Save Bring the vibrant flavors of a Korean kitchen to your dinner table with this Korean Ground Beef Bowl. This savory, flavorful dish combines seasoned ground beef with your choice of rice or cauliflower rice, all finished with a tangy crunch of quick-pickled vegetables for a healthy, satisfying meal ready in just 35 minutes.
Save Whether you are prepping meals for the week or looking for a family favorite, this bowl delivers 23g of protein per serving and a refreshing variety of textures. The combination of warm, saucy meat and chilled, zesty radishes and carrots creates a truly satisfying dining experience.
Ingredients
- Beef Mixture: 500 g (1 lb) lean ground beef, 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free), 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon gochujang (or sriracha), 2 thinly sliced green onions, and 1 tablespoon sesame seeds.
- Rice Base: 4 cups cooked jasmine rice or cauliflower rice.
- Quick Pickled Vegetables: 1 cup julienned carrot, 1 cup thinly sliced cucumber, 1/2 cup thinly sliced radish, 1/2 cup rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Garnish: Additional sliced green onions and extra sesame seeds.
Instructions
- 1. Prepare the Pickled Vegetables
- In a bowl, combine rice vinegar, sugar, and salt, stirring until dissolved. Add the carrot, cucumber, and radish. Toss to coat and let the mixture sit for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 2. Prepare the Rice
- Cook your chosen jasmine rice or cauliflower rice according to the package instructions and keep it warm for assembly.
- 3. Brown the Beef
- Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked through (about 5–7 minutes). Drain any excess fat.
- 4. Season and Simmer
- Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and optional gochujang to the skillet. Stir well and cook for 2–3 minutes until the mixture is fragrant and saucy.
- 5. Finish the Meat
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
- 6. Assemble the Bowls
- Divide the rice or cauliflower rice among four bowls. Top with the seasoned ground beef and a generous portion of the pickled vegetables.
- 7. Garnish and Serve
- Finish with extra green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately while warm.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure success, use a large skillet and high-quality lean ground beef. Essential tools for this recipe include a cutting board, a sharp knife for julienning vegetables, and a mixing bowl for the quick-pickle brine. Always double-check labels for allergens, as this dish contains soy and sesame.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a low-carb version, stick with cauliflower rice. If you prefer other proteins, ground turkey or chicken work beautifully as substitutes for the beef. For a vegetarian version, use crumbled tofu or tempeh. To make it gluten-free, ensure you use tamari and a certified GF gochujang paste.
Serviervorschläge
For extra richness and protein, top your bowl with a crispy fried egg. You can also serve it with a side of kimchi for extra heat and probiotics. This dish is best enjoyed immediately to maintain the contrast between the warm beef and the cold pickled vegetables.
Save This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a testament to how simple ingredients like garlic, ginger, and sesame can transform humble ground beef into an extraordinary meal. Enjoy your healthy, homemade bowl!
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I make this dish spicy?
Absolutely. Add gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the beef mixture while cooking for authentic Korean heat, or increase the amount to your preference. Sriracha works as a substitute if needed.
- → How long do the pickled vegetables keep?
The quick pickled vegetables will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to one week when stored in an airtight container. They actually develop more flavor as they sit, so feel free to make them ahead.
- → Is this bowl freezer-friendly?
The seasoned ground beef freezes beautifully for up to three months. Store it in portions and thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently and serve with freshly made rice and vegetables for the best texture.
- → Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken work well as lighter alternatives. Since they're leaner, you may want to add a teaspoon of oil to prevent sticking and ensure the meat stays moist during cooking.
- → What other vegetables can I pickle?
Feel free to add thinly sliced red cabbage, bell peppers, or even daikon radish to the pickling mixture. Just keep the total amount around 2-3 cups and use the same vinegar-salt-sugar brine.
- → How do I make this completely vegetarian?
Crumble firm tofu or tempeh and season it exactly as you would the beef. You may need to cook it slightly longer to achieve a nice browned exterior and firmer texture. The sauce remains the same.