Korean Ground Beef Bowl

Experience a vibrant and flavorful bowl featuring savory seasoned ground beef served over your choice of cauliflower or regular rice. This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is topped with tangy pickled vegetables for a satisfying, healthy twist on a Korean classic that is perfect for any day of the week.

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By combining staples like ginger, garlic, and toasted sesame oil with lean beef, you create a deeply aromatic base that pairs beautifully with the bright acidity of quick-pickled vegetables. It is a meal that balances textures and flavors perfectly in every bite.

Ingredients

• Beef: 500 g (1 lb) lean ground beef, 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free), 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger, 3 cloves garlic, minced, 1 teaspoon gochujang (Korean chili paste) or sriracha (optional, for heat), 2 green onions, thinly sliced, 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• Rice Base: 4 cups cooked jasmine rice or cauliflower rice
• Quick Pickled Vegetables: 1 cup carrot, julienned, 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced, 1/2 cup radish, thinly sliced, 1/2 cup rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Garnish: Additional green onions, sliced, and extra sesame seeds

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the quick pickled vegetables

In a bowl, combine rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Stir until dissolved. Add carrot, cucumber, and radish. Toss to coat. Let sit for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Cook the rice

Cook the rice or cauliflower rice as per package instructions. Keep warm.

Step 3: Brown the beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5–7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 4: Season the meat

Add soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and gochujang (if using) to the beef. Stir well and cook for 2–3 more minutes until fragrant and saucy.

Step 5: Incorporate aromatics

Remove from heat and stir in sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Step 6: Assemble the bowls

To assemble, divide rice or cauliflower rice among bowls. Top with seasoned ground beef and a generous handful of pickled vegetables.

Step 7: Final garnish

Garnish with extra green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Using a large skillet is essential to ensure the beef browns evenly without steaming. For the best flavor profile, use freshly grated ginger rather than ground ginger, and ensure you drain any excess fat from the beef before adding the sauce ingredients.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a low-carb version, use cauliflower rice. You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken, or use crumbled tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian alternative. To make the dish strictly gluten-free, use tamari and double-check the label on your gochujang paste.

Serviervorschläge

For extra protein and a rich finish, add a fried egg on top of each bowl. Serve immediately while the beef is hot and the vegetables are still crisp and cold for the best temperature contrast.

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This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a testament to how simple, fresh ingredients can come together to create a restaurant-quality meal at home. It is a satisfying and wholesome choice that will surely become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I make this dish spicy?

Absolutely. The gochujang adds mild heat, but you can increase the amount or add sriracha for more spice. Start with 1 teaspoon and adjust to your preference.

→ How long do the pickled vegetables last?

The quick pickled vegetables will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. They actually develop more flavor as they sit.

→ Can I prepare components ahead?

Yes. You can pickle the vegetables and cook the rice up to 2 days in advance. The beef mixture can also be made ahead and reheated gently before serving.

→ What other proteins work well?

Ground turkey, chicken, or crumbled tofu make excellent substitutes. Adjust cooking time slightly as turkey and chicken may dry out faster than beef.

→ Is gochujang essential?

Gochujang provides authentic Korean flavor, but sriracha or Korean red pepper flakes work as alternatives. The flavor profile will shift slightly but remain delicious.

→ Can I freeze the beef mixture?

The cooked and seasoned beef freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently with a splash of water.