Description
Learn how to make delicious Korean Ground Beef Bowls! This easy recipe features savory ground beef, a simple yet flavorful sauce, and your choice of toppings, all served over rice.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for optimal flavor)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked rice (jasmine, basmati, or brown rice)
- Optional toppings: sesame seeds, sliced cucumber, kimchi, or pickled vegetables, a fried egg
Instructions
1. Prepare the Rice: The Fluffy Foundation
- Rinse Rice: Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps create fluffier rice.
- Cook Rice: Choose your preferred method:
- Stove Method: Combine the rinsed rice with 2 cups of water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
- Rice Cooker: Add the rinsed rice and water to your rice cooker, close the lid, and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Instant Pot: Combine the rinsed rice and water in the Instant Pot. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 3 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release.
2. Cook the Ground Beef: Building a Savory Base
- Heat Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the hot skillet.
- Brown the Beef: Cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks, until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain Fat: Once the beef is browned, carefully drain off any excess grease from the skillet.
3. Add Flavors: Infusing the Beef with Aromatic Goodness
- Add Garlic and Ginger: Add the minced garlic and minced ginger to the skillet with the cooked beef.
- Cook: Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic and ginger are fragrant.
- Season: Stir in the soy sauce, sesame oil, and chopped green onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer: Allow the mixture to simmer for a couple of minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Assemble the Bowls: Creating a Colorful and Delicious Meal
- Spoon Rice: Scoop a generous amount of cooked rice into the bottom of each serving bowl.
- Top with Beef: Spoon the seasoned ground beef mixture over the rice.
- Add Vegetables (Optional): If you’re using any additional vegetables (like steamed broccoli or sliced bell peppers), add them to the bowls now.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with sesame seeds, extra chopped green onions, and any other desired toppings, such as sliced cucumber, kimchi, pickled vegetables, or a fried egg.
5. Serve and Enjoy: A Quick and Flavorful Meal
- Serve Immediately: Serve the Korean Ground Beef Bowls immediately while they’re warm and the flavors are at their peak.