The delightful, savory goodness of *Korean Ground Beef Bowls* is not just a meal—it’s an experience. Ready in a mere 30 minutes, these bowls are packed with flavor, balancing the richness of grass-fed beef with the zing of sesame and garlic.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish is on the table in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Explosion: Each bite is a delicious blend of savory ground beef, fresh veggies, and a hint of spice.
- Versatile and Adaptable: Easily substitute ingredients to fit dietary needs without sacrificing taste.
- Healthy Choice: Made with 100% grass-fed beef and fresh vegetables for a nutritionally balanced meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating these Korean Ground Beef Bowls is all about simplicity and perfection in every ingredient. Each one contributes uniquely to the overall flavor and texture, making every bite irresistible.
- 1 lb. 100% Grass-Fed Angus Ground Beef: The rich, savory base of the dish.
- ⅓ cup coconut aminos: A sweeter, healthier alternative to soy sauce.
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil: Adds nutty, toasted undertones.
- 2 teaspoons honey: Provides a hint of sweetness to balance the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Lends a sour note that cuts through the richness.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Essential for depth and aroma.
- Crushed red pepper flakes and ground ginger: For warmth and subtle heat.
- 3 green onions: Used for both garnish and flavor depth in cooking the beef.
- Cooked rice, cucumber, radish, and carrots: These fresh sides make the dish complete.
Variations
One of the great joys of making Korean Ground Beef Bowls is how easy they are to customize. Whether you’re swapping out ingredients or catering to specific dietary needs, these bowls lend themselves beautifully to adaptation.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the beef with firm tofu or a plant-based protein.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari in place of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
How to Make Korean Ground Beef Bowls
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Place your skillet over medium-high heat, and once hot, add the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to crumble it into small pieces as it cooks. This ensures even browning and enhances the flavor. Once completely cooked, drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
While your beef is browning, whisk together the coconut aminos, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and garlic in a small bowl. Add the red pepper flakes and ginger for that signature spicy-sweet Korean flavor profile.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
Pour the sauce over the browned beef in your skillet. Add the light green and white parts of the green onions. Allow the mixture to simmer slightly until the beef absorbs the sauce. Serve over hot rice, adding fresh cucumber, radish, and carrots as desired.
Pro Tips for Making Korean Ground Beef Bowls
- Perfect Crumble: For the best texture, use a wooden spoon to break up the beef into fine pieces as it cooks.
- Balancing Heat: Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper to suit your spice tolerance without overpowering the other flavors.
- Sauce Absorption: Allow the beef to simmer long enough in the sauce for maximum flavor absorption.
- Garnish Variety: Feel free to experiment with your favorite toppings—fresh herbs or pickled vegetables work wonderfully.
How to Serve Korean Ground Beef Bowls
Garnishes
To enhance the vibrant presentation and taste of your bowls, add green onions, sesame seeds, and a dash of sriracha for an extra kick. These garnishes not only add flavor but also elevate the visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Pair these Korean Ground Beef Bowls with classic Korean side dishes like kimchi or seaweed salad. A simple miso soup can also complement the flavors beautifully, rounding out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, serve these bowls in brightly colored bowls or bento boxes. Layering the ingredients allows each color to shine, creating a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Korean Ground Beef Bowls in an airtight container in the fridge. They can be stored for up to 3 days and make for a perfect quick lunch.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked beef mixture on its own in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Reheating
Reheat your Korean Ground Beef Bowls in a skillet over medium heat, or microwave until warm. Add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Just be sure the meat is cooked thoroughly before adding the sauce.
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What can I use instead of coconut aminos?
If coconut aminos aren’t available, you can mix soy sauce with a bit of water as a substitute. Just keep in mind it will be saltier, so adjust other seasonings accordingly.
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How spicy are these bowls?
The level of heat is adjustable. Start with a small amount of red pepper flakes and increase to your liking. Adding sriracha at the end also offers customizable heat.
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Are these bowls keto-friendly?
To make them more keto-friendly, serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice and be mindful of the sauce ingredients.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to impress with minimal effort, these Korean Ground Beef Bowls are a must-try. Whether serving family or friends, they embody comfort and flavor in each irresistible bite. Dive in and enjoy the adventure of flavors!
Print
Korean Ground Beef Bowls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean-inspired
Description
Enjoy this quick and flavorful Korean Ground Beef Bowl, a perfect 30-minute meal that combines tender grass-fed beef with a savory sauce, served over rice with fresh vegetables. It’s a healthy, satisfying dish suitable for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Meat and Sauces
1 lb. (16 ounces) Silver Fern Farms Net Carbon Zero By Nature 100% Grass-Fed Angus Ground Beef
1/3 cup coconut aminos*
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
2 teaspoons honey
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (may substitute 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger)
3 green onions, sliced, green and light green/white parts separated
For Serving
3 cups cooked white rice or brown rice
1 teaspoon sesame seeds
1 large cucumber, thinly sliced or cut into strips using a vegetable peeler
8 radishes, trimmed and thinly sliced
2 medium carrots, shredded or julienned
Optional: Sriracha or chili-garlic sauce, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat on the stovetop. When hot, add the ground beef, stirring and crumbling into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat, then return the skillet to the heat.
- Prepare the sauce: While the beef cooks, whisk together coconut aminos, honey, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and ground ginger in a small bowl until well combined.
- Add sauce and green onions: Pour the sauce into the cooked beef along with the light green parts of the sliced green onions. Stir well and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the mixture is simmering slightly and the flavors meld.
- Finish and serve: Remove from heat. Serve the flavorful beef over hot cooked rice, garnished with the white parts of the green onions, sesame seeds, and a platter of sliced cucumber, radish, and shredded carrots on the side. Add Sriracha or chili-garlic sauce for extra heat, if desired.
Notes
- *May substitute 3 tablespoons tamari (gluten-free) or low-sodium soy sauce + 3 tablespoons water for coconut aminos, if preferred.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to spice preference.
- For a more authentic flavor, use freshly grated ginger instead of ground ginger.
- Can prepare vegetables in advance or substitute with other fresh toppings like sliced bell peppers or shredded lettuce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe (without hot sauce)
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
