Flavorful Korean Ground Beef Bowls Easy Gochujang Sauce Recipe for Dinner
A quick and easy Korean-inspired ground beef bowl with a bold, balanced gochujang sauce that is spicy, sweet, and savory. Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners and adaptable to various dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio recommended)
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 3 cups cooked jasmine or short-grain rice
- Optional toppings: toasted sesame seeds, steamed or pickled vegetables, fried egg
Instructions
- Cook the rice: Rinse 3 cups of jasmine or short-grain rice under cold water until water runs clear. Cook in a rice cooker or on stovetop with 4 cups water, bring to boil, then simmer covered for 15-18 minutes. Let rest off heat for 5 minutes and fluff with a fork.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp gochujang, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 tsp rice vinegar, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp grated ginger. Adjust sweetness or heat as needed.
- Brown the ground beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired, leaving a little for moisture.
- Mix in the sauce: Pour the prepared gochujang sauce over the beef. Stir well to coat all meat and simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Assemble the bowls: Spoon cooked rice into bowls, top with the Korean ground beef mixture, garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Add optional toppings like steamed veggies or a fried egg.
Notes
Do not overcrowd the pan when browning beef to ensure proper caramelization. Adjust gochujang amount to control spice level. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or broth. Fresh grated ginger adds brightness. Sauce can be made ahead and stored separately from rice. For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximatel
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 700
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 28
Keywords: Korean ground beef bowls, gochujang sauce, easy Korean dinner, spicy beef bowl, quick weeknight meal, Korean recipe, ground beef recipe