Korean Beef Bowl – Skinnytaste

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy. An easy and delicious, healthy Korean Beef Bowl is made with ground beef, served over rice with cucumbers and gochujang sauce. Korean Beef Rice Bowl If you have ground beef sitting in your fridge waiting to be used, whip up this easy Korean Beef Bowl with cucumbers, rice, and gochujang sauce. This recipe is a fan favorite and is included in my Meal Prep Cookbook. For more Korean-inspired dishes, try my Gochujang-Glazed Salmon, Korean Grilled Chicken, and Gochujang Meatballs. If you’re in the mood for a stir fry with ground beef, check out my Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe. Make Your Own Korean-Inspired Meal When I used to work in Manhattan, I loved going to Koreatown for lunch with my coworkers. While Korean food has become more popular, Korean restaurants are not always easily accessible. That’s why this Korean beef dish is perfect for bringing those delicious flavors to your kitchen. Great for Various Dietary Restrictions: This dish is high in protein, weight watchers friendly, kid-friendly, gluten-free, and dairy-free. Quick and Easy Dinner Idea: You can have this meal ready in under 30 minutes. Budget-Friendly: Rice and ground beef are affordable ingredients that create a nutritious and satisfying meal. If you try out this Korean Beef recipe, don’t forget to tag me in your photos on Instagram or Facebook! Korean Beef Bowl Ingredients Here’s everything you need to make this quick and easy ground beef Korean bowl recipe. See recipe card below for exact measurements. Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce. Light Brown Sugar: Provides a touch of sweetness. Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty flavor, but can be omitted if allergic. Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Adds spice, adjust to taste. Ground Beef: I prefer 93% lean ground beef, but you can use any ground meat like chicken or turkey. Garlic: Two cloves, crushed for flavor. Ginger: Fresh ginger is best. Brown Rice: Try frozen brown rice for convenience. Cucumber: Use an English or Persian cucumber, no need to peel. Gochujang: Essential for authentic flavor. Sesame Seeds and Scallions for topping. How to Make Korean Beef Bowls Here’s step-by-step instructions for making this Korean bowl recipe. See recipe card below for full recipe. Korean Beef Bowl Sauce: Cook the ground beef, add onions and garlic. Assemble the rice bowls Korean Beef Bowl Sauce: Mix soy sauce, water, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Cook the Ground Beef: Brown the ground beef in a skillet, add onion, garlic, and ginger. Simmer: Pour in the sauce and simmer for 10 minutes. Assemble: Place rice in each bowl, top with beef, cucumbers, Gochujang, sesame seeds, and scallions. Korean Ground Beef Variations There are endless variations for these Korean beef rice bowls. Protein: Try lean ground turkey, ground pork, ground chicken, tofu, beyond beef, or impossible burger. Extra Protein: Top with a fried egg. Vegetable Options: Add any veggies you like such as sauteed mushrooms, bok choy, matchstick carrots, or edamame. Pickled Veggies: Mix in pickled onions, cucumbers, or carrots. Kimchi would also be a tasty addition. More Spice: Garnish with fresh jalapeños. Rice Alternatives: Serve the Korean beef over cauliflower rice or veggie rice for a lower carb option. Lettuce Wraps: Use lettuce leaves to make wraps with the meat. Meal Prep and Storage Make ahead or store leftovers for later. Refrigerator: Cooked beef lasts up to 4 days in an airtight container in the fridge. Freezer: Freeze beef (without cucumbers or garnish) for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave. To pack for lunch: Store beef, rice, sesame seeds, and Gochujang in one container and cucumbers and scallions in another. Reheat rice and top with veggies. Gochujang FAQs What does gochujang taste like? Gochujang is a Korean condiment that’s spicy, sweet, and unique to Korean cuisine. Is gochujang gluten-free? Some brands contain wheat, so check labels for gluten-free options. Substitute tamari or coconut aminos for soy sauce if needed. What is a good substitute for gochujang? Sriracha is the closest substitute, but it won’t be exact. Mix with hoisin sauce, sugar, and sesame oil for a more similar flavor. How do I make these Korean beef bowls mild? Omit red pepper from the beef and serve Gochujang on the side for individual preference. More Bowl Recipes You’ll Love Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying Korean Beef Bowl for a quick and delicious meal. Don’t forget to leave a rating and comment to let us know how you liked this recipe!