Korean Ground Beef Bowl

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This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a perfect harmony of flavor and simplicity. With savory-sweet beef, crisp veggies, fluffy rice, and a rich runny egg, this meal satisfies both cravings and time constraints. It’s colorful, nutrient-packed, and comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or quick lunches.

What makes this bowl extra special is its balance of textures and flavors. The tender, umami-rich beef pairs beautifully with crunchy carrots and cool cucumbers, while sesame seeds and scallions offer that irresistible finishing touch. Whether you’re new to Korean-inspired dishes or a seasoned fan, this bowl is bound to become a repeat favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Korean Ground Beef Bowl

• It’s ready in 30 minutes or less — great for weeknight dinners.
• Family-friendly and customizable with whatever veggies you have.
• High-protein, satisfying, and packs a ton of flavor.
• Budget-friendly without skimping on taste.
• Easily adaptable for meal prep or leftovers.

What Kind of Ground Beef Should I Use?

For this recipe, lean ground beef (like 85% or 90%) works best. It gives you enough fat to keep the beef flavorful and juicy, but not so much that it becomes greasy. If you’re using higher-fat beef, just be sure to drain the excess grease after browning. You can also swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

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Ingredients for the Korean Ground Beef Bowl

Each ingredient in this bowl adds its own layer of flavor, texture, or nutrition, making the whole dish greater than the sum of its parts:

• Ground Beef – The star of the bowl, savory and seasoned with bold Korean-inspired flavors.
• Soy Sauce – Adds salty depth and umami to the beef.
• Brown Sugar – Balances the saltiness with a touch of sweetness.
• Garlic & Ginger – Freshly minced for a punch of warmth and aroma.
• Sesame Oil – Brings a rich, nutty flavor to the dish.
• Cooked Rice – A fluffy base that absorbs all the delicious juices.
• Carrots – Julienned for a sweet crunch.
• Spinach – Lightly sautéed or blanched to add color and nutrients.
• Cucumber – Fresh and cool, sliced for a refreshing bite.
• Eggs – Fried until the edges are crispy and yolks are runny.
• Green Onions – For garnish and a pop of freshness.
• Sesame Seeds – Adds subtle crunch and toasty notes.

How To Make the Korean Ground Beef Bowl

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s nicely browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks.

Step 2: Add Flavor

Drain excess grease if needed. Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Let everything simmer for 2–3 minutes so the flavors soak in.

Step 3: Prep the Veggies

While the beef is cooking, blanch or sauté the spinach. Slice the cucumber, and julienne the carrots. Set aside.

Step 4: Fry the Eggs

In a separate pan, fry the eggs sunny side up, leaving the yolk slightly runny for richness.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowl

Scoop cooked rice into bowls. Top with seasoned ground beef, veggies, and fried egg. Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds.

Step 6: Serve

Serve warm and enjoy immediately, mixing the egg yolk into the beef and rice for maximum flavor!

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How to Serve and Store This Korean Ground Beef Bowl

This Korean Ground Beef Bowl serves 4 people generously. It’s best enjoyed fresh, with all components warm and the egg freshly cooked. However, it’s also excellent for meal prepping — just store the beef, rice, and veggies separately for optimal texture.

Storage Tips:

• Store cooked beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Keep the rice in a separate container to avoid sogginess.
• Fresh veggies can be stored separately to retain their crunch.
• Reheat the beef and rice before assembling, and fry a fresh egg when ready to eat.

What to Serve With Korean Ground Beef Bowl?

1. Kimchi

Adds a spicy, fermented kick that balances the sweet-savory flavors of the beef.

2. Miso Soup

A warm, umami-rich soup to round out the meal.

3. Pickled Radish or Daikon

Bright, crunchy, and tangy — great contrast to the rich beef.

4. Seaweed Salad

Light and refreshing with a hint of sesame oil.

5. Korean Pancakes (Pajeon)

Savory, crispy pancakes made with scallions or vegetables.

6. Gyoza or Dumplings

Steamed or pan-fried dumplings add more bite-sized delight.

7. Cabbage Slaw

Crunchy, tangy slaw helps lighten up the richness of the dish.

8. Chili Garlic Edamame

Spicy, garlicky pods that are fun to snack on and easy to make.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another type of meat?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work well. Just adjust the seasoning as needed, especially the soy sauce and sugar.

Is this recipe spicy?
Not by default, but you can make it spicy by adding gochujang (Korean chili paste) or a drizzle of sriracha. Chili flakes or fresh chopped chilies also work.

Can I make this low-carb or keto-friendly?
Absolutely. Swap out the rice for cauliflower rice and skip the brown sugar or use a sugar-free substitute.

Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes, it’s great for meal prep. Cook the beef and rice ahead, store the veggies separately, and assemble when ready to eat. Fry the egg fresh for best texture.

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Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it anytime.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add gochujang for a spicy twist? Did you swap the veggies for something else?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other cook smarter.
Check out more of my daily recipes on Pinterest: Meals We Share By Sally

Conclusion

The Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a perfect blend of flavor, ease, and versatility. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or prepping meals in advance, this dish has you covered. It’s nourishing, satisfying, and customizable to suit your taste. Once you try it, it’ll surely make its way into your regular meal rotation.

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