Hello friends, Chef André here.
If you’re craving bold flavor without spending hours in the kitchen, these Korean Beef Bowls are exactly what you need. Savory ground beef cooked in a sweet-and-salty Korean-inspired sauce, served over fluffy rice and finished with crisp veggies and a creamy drizzle this is comfort food with serious personality.
This recipe is fast, affordable, and endlessly customizable. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep lunches, or whenever you want a satisfying bowl that hits every flavor note: sweet, savory, umami, and just a little spicy.
Simple ingredients. Big flavor. Zero stress.
Why These Korean Beef Bowls Are a Weeknight Winner
This dish is loved because it’s:
- Ready in about 25–30 minutes
- Budget-friendly and family-approved
- Packed with bold, balanced flavor
- Perfect for meal prep
- Easy to customize with veggies and sauces
One bowl, endless possibilities.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Korean Beef
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- ¼ cup soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Bowls & Toppings
- 3 cups cooked white or jasmine rice
- 1 cup sliced cucumber
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds
Optional Sauce
- Spicy mayo or gochujang mayo
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1
Cook rice according to package instructions and keep warm.
Step 2
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
Step 3
Drain excess fat if needed, then add garlic and ginger. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4
Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Step 5
Reduce heat and simmer 3–5 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the beef.
Step 6
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 7
Assemble bowls with rice, Korean beef, cucumber, and carrots.
Step 8
Drizzle with spicy mayo and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Chef André’s Tips for the Best Korean Beef Bowls
- Use high heat to caramelize the beef
- Balance sweetness with soy sauce carefully
- Add veggies fresh for contrast
- Make extra beef—it disappears fast
Texture + flavor = perfect bowl.
Easy Variations to Try
- Use ground turkey or chicken
- Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers
- Serve over cauliflower rice
- Make it spicy with extra chili paste
This recipe adapts beautifully.
What to Serve with Korean Beef Bowls
They’re great on their own, but also pair well with:
- Simple Asian slaw
- Steamed edamame
- Miso soup
Quick, balanced, satisfying.
Storage and Reheating
- Store components separately up to 4 days
- Reheat beef gently in a skillet or microwave
For safe handling of cooked beef, follow USDA Food Safety guidelines:
https://www.usda.gov/food-safety
FAQ – Korean Beef Bowls
Is this dish spicy?
Mild by default, easy to adjust.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, perfect for meal prep.
Is it kid-friendly?
Absolutely—skip the chili if needed.
Can I freeze the beef?
Yes, freezes very well.
Approximate Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: ~520 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Fat: 24 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
Values vary based on rice and sauces used.
Final Words from Chef André
These Korean Beef Bowls are proof that quick dinners don’t have to be boring. Savory, comforting, and incredibly satisfying, this is one of those recipes you’ll keep coming back to when time is short but flavor still matters.
If you make them, tell me—extra sauce or extra crunch?
Chef André 👨🍳