Sweet and Spicy Korean Beef Rice Bowls
These Sweet and Spicy Korean Beef Rice Bowls feature lean ground beef cooked in a deliciously tangy and sweet sauce, perfectly paired with fluffy white rice. This recipe is quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights, yet it delivers a comforting, flavorful meal that everyone will love. Top with fresh green onions and sesame seeds for an added touch of flavor and texture. Enjoy a taste of Korean cuisine with this delightful dish that brings both heartiness and zest to your dining table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground beef
1 lb (90% lean)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
brown sugar
1/4 cup (packed)
reduced sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup
sesame oil
2 teaspoons
ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon
crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon
pepper
1/4 teaspoon
white rice
2 cups (cooked)
green onion
1/4 cup (sliced)
sesame seeds
1 dash (to garnish)
Instructions
1
1. In a large skillet, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and minced garlic, cooking until the meat is browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes).
2
2. While the beef is cooking, in a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, reduced sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, ground ginger, crushed red pepper flakes, and black pepper until well combined.
3
3. Once the beef is cooked through, drain any excess grease from the skillet, if necessary. Pour the sauce mixture over the cooked beef, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
4
4. To serve, spoon the Korean beef mixture over bowls of hot cooked white rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and a dash of sesame seeds for a pop of color and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Sweet and Spicy Korean Beef Rice Bowls?
They are a quick and flavorful dish featuring lean ground beef cooked in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce, served over fluffy white rice.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
This recipe is designed to be a quick weeknight meal, typically taking about 20 minutes from start to finish.
What type of beef is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of lean ground beef, specifically 90% lean, to keep the dish from being too greasy.
What makes the sauce sweet?
The sweetness comes from 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar mixed into the sauce.
What provides the spicy kick in this dish?
The spice is provided by 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, which can be adjusted to your preference.
Can I use regular soy sauce instead of reduced sodium?
Yes, but using reduced sodium soy sauce helps control the saltiness of the final dish.
Is sesame oil necessary for this recipe?
Sesame oil is key for providing that authentic toasted, nutty flavor common in Korean-inspired cuisine.
Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger?
Absolutely. If using fresh ginger, use about 3/4 to 1 teaspoon of minced fresh ginger to replace the 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger.
How should I cook the ground beef?
Brown the beef with minced garlic in a large skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink.
Should I drain the fat from the beef?
Yes, once the beef is cooked through, it is recommended to drain any excess grease before adding the sauce.
How long do I simmer the beef with the sauce?
Simmer the mixture for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
What rice should I serve this with?
The recipe suggests serving the beef over 2 cups of hot cooked white rice.
What are the recommended garnishes?
Garnish with 1/4 cup of sliced green onions and a dash of sesame seeds for color and texture.
Is this dish gluten-free?
As written, it contains soy sauce which has wheat. To make it gluten-free, substitute the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
Can I substitute the ground beef with other proteins?
Yes, you can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey, ground chicken, or ground pork.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 main ingredients including the beef, rice, and garnishes.
Can I add vegetables to this bowl?
Yes, steamed broccoli, snap peas, or shredded carrots would be excellent additions to these rice bowls.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, the beef and rice hold up well in airtight containers and can be refrigerated for 3-4 days.
Can I use honey instead of brown sugar?
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar with honey or maple syrup, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
What if I don't have sesame seeds?
The sesame seeds are primarily for garnish and texture; the dish will still taste great without them.
Is this dish very spicy?
It has a mild to moderate heat. If you are sensitive to spice, start with just a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice can be used as a base.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 3 garlic cloves, minced.
What kind of oil should I use to brown the beef?
A neutral oil like vegetable, canola, or avocado oil works best for browning.
Is this an authentic Korean recipe?
It is a Korean-inspired 'Bulgogi-style' ground beef dish designed for quick preparation and accessibility.
Can I freeze the cooked beef mixture?
Yes, the cooked beef with sauce freezes well for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
How should I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a microwave-safe dish for 1-2 minutes or in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.
Can I make this lower in sugar?
You can reduce the brown sugar to 2 tablespoons or use a sugar-free brown sugar alternative.
What can I serve as a side dish?
Kimchi, a cucumber salad, or pickled radishes are traditional and delicious side pairings.
Does the beef need to be marinated?
No, this is a quick version where the sauce is added directly to the cooked meat, eliminating the need for marination.