These Korean ground beef bowls are a simple take on the mouthwatering flavors of beloved Beef bulgogi dishes.
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.
More bowl recipes
Korean Ground Beef Bowls
Equipment
- Large Skillet
Ingredients
Beef:
- 2 lbs ground beef 93% lean, raw (32 oz)
- 6 garlic cloves minced (30 grams)
Sauce:
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce (4 oz)
- ¼ cup honey (84 grams)
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Bowls:
- 3 cup white rice cooked (600 grams)
- 3 cup cucumber diced (450 grams)
- 1.5 cup carrots shredded (150 grams)
- Optional: sesame seeds & green onions
Instructions
- 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)
Notes
- To meal prep: Cook according to instructions. You can pre-assemble full bowls in 6 airtight containers, choosing to omit carrots/cucumbers as desired for reheating.
- You can also store ingredients separately and build at meal time.
- Sub soy sauce with coconut aminos
- To make GF: Use gluten-free rice and soy sauce.
- This recipe is dairy-free.
- To track on MyFitnessPal and MacrosFirst: Search Jordo’s World + “Korean Ground Beef Bowls”
Hillary Weissbach says
LOVE this recipe and it is so easy to make! I usually add loads of veggies on top and have leftovers for lunch. SO good!
Jordan Smith says
This recipe is great for adding in extra veggies and using whatever you have. Sometimes if I'm really feeling fancy, I'll add an egg on top, too!
Kara says
Delicious and super easy to throw together! We made this last week and the flavor was spot on.
Marla says
We love Korean food and this was delicious! Give it a try!
Traci Ockomon says
Cannot go wrong with this recipe for meal prep. I double the recipe and freeze half of the meat for later. Filling, delicious and healthy!
Ashley W. says
Delicious! I lived in Korea for 2 years so it’s always fun trying out Korean inspired dishes
Jordan Smith says
Wow, what an awesome thing to hear!