Korean Ground Beef Bowls

These Korean ground beef bowls are a simple take on the mouthwatering flavors of beloved Beef bulgogi dishes.

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Korean ground beef bowls

These Korean ground beef bowls are quick, healthy, and high-protein. It is a great choice when you're looking for a meal to keep you full for longer. This 20 minute recipe is perfect for busy people and families. You can add this easily into a weekend meal prep to be prepared for a busy week ahead.

This recipe is customizable and you can make it work for you and your taste. This is the perfect meal to add into your family's favorites. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or for when you're entertaining guests.

What is Korean beef?

Korean beef is savory, juicy and melts in your mouth. The recipe is commonly known as beef bulgogi which directly translates to "fire meat" and has been around for centuries. Some of it's traditional attributes are the thinly sliced meat and flavorful homemade sauce.

Bulgogi really is ALL about the marinade. The sauce is made with classic ingredients of soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Add in some red pepper flakes, ginger, and Asian pear and you're good to go! This recipe takes elements of the original flavor and greatly simplifies it for your ease.

What cut of beef is bulgogi?

Bulgogi is traditionally made with paper thin slices of rib-eye or flank steak. I use ground beef to simplify the recipe and make it leaner.

Korean ground beef bowl ingredients

Beef:

• ground beef 
• garlic

Sauce:

• low-sodium soy sauce
• honey 
• ground ginger
• sesame oil
• black pepper

Bowls:

• white rice 
• cucumber 
• carrots 
• Optional: sesame seeds & green onions

Substitution ideas

• Beef: You do not have to use ground beef in this recipe. You could substitute ground turkey or chicken. I do think the flavors work really well with either of those meats.
• Rice: Instead of white rice, you could use brown rice, cauliflower rice, or even serve the meat over a bed of greens.
• Toppings: The beauty of this recipe is really that you get to make it your own! Add toppings, omit them - do whatever feels right!

How to make Korean ground beef bowl

• Heat skillet over medium heat. While heating, mix sauce in small bowl. Set aside.
• Add beef to skillet and brown, about 8-10 minutes. Add garlic, salt and pepper.
• Add sauce. Cut heat to let simmer for 5 mins, stirring occasionally.
• Assemble bowls with equal amounts of rice, beef, and toppings.
• (In the notes of this recipe card is the nutrition for beef & sauce only if you want to build your own bowl)

What to serve with Korean ground beef bowl

Some crunchy lettuce, a fried egg, and kimchi all come to mind as excellent side choices for your Korean ground beef bowl.

How to meal prep this recipe

When using this recipe for meal prep, just separate the recipe out evenly into 6 containers. Make sure you store the airtight containers in the fridge.

When you're ready to eat, simply grab one, reheat, and you're ready to go! I would cook the rice fresh each time you plan to eat one of the bowls. It will keep the rice from getting clumpy and dry over time.

Storage & reheating tips

Store your leftovers or meal prep in airtight containers in the fridge. To reheat, place in the microwave for one minute. You could also reheat on the stove-top in a skillet.

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