This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is packed with flavors! Juicy ground beef is marinated in a tasty mix of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, then served over rice with fresh veggies.
It’s like a party in a bowl! I keep coming back for seconds because it’s so easy to make and even better to eat. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: While I love using ground beef for its rich flavor, ground turkey is a great lighter option. You can also try ground chicken for a different spin or even tofu for a vegetarian take. Just adjust cooking times as needed!
Jasmine Rice: Jasmine rice gives a nice fragrance, but if you’re out of it, white or brown rice works too. Quinoa or cauliflower rice can be good low-carb substitutes, offering unique flavors and textures.
Red Bell Pepper: I prefer red bell pepper for its sweetness, but any color of bell pepper is fine! If you’re avoiding nightshades, you can add chopped carrots or zucchini instead for a similar crunch.
Garlic & Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger really enhance the dish, but powdered versions can work in a pinch. I’d recommend using about 1/4 teaspoon of ginger powder and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder instead.
How Do I Properly Sauté Garlic and Ginger?
Sautéing garlic and ginger properly is key to maximized flavors! It’s important to watch the heat as they can burn easily, affecting the dish’s taste.
- Start with a preheated skillet on medium-high heat. Add sesame oil first.
- Add minced garlic and ginger together. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds.
- Once you smell their fragrance, it’s time to add in your next ingredient to continue cooking without burning!
This method helps release those lovely flavors without creating bitterness. Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make a Delicious Korean Ground Beef Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Bowl:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger (fresh or ground)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Korean Ground Beef Bowl will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to cook. You can have a delicious meal ready to enjoy in just about 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until you can smell that yummy aroma. Be careful not to burn them!
2. Brown the Meat:
Next, add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart and cook it until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked, which will take about 5-7 minutes. If you see any excess fat, drain it off to keep your dish light.
3. Add the Peppers:
Now it’s time to add the diced red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook everything together for another 2-3 minutes until the peppers start to soften up a bit.
4. Flavor It Up!
Stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Mix everything well until the sugar dissolves, then let it simmer for about 2 more minutes. This will blend all those amazing flavors together!
5. Final Touches:
Give it a taste! If you think it needs a little something, adjust the seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper. Once it’s just right, remove the skillet from heat and stir in half of the chopped green onions for some fresh flavor.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Now comes the best part! Serve the Korean beef mixture over a bed of warm jasmine rice. Top it all off with the remaining green onions and sprinkle some sesame seeds on top. Dig in and enjoy your homemade deliciousness!
Can I Substitute Ground Turkey for Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative to ground beef. Just be mindful that it can be a bit drier, so consider adding a touch more sesame oil or even a splash of chicken broth while cooking for added moisture.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
You can easily make this dish gluten-free by using tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Additionally, double-check that your rice vinegar is gluten-free, and opt for a gluten-free brand of sesame oil if needed.
What Vegetables Can I Add or Substitute?
Feel free to get creative with your veggie choices! You can add shredded carrots, snap peas, or even diced zucchini. If you want to use other bell pepper colors, like yellow or green, those will work too. Just cook them until they’re tender!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if things seem dry. It’s perfect to enjoy for lunch or dinner the next day!
