Korean Ground Beef Bowls (Ready in 15 Minutes) Recipe

Introduction

Korean Ground Beef Bowls are a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Ready in just 15 minutes, this dish combines savory beef with a spicy-sweet sauce and creamy mayo, served over rice with fresh cucumbers and kimchi.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 fat)
• ¼ cup brown sugar (packed)
• ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sriracha (or more to taste)
• 1 teaspoon ginger (grated)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• ¼ cup kewpie mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons sriracha sauce (or more to taste)
• 2 teaspoons lime juice
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 Persian cucumbers (thinly sliced)
• 1 cup kimchi (optional)
• 3 green onions (thinly sliced)
• ½ teaspoon sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sriracha, grated ginger, and minced garlic until well combined.
2. Step 2: Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 3–5 minutes, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Drain any excess fat using a paper towel.
3. Step 3: Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 2 minutes until heated through, then turn off the heat. Sprinkle with a portion of the sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, mix together the kewpie mayonnaise, sriracha, and lime juice to make the spicy mayo.
5. Step 5: Serve the Korean ground beef over cooked rice, topped with sliced cucumbers, kimchi (if using), remaining green onions, and sesame seeds. Drizzle generously with the spicy mayo. For extra flavor, try adding quick-pickled carrots, Korean carrot salad, or spicy cucumber salad on the side.

Tips & Variations

• Use leaner ground beef for a healthier option, but keep an eye on moisture and adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Swap kewpie mayonnaise with regular mayo or Greek yogurt for a lighter spicy mayo.
• Add steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli or bok choy for added nutrition and color.
• Adjust the sriracha amount to control the spice level to your preference.

Storage

Store leftover beef, rice, and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the beef gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. Assemble fresh bowls after reheating to keep cucumbers and garnishes crisp.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted but may require shorter cooking times and careful monitoring to avoid drying out. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Is kimchi necessary for this dish?

Kimchi adds authentic flavor and a spicy tang but is optional. You can omit it or replace it with pickled vegetables or extra cucumbers for crunch.

Korean Ground Beef Bowls (Ready in 15 Minutes) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 57 reviews

• Author: Ben
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A quick and flavorful Korean Ground Beef Bowl recipe ready in just 15 minutes. This dish features savory, sweet, and spicy ground beef served over cooked rice, complemented by fresh cucumbers, kimchi, and a zesty spicy mayo. Perfect for a fast weekday meal that packs bold Korean-inspired flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Korean Ground Beef:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 fat)
• ¼ cup brown sugar (packed)
• ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sriracha (or more to taste)
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

For the Spicy Mayo:

• ¼ cup kewpie mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons sriracha sauce (or more to taste)
• 2 teaspoons lime juice

For Serving and Garnish:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 1 cup kimchi (optional)
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced
• ½ teaspoon sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sriracha, grated ginger, and minced garlic until well combined to create the flavorful sauce.
2. Cook the Beef: Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, crumbling the meat as it browns, for about 3 to 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat using a paper towel for a leaner finish.
3. Add the Sauce: Stir the prepared sauce into the cooked beef and allow it to simmer together for about 2 minutes until heated through and the flavors meld. Then turn off the heat and sprinkle some green onions and sesame seeds over the beef.
4. Prepare the Spicy Mayo: In a separate small bowl, mix together the kewpie mayonnaise, sriracha, and lime juice until fully blended to create a creamy, spicy sauce.
5. Assemble the Bowls: Serve the Korean ground beef over cooked rice, topped with sliced cucumbers, kimchi if using, and the remaining green onions and sesame seeds. Drizzle the spicy mayo on top or serve on the side. For extra variety, consider adding quick-pickled carrots and daikon, Korean carrot salad, or spicy cucumber salad.

Notes

• Use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and juiciness.
• Adjust the sriracha to your preferred spice level.
• Low sodium soy sauce helps control the saltiness of the dish.
• Kimchi is optional but adds authentic kimchi flavor and spice.
• Drain excess fat from cooked beef for a healthier option.
• Quick-pickled vegetables make a crunchy and refreshing side addition.
• Leftovers store well in the fridge for 2-3 days.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Korean

Keywords: Korean ground beef bowls, quick Korean recipe, easy weeknight dinner, spicy Korean beef, ground beef rice bowl, Korean spicy mayo