavor. Garlic and ginger bring warmth and depth to the dish. Soy sauce and brown sugar create a sweet and salty sauce. Rice vinegar adds a nice tang, and gochujang gives it a spicy kick. Green onions brighten the dish with freshness. Jasmine rice serves as the perfect bed for all those flavors. The shredded carrots and cucumber add crunch and color. Don’t forget the sesame seeds on top! They add a nice texture. If you love kimchi, serve it on the side for a classic touch. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by heating the sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. 2. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the oil. Sauté for about one minute. This step makes the kitchen smell amazing! 3. Now, add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula. Cook until it turns brown, about five to seven minutes. 1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and gochujang. Mix until well combined. 2. Pour this flavorful sauce over the cooked beef in the skillet. Stir to coat the beef evenly. Let it simmer for two to three minutes to allow the flavors to meld. 1. Stir in the white parts of the green onions and the shredded carrots. Cook for an additional two minutes. This will soften the carrots just a bit. 2. While the beef mixture finishes cooking, prepare your serving bowls. Place a scoop of cooked jasmine rice at the bottom of each bowl. 3. Top each bowl with a portion of the Korean ground beef mixture. Add sliced cucumbers for a fresh crunch. Finally, garnish with the green parts of the onions and sprinkle sesame seeds on top for that perfect finish. Enjoy your meal! To ensure your ground beef is perfectly browned, use a hot skillet. Heat the sesame oil until it shimmers. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. This brings out the flavors. Next, add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula. Let it cook without stirring too much. This helps it brown well. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it to be a rich brown color. If you want to adjust the spiciness, start with a small amount of gochujang. Add one tablespoon and taste. You can always add more later if needed. This chili paste gives the dish heat and flavor. Remember, you can control how spicy it gets! Arranging the bowl well makes your meal look great. Start with a scoop of jasmine rice at the bottom. This helps soak up all the tasty sauce. Then, add the Korean ground beef mixture on top. Next, layer sliced cucumbers around the beef. This adds color and crunch. For extra appeal, sprinkle sesame seeds on top. They add a nice texture and look beautiful. Serve each bowl with a side of kimchi. It adds a spicy kick and a pop of color. This makes your dish even more exciting! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will enhance the flavor of the dish significantly. Opt for whole roots to maximize freshness. Adjust Spice Level: The amount of gochujang can be tailored to your taste. Start with less and add more if you prefer a spicier kick. Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe is great for meal prep. Cook a larger batch and divide it into containers for quick lunches throughout the week. Garnish for Appeal: Adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh herbs not only enhances the flavor but also the visual appeal of your dish. {{image_2}} You can change the protein in this dish. Here are some great options: - Pork: Use ground pork for a richer flavor. - Turkey: Lean ground turkey gives a lighter taste. - Tofu: Crumbled tofu works well for a vegetarian twist. For a vegan version, swap the ground beef with crumbled tempeh or a mix of mushrooms and beans. This keeps the heartiness of the dish while being plant-based. Rice is a great base for your bowl. You can switch it up with different grains: - Brown rice: Adds more fiber and nutrients. - Quinoa: A protein-rich option for a healthy twist. - Cauliflower rice: A low-carb choice for a lighter meal. You can also add extra vegetables or toppings to make it colorful and fun: - Spinach: Toss in fresh spinach for a pop of green. - Bell peppers: Add sliced bell peppers for extra crunch. - Avocado: Creamy avocado slices make the dish richer. Feel free to get creative! Mixing in different textures and flavors can make each bowl unique. To store leftovers, let the dish cool first. Then, place it in a container with a tight seal. Glass containers or BPA-free plastic containers work best. They keep the food fresh and prevent spills. You can store the Korean ground beef in the fridge for up to three days. This way, you can enjoy it again soon. For long-term storage, consider freezing the beef. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to keep it fresh. You can freeze the beef for up to three months. When you want to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat. Stir often to heat evenly. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This ensures your meal stays tasty and moist. Can I use frozen ground beef? Yes, you can use frozen ground beef. Just thaw it first. You can leave it in the fridge overnight. If you need it fast, use the microwave. Be sure to cook it fully before adding the sauce. How long can I keep the leftovers? You can keep leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. Store them in an airtight container. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. They last about three months in the freezer. What is gochujang, and where can I find it? Gochujang is a Korean chili paste made from red chili powder, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, and salt. It has a sweet and spicy flavor. You can find it in Asian grocery stores or online. Look for it in the international aisle of your local supermarket. Can I omit the sesame oil? You can skip the sesame oil if you want. It adds a nice nutty flavor, but you can use another oil. Olive oil or vegetable oil works too. Just remember, it may change the dish's taste a bit. What are some ideas for customizing the recipe? You can add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas. Try using different proteins like turkey or tofu. You can also switch the type of rice, using brown rice for a healthier option. How to make this dish gluten-free? To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce. Make sure the gochujang you choose is also gluten-free. Check labels to be sure. This recipe for Korean ground beef offers flavor and ease. You learned the key steps: cooking the beef, making the sauce, and preparing the bowl. I shared tips on perfect browning and how to spice it up. We explored variations and storage methods to help you enjoy this dish longer. In wrapping up, cooking at home can be fun and tasty. Try new ingredients and make it your own. Enjoy every bite of your delicious meal!

Korean Ground Beef Bowls

A delicious and savory dish featuring ground beef cooked in a flavorful sauce, served over jasmine rice with fresh vegetables.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Korean
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, grated
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste, adjust to taste)
  • 1 cup green onions, chopped (white and green parts separated)
  • 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish
  • optional Kimchi for serving

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat.
  • Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Slowly add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and gochujang, mixing until well combined.
  • Pour the sauce mixture over the cooked ground beef in the skillet, stirring to coat the beef evenly. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  • Stir in the white parts of the green onions and shredded carrots, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until the carrots are slightly softened.
  • While the beef mixture is finishing, prepare the serving bowls with a scoop of cooked jasmine rice at the bottom.
  • Top each bowl with a portion of the Korean ground beef mixture, then add sliced cucumbers and garnish with the green parts of the onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

Serve each bowl with a side of kimchi for an extra flavor kick and color. You can also sprinkle some extra sesame seeds on top for a nice crunch.
Keyword easy dinner, ground beef, Korean, rice bowls