This Korean Beef Recipe is a quick and tasty dish that’s loaded with flavor! It usually features tender beef strips cooked in a sweet and savory sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
You know it’s going to be good when your kitchen smells amazing while it cooks! I like to serve it over rice, and it always gets gobbled up quickly. Trust me, you’ll want to make this one again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the heart of your dish. You can use lean or regular ground beef, depending on your preference. If you’re looking for a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken works great too!
Soy Sauce: This ingredient gives the dish its umami flavor. If you’re gluten-free, try tamari instead. For a low-sodium option, look for reduced-sodium soy sauce.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness to balance the saltiness of the soy sauce. If you want to cut sugar, try coconut sugar or even honey in a pinch, but reduce the liquid slightly if you do.
Garlic & Ginger: Fresh is best here! If fresh isn’t available, you can use garlic and ginger powder in smaller amounts, but the flavors won’t be as vibrant.
Red Pepper Flakes: This is optional for heat. If you want more spice, consider using sriracha or gochujang (Korean chili paste) for a deeper flavor.
How Do You Cook Ground Beef Without Making It Greasy?
Cooking ground beef can be tricky if you don’t want it greasy. Here are some simple steps for better results:
- Use medium heat to cook the beef evenly, avoiding a burnt exterior with raw meat inside.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary, which helps it brown nicely.
- After browning, drain the excess fat before adding your sauce. This can make a huge difference in texture!
By following these tips, you’ll have a tasty Korean Beef Bowl without the grease. Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make a Korean Beef Bowl?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- 3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 4 cups cooked white rice
- Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Korean Beef Bowl can be made in about 20 minutes! You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping and cooking the beef, and then just a few minutes for garnishing and serving. Quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break the meat apart as it cooks. Keep cooking until the beef is nicely browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
2. Drain the Fat:
Once the beef is browned, carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet. This will make your dish less greasy and keep it healthier. Just tilt the skillet to let the fat drain out, but be careful not to lose any beef!
3. Mix in the Flavorings:
Now it’s time to add flavor! Pour in the soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you like some spice) into the skillet. Stir everything together until the beef is well coated in the sauce.
4. Thicken the Sauce:
Continue cooking the mixture for another 3-5 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken a bit and soak into the meat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat. Grab your chopped green onions and sprinkle them over the beef. If you love sesame seeds, add those too for a nice crunch! Now it’s time to serve—place a generous scoop of your beef mixture over a bed of cooked white rice. Enjoy your flavorful Korean Beef Bowl!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a lighter substitute. Just keep in mind that they may have a milder flavor, so consider adding an extra pinch of salt or some more soy sauce to enhance the taste.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you like it hot, try adding more red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha or chili sauce while cooking. You could also serve it with sliced fresh chili peppers on the side for an extra kick!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time! Cook it as directed and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or microwave before serving. Just make sure to prepare the rice fresh for the best texture!
How to Store Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3 days. You can also freeze the beef mixture for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it on the stove or microwave until heated through.
