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Korean Ground Beef Bowls

Ground beef is a versatile staple for quick meals. In this dish, it cooks alongside fresh bell peppers and gets tossed in a savory sauce made from soy sauce, ginger, and gochujang.

Ground beef cooks with bell peppers in a savory soy and gochujang sauce before being served over rice and fresh vegetables.

A finished Korean ground beef bowl with vegetables and an egg.

You build the meal in individual bowls with a base of mixed greens and warm rice. Fresh vegetables like cucumbers and carrots add texture, while a fried egg finishes the dish.

Why this works

  • The meat and peppers cook in one skillet, keeping cleanup minimal.
  • You can chop the vegetables and mix the sauce ahead of time to speed up the cooking process.
  • Everyone can customize their own bowl with their preferred vegetables and garnishes.

Ingredients you'll need

Raw ground beef, bell peppers, and sauce ingredients on a counter.
Gather your ground beef, fresh vegetables, and sauce ingredients.
  • Ground beef: Lean ground beef works well here because it produces less grease in the pan. You can also use ground turkey.
  • Gochujang: This Korean chili paste adds a deep savory heat. If you cannot find it, sriracha is a suitable substitute.
  • Fish sauce: This adds a salty note to the sauce. You can omit it if you prefer.
  • Rice vinegar: This provides a mild acidity to balance the brown sugar. Apple cider vinegar works as a replacement.
  • Vegetables: Use any crisp vegetables you have on hand. Radishes or edamame are good additions to the bowl.

Exact quantities are in the recipe card below.

How to make it

Step 1: Brown the meat

Cook the ground beef in a hot skillet without moving it at first so it gets a nice crust. Add the bell peppers and cook until the meat is safe to eat.

Step 2: Mix the sauce

Whisk the soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, and seasonings together in a small bowl. Pour this over the cooked beef and let it simmer briefly.

Ground beef and diced bell peppers simmering in a dark sauce.
Cook the beef and peppers before stirring in the savory sauce.

Step 3: Assemble the bowls

Layer greens and warm rice in the bottom of your dishes. Add the beef, fresh vegetables, and a fried egg on top.

A finished Korean ground beef bowl with vegetables and an egg.
Assemble the bowls with rice, greens, beef, and a fried egg.

Serve it with

Serve these bowls with a side of steamed edamame or a simple cucumber salad. If you want more protein, try pairing them with our Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs.

Storage and reheating

Store the cooked beef and rice in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cooked beef can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat the meat and rice in the microwave until thoroughly warm, then add the fresh vegetables right before eating.

FAQ

Can I use a different ground meat?

Yes, ground chicken or ground turkey work well with this flavor profile.

How do I store the leftovers?

Keep the cooked meat and rice in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store the fresh vegetables separately so they stay crisp.

Is gochujang very spicy?

It has a moderate heat level, but it is also sweet and savory. You can adjust the amount to suit your preference.

A finished Korean ground beef bowl with vegetables and an egg.

Korean Ground Beef Bowls

Ground beef cooks with bell peppers in a savory soy and gochujang sauce before being served over rice and fresh vegetables.

By Rachel Gibson

Prep
20 min
Cook
10 min
Total
30 min
Servings
4
Course: Main CourseCuisine: Korean-AmericanMethod: StovetopDifficulty: Easy

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a light coating of cooking oil. Add the ground beef and spread it into an even layer. Let it cook undisturbed for 2 minutes to brown the bottom.
  2. Season the meat with kosher salt and black pepper. Break the beef apart with a wooden spoon and add the chopped bell peppers.
  3. Cook the mixture for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often, until the beef reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and the peppers soften.
  4. Whisk the minced ginger, garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, fish sauce, brown sugar, and gochujang together in a small bowl.
  5. Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the beef and peppers. Stir well to coat the meat.
  6. Fold in the chopped green onions and cook for 1 more minute, then remove the pan from the heat.
  7. Fry the eggs in a separate nonstick pan until the whites and yolks are firm, reaching an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for food safety.
  8. Assemble the bowls by dividing the mixed greens and warm cooked rice among four dishes. Top each with the cooked beef mixture, cucumbers, carrots, and avocado.
  9. Place a fried egg on each bowl and garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Notes

  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ground beef reaches a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
  • Eggs should also be cooked until the yolks and whites are firm, or to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C), to prevent foodborne illness.
  • If you want a milder dish, reduce the amount of gochujang by half.

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