Description
A quick and healthy Korean beef bowl ready in 20 minutes. Perfect high-protein summer dinner with savory, sweet, and spicy flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7 works well)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1-2 teaspoons gochujang (Korean chili paste), adjust for heat
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup thinly sliced cucumber
Instructions
- Cook the Aromatics: In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, add the ground beef, garlic, and ginger. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. If there is excess grease, you can drain it off.
- Create the Sauce: While the beef is cooking, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, gochujang, and black pepper in a small bowl.
- Combine and Simmer: Pour the sauce over the cooked beef. Reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef beautifully.
- Assemble Your Bowls: Divide the cooked rice among bowls. Top with the savory Korean beef, shredded carrots, and sliced cucumber. Garnish generously with green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Notes
Pro Tip: Don’t skip the fresh ginger! It adds a bright, zesty note that really makes the flavors pop. Smart Swaps: No gochujang? A squirt of sriracha will work in a pinch. You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. For a lower-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or a bed of leafy greens.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (with 3/4 cup rice)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 70mg