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Quick Savory Ground Beef Bulgogi Rice Bowl

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A quick and flavorful Korean-inspired ground beef bulgogi rice bowl ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe combines sweet, savory, and umami flavors with simple pantry ingredients for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce (naturally brewed, e.g., Kikkoman)
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp Asian pear or apple juice (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 4 cups (800 g) cooked white rice (short-grain or jasmine)
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
  • Optional vegetables: julienned carrots, cucumbers, or kimchi

Instructions

  1. Prepare the rice (about 15 minutes): Cook 4 cups of white rice according to package instructions. Rinse rice until water runs clear for fluffier grains. Use a rice cooker or pot with a lid.
  2. Make the marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, toasted sesame oil, and Asian pear or apple juice if using. Whisk until sugar dissolves. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  3. Cook the ground beef (6-8 minutes): Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula. When halfway cooked, pour in the marinade and stir continuously. If beef looks dry, add a splash of water or broth.
  4. Simmer and thicken: Lower heat to medium and let beef simmer in the sauce for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the beef. Add red pepper flakes if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  5. Add fresh elements: Stir in sliced green onions just before removing from heat to maintain crunch and brightness.
  6. Assemble the bowls: Spoon warm rice into bowls, top with the savory ground beef bulgogi, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds, and add optional veggies like julienned carrots or kimchi.

Notes

Use fresh garlic and ginger for best flavor. Avoid overcrowding the pan to get a good sear on the beef. If using frozen ground beef, thaw and drain excess moisture to prevent watery sauce. Adjust sweetness or saltiness of marinade to taste. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. For a spicy kick, add gochujang or red pepper flakes.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef bulgogi, Korean rice bowl, quick dinner, savory beef recipe, easy weeknight meal, bulgogi marinade, Korean comfort food

Find it online: https://daintydine.com/quick-savory-ground-beef-bulgogi-rice-bowl-recipe-easy-20-minute-dinner/