Korean-Inspired Ground Beef Bowls
These bowls are a quick and flavorful weeknight meal, packed with savory-sweet Korean-inspired ground beef and fresh toppings.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or 90/10)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to spice preference)
- 4 cups cooked white rice
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Optional toppings: kimchi, fried egg, pickled vegetables
Cooking Guide:
- Cook the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned throughout, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- Flavor Up: Add the garlic and ginger to the pan and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice into bowls. Top with the Korean-inspired ground beef and drizzle with any remaining sauce in the pan.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve with your favorite toppings, such as kimchi, a fried egg, or pickled vegetables.
Tips:
- Ground Beef Options: You can use leaner ground beef (93/7) for a lighter option, but keep in mind it may be a bit drier. Ground pork or turkey can also be substituted.
- Spice it Up!: If you like it hotter, add a pinch of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) along with the red pepper flakes.
- Veggies: Want to add some extra veggies? Saute sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or broccoli florets with the ground beef.
- Make-Ahead Option: Cook the ground beef mixture ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
- Sauce Substitutions: If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can use a splash of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar in its place. Coconut aminos can be used instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
Enjoy this delicious and easy Korean-inspired ground beef bowl recipe!