Go Back
+ servings
authentic korean beef bowl copycat recipe
Mary Kelly

Authentic Korean Beef Bowl Recipe

Korean beef bowls are a flavorful, satisfying dish, and with the right pairings, you can elevate the experience even further.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Korean
Calories: 353

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 3 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • ¼ cup dark brown sugar firmly packed
  • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger powder
  • 2 green onions finely chopped
  • ¼ teaspoon roasted sesame seeds
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

Equipment

  • Skillet

Method
 

  1. In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, dark brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, red pepper flakes, and ground ginger. This mixture is the heart of flavor for your beef.
  2. Heat the canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and sauté until it's just golden. This will give your beef an aromatic foundation.
  3. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef into the pan. Break it up with a spatula while it cooks. Aim for a nice browning, as it adds depth to the dish.
  4. Once the beef is browned and cooked through, pour the marinade over the meat. Stir well to coat everything in the luscious sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes so that the flavors meld beautifully.
  5. Finally, turn off the heat, and mix in the green onions. Serve the beef over your prepared rice, garnished with roasted sesame seeds, and additional green onions if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 353kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 32gFat: 18.8gSaturated Fat: 5.6gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 714mgFiber: 1gSugar: 9g

Notes

  • Quality of Beef: Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. You can also experiment with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter take.
  • Marination Time: While you can cook immediately, letting the beef marinate for at least 30 minutes amplifies the flavors significantly.
  • Rice Cooking: For the perfect rice, rinse it under cold water prior to cooking until the water runs clear. This step removes excess starch and helps achieve that desirable sticky texture.
  • Vegetable Variety: Feel free to enhance your bowl with a mix of colorful veggies. Carrots, bok choy, or even avocado can add fun textures and flavors.
  • Spice It Up: If you enjoy heat, don’t hesitate to increase the red pepper flakes or even add some gochujang (Korean chili paste) for an extra punch.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!