Korean Beef Bowl Recipe (Easy & Flavorful in 20 Minutes!)
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Craving bold Korean flavors? Try this easy Korean Beef Bowl recipe—ready in 20 minutes with ground beef, sweet-spicy gochujang sauce, and fresh veggies. Perfect for weeknight dinners!
Why You’ll Love This Korean Beef Bowl
This quick Korean beef bowl (also called Bulgogi Beef Rice Bowl) delivers restaurant-quality flavors at home with:
✔ Ready in 20 minutes – Faster than takeout!
✔ Sweet, savory & slightly spicy – Irresistible sauce
✔ Budget-friendly – Uses ground beef
✔ Customizable – Add your favorite toppings
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Korean Beef
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1 lb (450g) ground beef (or sub with ground turkey/chicken)
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tbsp ginger, grated
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1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
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2 tbsp brown sugar (or honey)
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1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste – adjust for spice)
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1 tbsp sesame oil
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1 tbsp rice vinegar
For Serving
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Steamed rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
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Sliced cucumbers, carrots, or bell peppers
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Green onions & sesame seeds (for garnish)
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Fried egg (optional, but delicious!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Beef
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Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add ground beef and cook until browned (5-6 mins), breaking it apart.
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Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Make the Sauce
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In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, gochujang, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
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Pour sauce over beef and stir well. Simmer for 3-4 mins until thickened.
3. Assemble Your Bowl
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Layer rice in bowls.
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Top with Korean beef, fresh veggies, green onions, and sesame seeds.
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Add a fried egg for extra richness (optional).
Tips for the Best Korean Beef Bowl
🔥 Spice Level: Adjust gochujang (1 tbsp = medium spice).
🍚 Rice Alternatives: Try quinoa or lettuce wraps for low-carb.
🥕 Extra Veggies: Add kimchi, spinach, or pickled radish.
🍯 Sauce Tweaks: Add 1 tsp peanut butter for depth.
Make-Ahead & Storage
✅ Fridge: Keeps for 3 days (store sauce separately if meal prepping).
✅ Freezer: Freeze beef (without veggies) for 1 month.
✅ Reheat: Microwave or stir-fry with a splash of water.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Korean beef bowl with:
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Kimchi (for tangy crunch)
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Seaweed snacks
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Miso soup
Why This Recipe Works
This dish is a fusion of Korean bulgogi flavors simplified for busy cooks. The gochujang adds umami heat, while sesame oil and brown sugar balance the saltiness. Plus, ground beef makes it affordable without sacrificing taste.
Final Thoughts
This easy Korean Beef Bowl is a flavor explosion that’s fast, cheap, and customizable—perfect for weeknights when you crave something bold and satisfying without the hassle.
Try it tonight and tag #KoreanBeefBowl on Instagram!
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