Korean Beef Bowl
Korean beef bowl (소고기 덮밥)
By David Kim
Mar 01, 2025
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This Korean beef bowl represent the perfect weeknight adaptation of traditional bulgogi flavors, where savory-sweet ground beef is served over steaming rice with fresh vegetables. This quick version captures the essence of Korean flavors while making them accessible for busy home cooks looking for a satisfying meal.
What makes this Korean beef bowl particularly special is its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The combination of tender seasoned beef with crisp vegetables creates a satisfying contrast, while the classic Korean seasonings of soy, garlic, and ginger provide deep umami flavor in a fraction of the time needed for traditional bulgogi.
In modern home cooking, these Korean-inspired beef bowls have become increasingly popular for their convenience and bold flavors. Whether enjoyed for a quick lunch or weeknight dinner, this dish delivers the satisfaction of Korean BBQ flavors in a simple, approachable format.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 20 minutes
- One-pan meal prep
- Authentic Korean flavors
- Customizable toppings
- Budget-friendly
- Kid-approved
What is a Korean Beef Bowl?
A Korean beef bowl (소고기 덮밥) features ground beef seasoned with traditional Korean flavors like soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, served over rice with fresh vegetables. It's a quicker, simplified version of bulgogi beef that maintains authentic flavors while streamlining preparation.
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Ingredients
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For the Beef:
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For Serving:
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Instructions
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Prepare Rice:
- 1
Cook rice according to package directions
- 2
Keep warm until serving time
- 3
Fluff just before assembling bowls
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Make Sauce:
- 1
In small bowl, combine:
- 2
Soy sauce
- 3
Mirin
- 4
Brown sugar
- 5
Sesame oil
- 6
Black pepper
- 7
Stir until sugar dissolves
- 8
Set aside
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Cook Beef:
- 1
Heat large skillet over medium-high heat
- 2
Add ground beef, break into small pieces
- 3
Cook until no longer pink (3-4 minutes)
- 4
Add sliced onions
- 5
Continue cooking until onions soften
- 6
Add minced garlic and ginger
- 7
Cook 1 minute until fragrant
- 8
Drain excess fat if needed
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Add Sauce:
- 1
Pour sauce mixture over beef
- 2
Stir to coat evenly
- 3
Simmer 2-3 minutes
- 4
Sauce should reduce slightly
- 5
Beef should be glazed, not soupy
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Assemble Bowls:
- 1
Divide rice among 4 bowls
- 2
Top with seasoned beef
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Arrange vegetables around beef:
- 1
Julienned cucumber
- 2
Julienned carrot
- 3
Sliced green onions
- 4
Kimchi
- 5
Sprinkle with sesame seeds
Recipe Notes
Recipe Tips
- Use lean ground beef (90/10)
- Don't overcook vegetables
- Adjust sauce to taste
- Prep vegetables while beef cooks
- Serve immediately for best texture
- Rice can be made ahead
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Extra kimchi
- Korean side dishes
- Gochujang sauce
- Fried egg on top
- Korean pickled vegetables
- Cold Korean soup in summer
Variations
- Spicy version with gochujang
- Ground turkey or chicken
- Cauliflower rice for low-carb
- Different vegetables
- Add mushrooms
- Bibimbap-style mixed bowl
Storage
- Refrigerate components separately
- Keeps 3-4 days refrigerated
- Reheat beef gently
- Add fresh vegetables when serving
- Freezes well without toppings
- Perfect for meal prep
Nutrition Facts
Per serving
* Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.