Print

Savory Korean Beef Bowl with Tangy Kimchi

Korean beef bowl - featured image
Print Recipe

This easy 30-minute Korean beef bowl is packed with savory, sweet, and spicy flavors, topped with tangy kimchi and fresh veggies for a comforting, vibrant dinner. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or sharing with friends and family.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or sesame oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 1/2 cup green onions, finely chopped (plus more for garnish)
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
  • 1 tablespoon gochujang (optional, for heat)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 cups cooked white rice (short grain or jasmine)
  • 1 cup kimchi
  • 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1 large carrot, julienned or shredded
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)
  • Optional: Fried egg (per bowl)
  • Optional: Sriracha or extra gochujang
  • Optional: Nori strips

Instructions

  1. Wash and thinly slice cucumber and julienne or shred carrot. Set aside for topping.
  2. Finely chop green onions, mince garlic, and grate ginger.
  3. Cook rice according to package instructions. For extra flavor, add a pinch of salt or splash of rice vinegar.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, gochujang, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
  5. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  6. Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add green onions and cook for another minute.
  7. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until well-browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  8. Pour in prepared sauce and stir to coat beef. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until glossy and slightly thickened.
  9. Spoon rice into serving bowls. Top with saucy beef, cucumber slices, shredded carrot, and kimchi.
  10. Add optional toppings: fried egg, toasted sesame seeds, nori strips, and extra green onions.
  11. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

For gluten-free, use tamari and check kimchi labels. Swap beef for tofu or plant-based ground for vegetarian. Use cauliflower rice for low-carb. Adjust gochujang and red pepper flakes for desired spice level. Keep toppings fresh for best texture. Leftovers store well; reheat beef and rice separately.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean beef bowl, easy dinner, kimchi, ground beef, 30-minute meal, Asian recipe, rice bowl, gluten-free option, dairy-free, meal prep, spicy beef, comfort food

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/savory-korean-beef-bowl-recipe-easy-30-minute-dinner-with-tangy-kimchi/