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Quick and Flavorful Korean Ground Beef Bowl

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A fast and delicious Korean ground beef bowl recipe perfect for easy weeknight dinners, combining sweet, salty, and umami flavors with tender beef and quick pickled cucumbers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 cups cooked white rice (short or medium grain)
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds (optional)
  • 2 green onions, sliced thinly
  • 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (for quick pickling cucumbers)
  • Pinch of salt (for pickling cucumbers)

Instructions

  1. Cook 2 cups (370g) of white rice according to package instructions (about 15-20 minutes).
  2. Optional: Thinly slice 1 small cucumber and toss with 1 tablespoon rice vinegar and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Set aside to quick pickle.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger; sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add 1 pound ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  5. Stir in 1/4 cup soy sauce, 3 tablespoons brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Mix well and simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Stir in half of the sliced green onions.
  7. Assemble bowls by spooning cooked rice into bowls, topping with the Korean ground beef mixture, quick-pickled cucumbers, and sprinkling with toasted sesame seeds and remaining green onions.

Notes

Use fresh garlic and ginger for best flavor. Let the sauce simmer to thicken for a sticky texture. Quick pickled cucumbers add a fresh crunch that balances the richness. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari. Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative but may reduce richness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean ground beef, quick dinner, weeknight meal, easy recipe, Korean bowl, ground beef recipe, sesame oil, pickled cucumber

Find it online: https://nadinetable.com/quick-and-flavorful-korean-ground-beef-bowl-recipe-for-easy-weeknight-dinners/