Imagine a quick, flavor-packed meal that transports you straight to the vibrant streets of Korea, without leaving your kitchen. This Easy Korean Ground Beef Rice Bowl is your ticket to a culinary adventure that's ready in just 20 minutes! Packed with savory, sweet, and umami flavors, this dish combines tender ground beef, perfectly seasoned with soy sauce and brown sugar, nestled on a bed of fluffy rice and topped with vibrant steamed broccoli. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking for a quick dinner, or someone craving authentic Korean-inspired cuisine, this recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Korean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 4 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup steamed broccoli
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by measuring them out and mincing the garlic and ginger.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it's completely browned and no pink remains, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the beef if needed, leaving a small amount for flavor.
- Add minced garlic and ginger to the beef, stirring constantly to prevent burning and to distribute flavors evenly.
- Pour in soy sauce and brown sugar, stirring to combine thoroughly. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce begins to caramelize and coat the beef.
- While the beef is cooking, ensure rice is freshly cooked and steamed broccoli is prepared.
- Divide the cooked rice among four serving bowls, creating a base layer.
- Spoon the seasoned ground beef evenly over the rice in each bowl.
- Top each bowl with steamed broccoli for added nutrition and color.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top as a garnish for added texture and visual appeal.
- Serve immediately while the beef is hot and the rice is warm.
Tips
- Meat Selection Matters: Choose ground beef with a moderate fat content (80/20) for the most flavorful and juicy result.
- Garlic and Ginger Hack: For maximum flavor, use fresh minced garlic and ginger instead of pre-packaged versions.
- Caramelization is Key: Let the soy sauce and brown sugar simmer to create a rich, glossy coating on the beef.
- Rice Tip: Use day-old rice or freshly cooked rice that's been slightly cooled for the best texture.
- Customize Your Bowl: Feel free to add additional toppings like sliced green onions, a fried egg, or a drizzle of sriracha for extra kick.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The ground beef mixture can be prepared in advance and quickly reheated, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Sesame Seeds: Toast them lightly in a dry pan before sprinkling for an enhanced nutty flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 400kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 80mg
