Easy Korean Beef Bowl (Printable)

Savory ground beef in spicy gochujang sauce served over rice with fresh vegetables and sesame toppings.

# What You'll Need:

→ Beef & Sauce

01 - 1 lb lean ground beef
02 - 2 tablespoons gochujang
03 - 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
04 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar
05 - 1 tablespoon sesame oil
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
08 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
09 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

→ Rice Base

10 - 4 cups cooked white rice or cauliflower rice

→ Fresh Toppings

11 - 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
12 - 1 cup carrot, julienned or shredded
13 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
14 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
15 - 1 fresh red chili, sliced thin (optional)
16 - Kimchi for serving (optional)

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 4-5 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until browned and cooked through.
02 - Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the beef. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Stir in gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef.
04 - Taste the beef mixture and adjust seasonings as desired. Remove from heat.
05 - Divide cooked rice or cauliflower rice evenly among serving bowls. Top each with the Korean beef mixture.
06 - Top each bowl with sliced cucumber, shredded carrot, green onions, and toasted sesame seeds. Add sliced red chili or kimchi if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Fast and Simple: Goes from prep to table in only 25 minutes.
  • Adaptable: Easily modified for gluten-free or low-carb lifestyles by using tamari and cauliflower rice.
  • Flavor-Packed: The combination of garlic, ginger, and gochujang creates a deep, complex sauce.
  • Fresh Textures: Crisp cucumber and julienned carrots provide a refreshing contrast to the savory beef.
02 -
  • Consistency: Simmer the sauce just until it coats the back of a spoon for that perfect glossy finish.
  • Freshness: Use fresh ginger and garlic rather than powdered versions for a more punchy, authentic flavor.
  • Garnish: Don't skip the toasted sesame seeds; they add a subtle nuttiness that balances the spicy gochujang.
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