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Flavorful Korean Beef Bowl Recipe Easy 30-Minute Dinner with Jasmine Rice

korean beef bowl - featured image

A quick and easy Korean beef bowl served with fragrant jasmine rice, combining sweet, savory, and comforting flavors perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 cups jasmine rice (uncooked)
  • 3 cups water
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
  • Pickled vegetables or kimchi (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse 2 cups (about 370g) of jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
  2. Combine rinsed rice and 3 cups (710ml) water in a saucepan or rice cooker. If using a saucepan, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover tightly. Cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 10 minutes to steam. Fluff with a fork before serving.
  3. While the rice cooks, heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Add 1 pound (450g) ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if desired.
  5. Stir in 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well and cook for another 2 minutes so the beef absorbs the flavors and the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the beef.
  7. Spoon the warm jasmine rice into bowls, top generously with the Korean beef. Add kimchi or pickled vegetables on the side if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook the beef to keep it juicy. Rinsing jasmine rice prevents it from becoming gummy. Let beef develop a caramelized crust by not stirring too frequently. Adjust seasoning to taste. For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Leftovers store well separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean beef bowl, jasmine rice, quick dinner, easy recipe, ground beef, weeknight meal, savory, sweet, sesame, garlic, ginger