Korean Ground Beef Bowl

Experience the bold and vibrant flavors of a Korean Ground Beef Bowl, a quick and satisfying meal that combines savory seasoned beef with the bright crunch of pickled vegetables. This recipe offers a healthy twist on a classic, serving flavorful ground beef over your choice of jasmine rice or low-carb cauliflower rice for a meal that feels both gourmet and wholesome.

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The secret to this dish lies in the aromatic blend of ginger, garlic, and toasted sesame oil, which transforms simple ground beef into an umami-rich masterpiece. Paired with the tangy acidity of home-made pickled carrots, cucumbers, and radishes, every bite provides a delightful contrast of textures.

Ingredients

• Beef: 500 g (1 lb) lean ground beef, 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free), 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger, 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 teaspoon gochujang or sriracha (optional), 2 green onions (thinly sliced), 1 tablespoon sesame seeds.
• Rice Base: 4 cups cooked jasmine rice or cauliflower rice.
• Quick Pickled Vegetables: 1 cup carrot (julienned), 1 cup cucumber (thinly sliced), 1/2 cup radish (thinly sliced), 1/2 cup rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt.
• Garnish: Additional green onions (sliced), extra sesame seeds.

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Instructions

Step 1: Pickled Vegetables

In a bowl, combine rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Stir until dissolved. Add carrot, cucumber, and radish. Toss to coat and let sit for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Prepare Rice

Cook the jasmine rice or cauliflower rice as per package instructions and keep warm.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5–7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 4: Season

Add soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and gochujang (if using) to the beef. Stir well and cook for 2–3 more minutes until fragrant and saucy.

Step 5: Finish

Remove from heat and stir in sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Step 6: Assemble

Divide rice or cauliflower rice among bowls. Top with seasoned ground beef and a generous handful of pickled vegetables.

Step 7: Garnish

Garnish with extra green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For a low-carb version, use cauliflower rice. Note that this recipe contains soy and sesame; for a gluten-free meal, use tamari instead of soy sauce and double-check the gochujang label for any hidden gluten.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef if preferred. For a vegetarian version, use crumbled tofu or tempeh instead of meat. Adjust the heat by adding more or less gochujang or sriracha.

Serviervorschläge

Add a fried egg on top for extra protein and richness; the runny yolk creates a delicious additional sauce. Serve with extra green onions and sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor.

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This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a restaurant-quality meal at home. Quick, nutritious, and incredibly flavorful, it’s sure to become a staple in your weekly rotation.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes, add more gochujang or sriracha to the beef mixture while cooking. You can also serve with additional chili paste on the side for those who prefer extra heat.

→ How long do the pickled vegetables last?

The quick pickled vegetables will keep in the refrigerator for up to one week in an airtight container. They actually develop more flavor after sitting for a day or two.

→ Can I prepare the components ahead?

Absolutely. The pickled vegetables can be made up to a week ahead. The seasoned beef can be cooked in advance and reheated. Rice can be batch-cooked and frozen for quick meals.

→ What other proteins work well?

Ground turkey or chicken make excellent lighter alternatives. For vegetarian versions, crumbled firm tofu or tempeh absorb the Korean seasonings beautifully and provide great texture.

→ Is cauliflower rice as good as regular rice?

Cauliflower rice creates a lighter, low-carb version that still soaks up the savory beef juices. While the texture differs, it makes the dish keto-friendly and adds extra vegetables to your meal.

→ Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely. Sautéed bok choy, spinach, or bean sprouts make excellent additions. You can also add steamed edamame or fresh sliced avocado for more variety and nutrition.