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Flavorful Korean Ground Beef Bulgogi Rice Bowl

korean ground beef bulgogi rice bowl - featured image

A quick and easy Korean-inspired rice bowl featuring savory and sweet ground beef bulgogi with a touch of heat, perfect for beginners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ginger, grated
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 2 stalks green onions, sliced
  • 4 cups (960 ml) cooked white rice (short-grain or jasmine)
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
  • Optional: quick-pickled cucumbers or shredded carrots for topping

Instructions

  1. Prepare the rice by cooking 4 cups (960 ml) of white rice according to package instructions, about 20 minutes. Fluff with a fork and keep warm.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together ¼ cup (60 ml) soy sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon gochujang, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Adjust sweetness or spice to taste.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break apart with a spatula. Cook 5-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
  4. Pour the sauce mixture over the cooked beef and stir well. Cook 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the meat.
  5. Remove skillet from heat and drizzle 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil over beef. Stir to combine.
  6. Assemble bowls by spooning warm rice into bowls, topping with bulgogi beef, sliced green onions, and optional sesame seeds.
  7. Add optional toppings like quick-pickled veggies, kimchi, or a fried egg if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Avoid overcrowding the pan when browning beef to ensure caramelization. Use fresh garlic and ginger for best flavor. Add sesame oil at the end to preserve its aroma. Adjust sauce sweetness or spice as needed. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean, bulgogi, ground beef, rice bowl, easy recipe, weeknight dinner, gochujang, quick meal