Korean Beef Rice Bowls are a delicious and satisfying dish. They feature tender marinated beef served over a bed of steamed rice. They are often accompanied by a variety of colorful vegetables and flavorful toppings.
The beef is typically thinly sliced. It is marinated in a savory mixture of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sugar, and sesame oil. This marinade infuses the beef with a depth of flavor. After marinating, the beef is stir-fried until caramelized and cooked to perfection.
The rice acts as the perfect base, absorbing the delicious juices from the beef. Accompanying the dish, you’ll often find sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli. Garnishes including green onions, sesame seeds, and a fried egg on top add an extra layer of richness.
The combination of flavors and textures makes Korean Beef Rice Bowls not only hearty but also vibrant and visually appealing. It’s a well-loved dish that brings together a harmonious balance of sweetness, savory umami, and fresh crunch. These rice bowls are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. They are also great as a meal prep choice. They offer a delightful way to enjoy Korean cuisine.
Ingredients: Korean Beef Rice Bowls
- 3 cups rice (white or brown), cooked
- 1 lb (453 g) Ground beef 95% lean meat / 5% fat, raw
- 1/4 cup (40 g) Onions Raw, chopped
- 2 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup (63.8 g) Soy sauce made from soy and wheat (shoyu)Low sodium
- 2 tbsp (29.6 g) Water Plain, clean water
- 2 tsp packed (9.2 g) Brown sugar
- 1 tsp (4.5 g) Sesame oil Salad or cooking
- 1/2 tsp (0.16 g) Crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
For Toppings:
- 2 cups (208 g) Cucumber With peel, raw, slices
- 1/2 tbsp (4.5 g) Sesame Seeds, whole, dried
- 2 medium (4-1/8″ long) (30 g) Scallions or Spring onions (includes tops and bulb), raw
- Optional condiments (e.g., Sriracha, gochujang, or pickled vegetables)
Directions
Directions are based on the original recipe of 1 servings
Instructions:
- Prepare the Rice: Cook the rice according to package directions and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce and 2 tablespoons of water. Add the brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook the Beef:
- Heat a large deep non-stick skillet over high heat. Lightly spray with oil.
- Add the ground beef and cook. Break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until it is browned and cooked through, about 5 – 10 minutes.
- Add the chopped onion and ginger garlic paste; cook for an extra minute.
- Combine and Simmer: Pour the sauce over the beef mixture. Cover the pan. Then let it simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes.
- Assemble the Bowls: In each bowl, place 3/4 cup of cooked rice. Top with about 2/3 cup of the beef mixture. Add cucumber slices, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and chopped scallions. Adjust with your favorite condiments for added flavor.
- Enjoy: Serve promptly and relish the delightful flavors of your homemade Korean Beef Rice Bowls!
Feel free to adjust the ingredient quantities or toppings according to your preference! Enjoy your meal!
Notes and Tips for Korean Beef Rice Bowls
Notes:
- Meat Options: This recipe uses ground beef. You can substitute it with other proteins. Try ground turkey, ground chicken, or even diced tofu for a vegetarian choice.
- Rice Variations: You can use different types of rice. These include jasmine rice, basmati rice, or even quinoa. Your choice depends on your dietary preferences.
- Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes in the sauce. Alternatively, you can add more if you like it spicy.
- Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add other vegetables. You can include bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots to the skillet. Add them along with the onion for added nutrition and color.
- Make-Ahead: The beef mixture can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving with freshly cooked rice.
- Garnishes: Besides sesame seeds and scallions, you can also add shredded carrots. Kimchi or sliced radishes can also be added as garnishes. This provides added texture and flavor.
Tips:
- Marinate the Beef: For more intense flavor, consider marinating the ground beef in the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Use High Heat: Cooking the beef over high heat helps to caramelize it, adding a deeper flavor. Just be careful not to overcrowd the skillet, which can cause steaming instead of browning.
- Taste as You Go: Always taste the beef mixture as it simmers. If it needs more seasoning, feel free to adjust with extra soy sauce, sugar, or vinegar to suit your taste.
- Serving Size: This recipe typically serves about 4 people. Serving sizes can be adjusted based on appetite or dietary needs.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair the bowls with a simple salad or steamed vegetables on the side for a full meal.
Frequently Asking Questions (with concise answers) for Korean Beef Rice Bowls:
Q: Can I use other proteins besides ground beef?
A: Yes. Ground turkey or chicken work well, and diced tofu or tempeh is great for a vegetarian choice.
Q: How spicy is this recipe, and how can I adjust it?
A: The recipe includes red pepper flakes for mild to medium heat. To reduce spice, use 1/2 teaspoon or omit completely. To increase heat, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of gochujang.
Q: Is a marinading step necessary?
A: Marinating the beef briefly (30 minutes) can deepen flavor, but it’s not required. You can cook it directly and still get tasty results.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes. Cook the beef mixture and rice separately, then store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat and assemble with fresh toppings. The sauce can be stored separately as well.
Q: Is this dish gluten-free?
A: It can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Check all ingredients (especially sauces) for gluten.
Q: Are there dairy products in this recipe?
A: There are no dairy ingredients in the base recipe. If you add toppings like cheese or dairy-based sauces, that would change it.
Q: How can I make this lower in calories or higher in protein?
A: For lower calories, use leaner beef and more vegetables; serve with brown rice or cauliflower rice. For higher protein, increase the beef piece or add a scoop of scrambled eggs on top.
Q: What are good toppings and garnishes?
A: Cucumber, sesame seeds, scallions, shredded carrot, kimchi, pickled vegetables, and a fried egg are popular choices.
Q: How many servings does this yield?
A: Typically about 4 servings, depending on part size.
Q: What should I do if I don’t have sesame oil?
A: Use a small amount of neutral oil. Add a pinch of sesame seeds for aroma. The flavor will be milder.
Korean Beef Rice Bowls
Korean Beef Rice Bowls are a flavorful and satisfying dish featuring tender marinated beef served over steamed rice, complemented by colorful vegetables and delicious toppings. With a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and fresh flavors, this meal is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep. Enjoy the vibrant combination of textures and tastes that make this dish a beloved choice in Korean cuisine!
Ingredients
- 3 cups rice (white or brown), cooked
- 1 lb (453 g) Ground beef 95% lean meat / 5% fat, raw
- 1/4 cup (40 g) Onions Raw, chopped
- 2 tablespoons [ginger garlic paste]
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup (63.8 g) Soy sauce made from soy and wheat (shoyu)Low sodium
- 2 tbsp (29.6 g) Water Plain, clean water
- 2 tsp packed (9.2 g) Brown sugar
- 1 tsp (4.5 g) Sesame oil Salad or cooking
- 1/2 tsp (0.16 g) Crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
For Toppings:
- 2 cups (208 g) Cucumber With peel, raw, slices
- 1/2 tbsp (4.5 g) Sesame Seeds, whole, dried
- 2 medium (4-1/8" long) (30 g) Scallions or Spring onions (includes tops and bulb), raw
- Optional condiments (e.g., Sriracha, gochujang, or pickled vegetables)
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice: Cook the rice according to package directions and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce and 2 tablespoons of water. Add the brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook the Beef: Heat a large deep non-stick skillet over high heat. Lightly spray with oil. Add the ground beef and cook. Break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until it is browned and cooked through, about 5 - 10 minutes. Add the chopped onion and ginger garlic paste; cook for an extra minute.
- Combine and Simmer: Pour the sauce over the beef mixture. Cover the pan. Then let it simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes.
- Assemble the Bowls: In each bowl, place 3/4 cup of cooked rice. Top with about 2/3 cup of the beef mixture. Add cucumber slices, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and chopped scallions. Adjust with your favorite condiments for added flavor.
- Enjoy: Serve promptly and relish the delightful flavors of your homemade Korean Beef Rice Bowls!
Notes
- Meat Options: This recipe uses ground beef. You can substitute it with other proteins. Try ground turkey, ground chicken, or even diced tofu for a vegetarian choice.
- Rice Variations: You can use different types of rice. These include jasmine rice, basmati rice, or even quinoa. Your choice depends on your dietary preferences.
- Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes in the sauce. Alternatively, you can add more if you like it spicy.
- Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add other vegetables. You can include bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots to the skillet. Add them along with the onion for added nutrition and color.
- Make-Ahead: The beef mixture can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving with freshly cooked rice.
- Garnishes: Besides sesame seeds and scallions, you can also add shredded carrots. Kimchi or sliced radishes can also be added as garnishes. This provides added texture and flavor.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 285Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 39mgSodium: 66mgCarbohydrates: 37gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 15g
**Nutritional information on HRCookery is provided as a courtesy. We can't guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on the site. these figures should only be considered as estimates.
