Korean Beef and Rice Bowl
The Korean Beef and Rice Bowl is a quick, comforting, and flavorful dish featuring tender marinated ground beef paired with fluffy rice and vibrant vegetables. Ready in under 30 minutes, it uses simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients to create a savory and slightly sweet bowl packed with authentic Korean flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights, customizable to your dietary needs, and loved by the whole family.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Beef and Marinade
- 1 lb ground beef (lean)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Base
- 3 cups cooked rice (white, jasmine, brown, or alternatives like cauliflower rice)
Vegetables and Garnishes
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Optional veggies: carrots (sliced or shredded), bell peppers (sliced), spinach (lightly sautéed or fresh)
- Sesame seeds, for sprinkling
- Optional toppings: fried egg, sliced avocado, toasted sesame seeds
- Prepare the sauce and marinade the beef: In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Add the ground beef and mix well to coat evenly. Allow the beef to marinate for 5-10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Cook the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish light.
- Prepare the rice and veggies: Cook your chosen rice according to package instructions if not already prepared. Meanwhile, lightly sauté your selected vegetables until tender but still crisp, or use raw veggies for extra crunch.
- Assemble the bowl: Place a generous scoop of warm rice at the bottom of your bowl. Top with the savory Korean beef. Arrange vegetables on the side or on top, then garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Add optional toppings such as a fried egg or sliced avocado if desired.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to minimize grease and balance texture.
- Do not skip marinating; it’s key for deep and authentic flavors.
- Cook rice ahead of time to speed up assembly.
- Use fresh garlic and ginger for the best vibrant taste instead of powders.
- Let the cooked beef rest briefly off heat to allow juices to redistribute for a juicier bite.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx.)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Korean beef bowl, quick dinner, ground beef recipe, easy Korean recipe, weeknight meal, rice bowl, gluten free Korean beef