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- 1 lb ground beef - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon brown sugar - 2 teaspoons sesame oil - 1 medium carrot, shredded - 1 cup bell peppers, diced - 2 green onions, finely chopped - Sesame seeds - 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste) In this recipe, the main ingredients make the dish rich and tasty. Ground beef adds protein and a hearty base. Soy sauce gives it a savory kick. Brown sugar balances the saltiness with a hint of sweetness. Lastly, sesame oil adds a warm, nutty flavor that ties everything together. The vegetables bring color and crunch. I love using shredded carrots for their natural sweetness. Diced bell peppers add a pop of color and freshness. Green onions not only add flavor but also make the dish look beautiful. For garnish, sesame seeds add a lovely texture. Gochujang is key; it gives the dish its signature heat. Adjust the amount to suit your taste. With these ingredients, you create a bowl that sings with flavor! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, grab a medium-sized bowl. In it, whisk together the following: - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon brown sugar - 2 teaspoons sesame oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated - 1 tablespoon gochujang Mix until everything blends well. This sauce adds flavor and depth to the beef. Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Cook until it’s evenly brown, with no pink left, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is key for flavor. Once the beef is browned, drain any extra fat from the skillet. Pour the sauce mixture over the beef. Stir well to coat all the meat. Let it simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken and infuse flavor into the beef. To ensure ground beef is tender, use medium heat. This keeps the meat juicy. Break the beef apart gently while cooking. Avoid overcooking it, as this makes it dry. For the right sauce consistency, whisk your sauce well before adding it to the beef. Let it simmer for a few minutes. This thickens the sauce and blends the flavors. A colorful dish looks great! Serve the beef and veggies in a swirl over the rice. Use a mix of bell peppers for a bright look. Add a small bowl of kimchi on the side. This adds flavor and color. For garnishing, sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Toss some extra chopped green onions for a fresh touch. To boost flavor, add spices like black pepper or a pinch of paprika. Fresh herbs like cilantro can also add a nice touch. For side dishes, consider serving steamed broccoli or a fresh salad. These pair well and add nutrition. You can also try pickled vegetables for a tangy kick. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and herbs to enhance the flavor and texture of your dish. Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the amount of gochujang to suit your personal spice tolerance, ensuring the dish is just right for you. Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Make a larger batch and store it in the fridge for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. Pairing Suggestions: Serve with pickled vegetables or a side of kimchi to bring out the authentic Korean flavors in your meal. {{image_4}} You can change the protein in this dish to suit your taste. Ground chicken or turkey makes a lighter option. Both will keep the dish flavorful. If you want a meatless meal, try tofu or tempeh. They soak up the sauce well and add a nice texture. If you need a gluten-free option, you can swap soy sauce for tamari. It has a similar taste. You can also mix in seasonal vegetables. Think zucchini in summer or kale in winter. This keeps the dish fresh and fun. Want more heat? Add extra gochujang to the meat mix. You can also toss in fresh chilies or a dash of hot sauce. For less spice, use less gochujang. Adjust it to match your family's taste. This way, everyone can enjoy the meal. Keep your Korean ground beef bowl in the fridge. Use an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. The dish lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. If you want to enjoy it later, don’t forget to store it right. To enjoy your leftovers, use the microwave or stovetop. For the microwave, heat it in short bursts. Stir between to ensure even heating. On the stovetop, add a splash of water. Heat on low until warm. This keeps the beef moist and tasty. If you want to save some for later, freezing works well. Let the dish cool completely first. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. Be sure to leave some space for expansion. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat as mentioned above, and enjoy! You can serve several tasty sides with your Korean Ground Beef Bowl. Here are a few popular choices: - Kimchi: This fermented veggie adds spice and crunch. - Pickled Vegetables: These give a tangy contrast to the beef. - Steamed Broccoli: A healthy side that pairs well with the savory flavors. - Cucumber Salad: Refreshing and light, it balances the dish nicely. - Egg: A sunny-side-up egg on top can make it extra special. These sides enhance the meal and add more texture and flavor. Yes, you can easily add more heat to your Korean Ground Beef Bowl. Here are some tips: - More Gochujang: Add an extra tablespoon for a spicy kick. - Fresh Chilies: Slice up some fresh chilies and stir them in while cooking. - Chili Oil: Drizzle some chili oil over the finished bowl for extra heat. - Red Pepper Flakes: Mix in red pepper flakes to the sauce for added spice. Adjust the spice to your liking for the perfect heat level. Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prep. Here’s how to include it in your weekly routine: - Batch Cooking: Make a double batch and store it in the fridge. - Containers: Use airtight containers to keep it fresh. - Rice Prep: Cook a large amount of rice to pair with the beef. - Mix and Match: Change up the veggies each week for variety. This way, you have quick and tasty meals ready to go. In this post, we explored the key ingredients for a Korean Ground Beef Bowl, including beef, soy sauce, and fresh veggies. I shared step-by-step instructions for creating a tasty sauce and cooking the beef to perfection. You learned tips for presentation and flavor enhancements, along with variations to suit your taste. For leftovers, I provided storage advice to keep your dish fresh. With a few simple tips, you can enjoy this dish multiple ways. Dive in and make this easy meal your next family favorite!

Korean Ground Beef Bowl

A delicious and colorful bowl featuring ground beef cooked in a savory sauce, served over rice with vibrant vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Korean
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated
  • 1 medium carrot, shredded
  • 1 cup bell peppers, diced
  • 2 green onions finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon gochujang
  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and gochujang until you achieve a consistent mixture. Set this sauce aside to let the flavors meld.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Continue cooking until it’s evenly browned and no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet. Pour the sauce mixture over the browned beef and stir thoroughly to ensure the meat is well-coated. Allow it to simmer gently for an additional 3-4 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly.
  • Add the shredded carrot and diced bell peppers to the skillet with the beef. Stir to combine, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but retain a slight crunch.
  • Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped green onions, reserving a small amount for garnish.
  • In serving bowls, place a generous scoop of cooked rice as a base. Top each bowl with a hearty portion of the Korean ground beef mixture, ensuring an even distribution of meat and vegetables.
  • Sprinkle sesame seeds liberally on top, along with the reserved chopped green onions for an added pop of color.

Notes

For a visually appealing presentation, create a colorful swirl of the beef and vegetables on top of the rice, and consider serving a small bowl of kimchi on the side.
Keyword ground beef, korean, quick meal, rice bowl