Experience a delightful fusion of flavors with these homemade Korean Beef Bowls. Combining savory ground beef in a rich, sweet, and tangy sauce, served over rice and complemented by fresh vegetables, this dish offers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Perfect for both quick weeknight dinners and meal prep, these bowls are customizable to suit individual preferences, making them a hit with the whole family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules.
- Customizable: Each bowl can be tailored with your favorite toppings, allowing everyone to create their perfect meal.
- Flavorful: The combination of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce provides authentic Asian-inspired flavors.
- Great for Leftovers: Tastes just as delicious the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Onion
- Soy sauce
- Brown sugar
- Fresh ginger
- Fresh garlic
- Sesame oil
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Cornstarch
- Water
- Cooked rice
- Coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
- Sliced cucumbers
- Spicy mayo or yum yum sauce
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to form a slurry, then combine with the sauce mixture.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with diced onion until the meat is fully cooked and the onion is translucent. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked beef mixture. Stir to combine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the beef.
- Assemble the Bowls: In individual serving bowls, place a portion of cooked rice at the bottom. Top with the saucy Korean beef, a handful of coleslaw mix, and sliced cucumbers. Drizzle with spicy mayo or yum yum sauce as desired.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately, allowing each person to mix their bowl to their liking.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
- Preparation Time: About 5 minutes.
- Cooking Time: Approximately 15 minutes.
- Total Time: Around 20 minutes.
Variations
- Vegetable Additions: Incorporate sautéed bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for added nutrition and color.
- Protein Alternatives: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for a different protein option.
- Grain Base: Swap out white rice for brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice to suit dietary preferences.
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of red pepper flakes, or by adding a drizzle of sriracha.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover Korean beef and rice separately from fresh vegetables to maintain texture. Place them in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the beef and rice in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. Assemble with fresh vegetables and sauces just before serving to preserve freshness.
FAQs
What type of ground beef is best for this recipe?
Using lean ground beef, such as 93% lean, is recommended to minimize excess fat. However, you can use any ground beef and simply drain any excess fat after cooking.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting regular soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, you can make this dish gluten-free.
Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can cook the beef and prepare the sauce in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator, and when ready to serve, reheat and assemble with fresh rice and vegetables.
What can I use instead of spicy mayo or yum yum sauce?
Alternatives include sriracha, hoisin sauce, or a simple drizzle of sesame oil for added flavor.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat alternatives or crumbled tofu. Ensure that any substitutions align with your dietary preferences.
What other toppings can I add to the bowls?
Feel free to add toppings like sliced green onions, sesame seeds, shredded carrots, or pickled radishes to enhance flavor and texture.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be used. Ensure they are properly thawed and drained to prevent excess moisture in the dish.
How do I store leftovers?
Store the beef and rice in separate airtight containers from the fresh vegetables. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Reheat the beef and rice before assembling with fresh vegetables.
Can I freeze the cooked beef mixture?
Yes, the cooked beef mixture can be frozen for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and serving.
What is the best way to reheat the beef without drying it out?
Reheat the beef gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at a reduced power setting, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to maintain moisture.
Conclusion
Korean Beef Bowls offer a delightful and customizable dining experience that combines savory flavors with fresh, crisp vegetables. Whether you’re seeking a quick weeknight meal or preparing lunches ahead of time, this recipe provides a versatile and satisfying option that can be tailored to suit various tastes and dietary needs. Enjoy the harmonious blend of textures and flavors in each bite!
Print
Korean Beef Bowls
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stove-Top
- Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Savor the irresistible flavors of these Korean Beef Bowls—a quick and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. With savory ground beef in a sweet and tangy sauce, served over rice and paired with fresh veggies, this dish is a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
- 1/2 cup sliced cucumbers
- Spicy mayo or yum yum sauce (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce:
In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. In a separate small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to create a slurry, then combine it with the sauce. - Cook the Beef:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the ground beef with diced onion until fully browned and the onion is translucent. Drain excess fat if necessary. - Add the Sauce:
Pour the sauce into the skillet with the cooked beef mixture. Stir well and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and coats the beef. - Assemble the Bowls:
Start with cooked rice as the base in serving bowls. Top with the saucy Korean beef, coleslaw mix, and sliced cucumbers. Drizzle spicy mayo or yum yum sauce on top for extra flavor. - Serve and Enjoy:
Serve immediately. Allow everyone to mix their bowl to suit their taste.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Cook the beef mixture in advance for easy assembly later.
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding or reducing red pepper flakes or using sriracha.
- Storage: Keep beef and rice separate from vegetables when storing leftovers for optimal freshness.
- Customization: Use your favorite grains or vegetables to tailor the dish.
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