Korean Ground Beef Bowls

$- 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean) - 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium) - 1 tablespoon brown sugar - 2 teaspoons sesame oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced - 2 green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish) - 1 cup shredded carrots - 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown) - 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish) - Additional green onions for garnish For this dish, I love using lean ground beef. It keeps each bite light and tasty. Using low-sodium soy sauce helps control the saltiness, making it a healthier choice. Adding brown sugar gives it a sweet touch that balances the savory flavors. Garlic and ginger are key to this recipe. They add a deep, rich flavor that makes every bite exciting. Fresh green onions bring a nice crunch and bright color, while shredded carrots add sweetness and texture. Serve your Korean ground beef bowls over cooked rice. It soaks up the delicious sauce. For a final touch, sprinkle sesame seeds and extra green onions on top. This not only looks great but also adds extra flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} - In a medium bowl, combine: - 1 lb ground beef - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon brown sugar - 2 teaspoons sesame oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar Mix all the ingredients well. This mix gives the beef a rich flavor. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. This marination makes the beef tender and tasty. - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. - Add the marinated ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula. Cook the beef for about 7-10 minutes. Stir it occasionally. You want it to be fully cooked and browned. Make sure any extra liquid evaporates. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This step is key for flavor. - Add 1 cup of shredded carrots to the skillet. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes. You want the carrots to soften slightly. This adds a nice crunch and sweetness. Next, remove the skillet from heat. - Stir in the chopped green onions. Save some for garnish. These steps make your dish colorful and fresh. To enhance the taste of your Korean ground beef bowls, the right soy sauce makes a big difference. I recommend using low-sodium soy sauce. It adds flavor without making the dish too salty. You can also try different types like tamari or even coconut aminos for a gluten-free option. For sweetness, brown sugar works wonders. If you want it sweeter, add more sugar until you get your desired taste. You can also use honey or maple syrup if you prefer natural sweeteners. Browning the beef well is key to flavor. Start with a hot skillet. This helps create a nice sear on the meat. Don't overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. This way, you avoid steaming the beef, which keeps it juicy and flavorful. When adding vegetables, like carrots, stir-fry them quickly. This keeps them crisp and colorful. If you cook them too long, they become mushy and lose their bright look. Garnishing your bowls makes them look tempting. I love adding extra chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for crunch. You can also add sliced radishes or cucumber for freshness. Pair your bowls with sides like kimchi or pickled vegetables. These add contrast and bring extra flavor to the meal. You can even serve it with a fried egg on top for a protein boost and a rich taste. Pro Tips Choose the Right Beef: For a healthier option, use lean ground beef to reduce fat, or substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter dish. Marinating Time: Allowing the beef to marinate for at least 15 minutes enhances the flavor. For deeper flavor, marinate it in the fridge for up to an hour. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or snap peas for extra color and nutrition in your bowls. Rice Options: You can use any type of rice, but consider brown rice for added fiber or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. {{image_2}} You can swap ground beef for turkey or chicken. This change gives a lighter taste. Turkey has less fat, making your meal healthier. Chicken provides a different flavor that pairs well with the sauce. For a vegetarian option, try using tofu. Firm tofu works best. Crumble it and marinate it like you would the beef. Cook it until golden for a nice texture. This version is just as tasty! Want more spice? Add chili flakes to your beef mix. Start with a little and taste it. You can always add more if you like heat. It gives the dish a nice kick. You can also try different vegetables. Add bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms. They add color and crunch. Feel free to use what you have on hand. The mix of flavors will keep things exciting! If you want a lower carb option, use cauliflower rice. It cooks quickly and soaks up flavors well. Just sauté it lightly before serving. Quinoa is another great substitute. It adds protein and a nutty taste. You can also try other grains like farro or barley. Each adds unique flavor and texture to your bowl. To keep your Korean ground beef bowls fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Store leftovers in the fridge. They will stay good for about 3 to 4 days. For reheating, the best method is using a skillet. Heat it on medium-low and add a splash of water. This helps keep the beef moist. Stir often to heat evenly. You can also use the microwave. Place the beef in a bowl with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts to prevent dryness. To freeze the Korean ground beef mixture, let it cool first. Then, place it in freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat in the skillet or microwave as mentioned before. Enjoy your meal, even after freezing! Yes, you can prepare these bowls in advance. Here are some tips: - Cook the beef: Make the ground beef mixture and let it cool. - Store properly: Place the beef in an airtight container. - Refrigerate: Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Reheat before serving: Warm it in a skillet or microwave. - Cook rice separately: Prepare fresh rice when ready to serve for best taste. I recommend using lean ground beef. Here’s why: - Less fat: Lean beef has less grease, making the dish lighter. - Flavor: It still has enough flavor to blend well with the sauce. - Healthier option: Lean beef is a better choice for health-conscious eaters. - Fatty beef: If you prefer more flavor, you can use 80/20 ground beef, but drain excess fat after cooking. Adjusting the spice level is easy and fun. Here’s how: - Add chili flakes: Stir in some red pepper flakes for heat. - Hot sauce: Drizzle your favorite hot sauce over the bowl before serving. - Taste as you go: Start with a little, then add more if you want it spicier. - Mild option: If you want no heat, skip spicy ingredients altogether and enjoy the sweet flavors. This dish combines simple ingredients like ground beef, soy sauce, and garlic for rich flavors. You learned how to marinate and cook the beef while adding fresh veggies. I also shared tips for perfecting the taste and ideas for variations. Remember, cooking can be fun and easy. Play with flavors and spices to make it your own. Enjoy your meal and share it with others!$

A delicious and quick meal featuring marinated ground beef served over rice with fresh vegetables.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Korean

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (preferably lean)
3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 teaspoons sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 green onions chopped (plus extra for garnish)
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

In a medium bowl, combine ground beef, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar. Mix thoroughly and let marinate for about 10-15 minutes.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula.
Cook the beef for about 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until fully cooked. Ensure it’s browned and any excess liquid has evaporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the shredded carrots to the skillet and stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until carrots are slightly softened.
Remove from heat and stir in chopped green onions, reserving a few for garnish.
To serve, place a generous scoop of cooked rice in each bowl, top with the Korean ground beef mixture, and sprinkle with sesame seeds and remaining green onions.

Notes

Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.

Keyword beef, korean, quick meal, rice