This flavourful Korean-inspired ground beef bowl is sweet, savory, and slightly spicy, all served over warm rice. It’s a 20-minute meal that tastes like takeout but is made entirely at home with simple pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
Serves: 4
- 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch (2.5cm) piece fresh ginger, grated (or 1/2 tsp ground ginger)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp gochujang or sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
- 3 cups (450g) cooked white or brown rice
- Optional toppings: shredded carrots, cucumber slices, fried egg
Summary of Recipe Steps
- Cook beef with garlic and ginger.
- Add sauce ingredients.
- Simmer and thicken.
- Serve over rice with toppings.
Full Description of Steps
- Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 4–5 minutes, breaking it up as it browns.
- Add garlic, ginger, and white parts of green onions. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, gochujang (or sriracha), and pepper. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Taste and adjust spice or sweetness if needed.
- Spoon the beef mixture over bowls of cooked rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and the green parts of the onions.
- Add optional toppings like shredded carrots, cucumbers, or a fried egg for a full meal.
Handy Tips
- Use ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
- Make it gluten-free with tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Double the sauce if you like extra flavor soaking into the rice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, it reheats beautifully! Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Cooking for one?
I wrote a short, practical guide on building simple, low-waste meals for one person — without batch cooking or stress.
Q: What kind of rice is best?
A: Jasmine or brown rice are great, but cauliflower rice works too for low-carb.
Q: Is this kid-friendly?
A: Very! Just skip or reduce the gochujang/sriracha for a milder taste.