Name: Korean Beef Bowl
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 teaspoon olive oil or vegetable oil; ½ cup brown sugar; ½ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce; 1 ⅓ tablespoons sesame oil; 2 tablespoons minced garlic (divided); ½ teaspoon ground ginger (or squeeze bottle ginger); ½ – 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (add to taste); Green onion (for garnish); White or brown rice, or lettuce for lettuce wraps

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This Korean Beef Bowl is a quick and flavorful stir-fry featuring lean ground beef cooked in a sweet and spicy brown sauce. Served over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps, it’s a satisfying and versatile meal that comes together in just 15 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something bold and delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The savory-sweet flavors of this Korean Beef Bowl will have you hooked from the first bite. The ground beef is perfectly seasoned with brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic, giving it a rich umami flavor with just the right amount of heat from the crushed red pepper flakes. The sauce is sticky and flavorful, making each bite satisfying and delicious. Whether you enjoy it over rice, noodles, or in fresh lettuce wraps, this dish is easy to customize to your preference! Korean Beef Bowl

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 teaspoon olive oil or vegetable oil
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 ⅓ tablespoons sesame oil
2 tablespoons minced garlic (divided)
½ teaspoon ground ginger (or squeeze bottle ginger)
½ – 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (add to taste)
Green onion (for garnish)
White or brown rice, or lettuce for lettuce wraps

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, 1 ½ tablespoons of garlic, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes until well combined. Set aside.
Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive or vegetable oil over medium heat. Add ½ tablespoon of minced garlic to the oil and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart, until completely browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Combine with Sauce: Pour the prepared soy sauce and brown sugar mixture into the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir to combine, and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
Serve: Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and serve over cooked rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the beef mixture until heated through or reheat in a skillet over medium heat. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes! If you like things spicier, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes, or add a dash of sriracha sauce to the mixture.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, to make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Be sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make this dish vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based protein, such as crumbled tofu or a meat substitute like Impossible or Beyond Meat.

What can I serve this dish with besides rice or noodles?

You can serve this dish with steamed vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or bok choy, for a healthy, well-rounded meal. It also works great in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

Can I prepare this in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the beef and serve it with your choice of rice, noodles, or lettuce wraps.

Conclusion

This Korean Beef Bowl is a quick and easy meal that brings bold flavors to your table in just 15 minutes. With tender ground beef, a sweet and spicy sauce, and your choice of rice or lettuce wraps, it’s a satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Whether you serve it for dinner or as part of a meal prep, this dish is sure to become a go-to favorite!