So quick, easy and packed full of flavor… you’re absolutely going to LOVE this Easy Korean Beef Bowl. Not only is this super-fast to throw together for an easy weeknight meal, it’s budget-friendly, too!
Just 15 minutes is all that’s needed for the flavorful beef mixture. I love it served over rice, but it can also be served over zucchini noodles for a lower-carb option.
Another great thing I love about this recipe is that the majority of the ingredients are items that you probably already have on-hand in your freezer and pantry.
The sauce that flavors the ground beef is incredibly simple but packs a punch of flavor!
Sesame Oil Substitutions
Olive, canola, peanut, walnut or even vegetable oil can be substituted for sesame oil in the sauce.
Watch How Easy It Is To Make
Adjust the seasonings (such as the crushed red pepper and garlic) to your personal preference.
Enjoy!
More Easy Beef Recipes In Under 30 Minutes
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup packed dark brown sugar
- ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil*
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh garlic
- 4 cups hot cooked brown or white rice cooked according to package directions
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 3 to 4 green onions sliced
Instructions
- Whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, ground ginger and crushed red pepper in a small bowl or large measuring cup. Set aside.
- Brown beef in a large skillet over medium high heat, crumbling beef while it is cooking, until it is fully cooked and no longer pink (about 5 to 6 minutes). Drain off fat.
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds), stirring constantly.
- Add sauce and stir well to combine. Cook (while stirring) until thoroughly heated, about 1 minute.
- Serve over cooked rice topped with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Notes
- * Olive, canola, peanut, walnut or vegetable oil can be substituted for sesame oil.
- Serve over zucchini noodles for a lower-carb option.
- Feel free to adjust seasonings to your personal preference.
Nutrition
If provided, nutritional info is a courtesy, is not guaranteed and should only be considered as a guideline.
Adapted from Taste of Home
Originally published March 2017. Updated with new photographs, new video and recipe slightly revised March 2020.
Donna says
Great starting off point. We substituted 1.5 lbs stew meat marinated in the sauce for a few hours. Super tasty and didn’t seem as dry or greasy as with hamburger. Thank you for the wonderful flavors!
Emily says
What are some substitutes for soy sauce and ginger?
Also, does the brown sugar make the meat sweet at all? I really want to make this, but sweet meat is just a no.
Thanks!
Amy @ The Blond Cook says
Hi Emily! You could substitute Worcestershire sauce for the soy sauce. I can’t think of any substitute for the ground ginger as it has a very unique flavor. The brown sugar does make the meat sweet (along with savory from the other ingredients), so this might not be the dish for you if you don’t like sweet flavors with beef.
Jadeyn says
The brown sugar does make it sweet and I believe the crushed red peppers would balance that out. However i think if you want it less sweet you can use less brown sugar.:)
Brad says
Great recipe, very easy to make! Simple addition: fry an egg (such that the yolk is still runny) in sesame oil and serve on top.
Amy @ The Blond Cook says
Sounds delicious – So glad you enjoyed it, Brad!
Heather says
Delicious! The whole family loved it. Thank you for the recipe.
Amy @ The Blond Cook says
Thanks so much, Heather – So happy everyone loved it! 🙂