Savory Korean Beef Bowls

$- 1 lb ground beef (or ground sirloin) - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 2 tablespoons brown sugar - 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean red chili paste) - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1-inch piece ginger, grated - 2 green onions, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish) - 1 cup cooked jasmine rice (or cauliflower rice) - 1 cup fresh spinach (or bok choy) - 2 teaspoons sesame seeds (for garnish) - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients make Korean Beef Bowls a delight. Ground beef gives a savory base. You can use ground sirloin for a leaner dish. Soy sauce adds salt and umami. Sesame oil brings rich flavor and a nutty kick. Brown sugar balances the sauce with sweetness. Gochujang is the star. It adds heat and depth. Garlic and ginger give warmth and aroma. Green onions add freshness and crunch. Jasmine rice serves as the perfect bed for the beef. Spinach or bok choy adds color and nutrients. Finally, sesame seeds make a lovely garnish. Gather these ingredients before you start. They make the meal easy and tasty. You can find most at local stores. Make sure they are fresh for the best results. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, take a large skillet and place it on medium heat. Add one pound of ground beef to the skillet. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes. As it cooks, break it apart with a spatula. This helps it brown evenly. If you see extra fat, drain it off carefully. In a small bowl, combine the following ingredients: - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 2 tablespoons brown sugar - 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean red chili paste) - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1-inch piece ginger, grated Whisk these together until smooth. This sauce adds a lot of flavor to your beef. Now, take the sauce you made and pour it over the browned beef. Mix it well. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. This step allows all the flavors to come together. Next, stir in two finely chopped green onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste. In another pot or food steamer, add one cup of fresh spinach. Steam it for about 2 minutes until it becomes wilted. If you prefer, you can sauté the spinach in a bit of oil instead. To put your bowls together, start with a scoop of cooked rice. You can use jasmine rice or cauliflower rice. Next, top it with the beef mixture. Add a handful of the wilted spinach on top. Finally, garnish with 2 teaspoons of sesame seeds and some extra green onions for a nice touch. Enjoy your Korean Beef Bowls! - Adjust gochujang to match your spice level. If you like it hot, add more. - Use fresh ingredients for the best taste. Fresh garlic and ginger make a big difference. - Cook the ground beef until it's fully done. Aim for an internal temperature of 160°F. - Simmer the sauce long enough. Let it meld the flavors for about 2-3 minutes. - Add sides like kimchi or pickled veggies for extra crunch. These add great flavor. - Top your bowls with a fried egg or some extra jalapeños if you want more heat. Pro Tips Use Lean Meat: For a healthier option, opt for lean ground sirloin instead of regular ground beef to reduce fat content. Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of gochujang or substitute it with a milder chili paste. Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh ginger and garlic for a more vibrant flavor; they make a significant difference in taste. Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare the beef mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days for quick and easy meals. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish lower in carbs. Just swap jasmine rice for cauliflower rice. Cauliflower rice is light and fluffy. It adds a nice texture without the carbs. Plus, it absorbs the flavors well. This swap keeps the meal tasty and healthy. Want a lighter meat choice? Try ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Both options keep the dish lean. They also soak up the flavors of the sauce. If you prefer a vegetarian option, use tofu. Tofu is a great protein source. It adds a nice texture and takes on the sauce's taste. To make your bowls even better, add more veggies. Bell peppers and carrots work great. They bring crunch and color to the dish. Mushrooms are another fantastic addition. They give a rich umami flavor that enhances the taste of the beef. Mixing in these ingredients can boost nutrition and flavor. To keep your Korean Beef Bowls fresh, allow the servings to cool first. This step helps avoid condensation in your container. Once cooled, place the beef, rice, and greens into an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. This makes it easy to enjoy a quick meal later. If you want to save some for later, freeze individual portions. You can keep them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Be sure to use freezer-safe containers to avoid freezer burn. When you're ready to eat, remember to reheat the beef mixture thoroughly before serving. To reheat, you can use the microwave or warm it on the stove. If you choose the stove, add a splash of water to keep the beef moist. This simple tip helps revive the flavors and texture, ensuring your meal tastes just as good as when you first made it. Gochujang is a Korean red chili paste. It adds heat and depth to dishes. In this recipe, I use one tablespoon of gochujang. This gives the beef a sweet and spicy flavor. You can find gochujang in Asian markets or online. It’s a must-have for authentic Korean cooking. Yes, you can prepare the beef and rice in advance. Cook the beef and sauce, then cool it. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. You can also cook the rice ahead. Just keep it in an airtight container. When ready to eat, reheat the beef and rice together for a quick meal. To make it milder, use less gochujang. You can start with one teaspoon. For a spicier kick, add more gochujang or some red pepper flakes. Taste the mixture as you go. This way, you can find the right heat level for your family. Yes, but you need to use gluten-free soy sauce. Regular soy sauce contains wheat. Look for tamari or a gluten-free brand. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish without worry. Always check labels to ensure safe eating options. Korean beef bowls are easy to make and packed with flavor. You start with ground beef and mix it with a tasty sauce. Adding fresh greens and fragrant rice makes it perfect. You can even adjust the spice level to fit your taste. Whether you stick to tradition or try new twists, these bowls will impress. Enjoy cooking and sharing this delightful meal with family and friends!$

A delicious and easy-to-make Korean-inspired dish featuring ground beef, savory sauce, and fresh vegetables served over rice.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Korean

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon gochujang
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch ginger, grated
2 green onions finely chopped
1 cup cooked jasmine rice
1 cup fresh spinach
2 teaspoons sesame seeds
to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, approximately 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, gochujang, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Pour the sauce over the browned beef, mixing well to combine. Allow to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors meld.
Stir in the chopped green onions and season with salt and pepper to taste.
In a separate pot or food steamer, add the spinach and steam for about 2 minutes until wilted. You can also sauté it briefly with a touch of oil if preferred.
To assemble the bowls, place a scoop of cooked rice at the bottom. Top with the sautéed beef mixture and a handful of spinach.
Garnish with sesame seeds and extra green onions for added flavor and color.

Notes

For a low-carb option, substitute jasmine rice with cauliflower rice.

Keyword beef, korean, quick meal, rice