Name: Korean Ground Beef over Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 3 tablespoons brown sugar; 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred); 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger); 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice); Chopped green onions; Sesame seeds; Shredded carrots; Cucumber slices

Introduction

This Korean Ground Beef recipe is a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner that comes together in just minutes. With a savory-sweet sauce and a hint of spice, it’s perfect served over rice with fresh toppings.

A white bowl filled with four distinct layers arranged in sections: on the bottom right is a layer of fluffy white rice sprinkled lightly with chopped green onions; next to it, on the top right, there is a pile of shredded orange carrots topped with sesame seeds and bits of green onion; the central portion holds seasoned, brown minced meat garnished with green onion slices and sesame seeds; on the left side, there are thin, round cucumber slices sprinkled with sesame seeds, all set on a white marbled surface with a blue cloth partially visible underneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (lean)
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium if you prefer)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon fresh ginger (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower)
Optional toppings: green onions, sesame seeds, shredded carrots, cucumber slices

Instructions

Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 2: Stir in the brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and ginger. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Remove from heat and serve the beef mixture over warm cooked rice. Top with your choice of green onions, sesame seeds, shredded carrots, or cucumber slices for added texture and freshness.

Tips & Variations

Use lean ground beef to reduce grease and keep the dish light.
For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or crumbled tofu.
Add a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice at the end for a tangy twist.
Serve wrapped in lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Avoid overcooking when reheating to maintain tenderness.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with four distinct layers; the bottom layer is steamed white rice spreading across the base, topped on one side with a neat pile of shredded bright orange carrots sprinkled lightly with sesame seeds, next to thinly sliced cucumber rounds with dark green edges and pale green centers, also sprinkled with sesame seeds; in the center, a mound of dark brown cooked ground meat is placed, garnished with chopped green onions scattered over the meat and rice. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface next to a dark blue cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to keep the dish gluten-free.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. Cook the beef mixture and store it separately from the rice. Reheat both before serving for the best texture.

Korean Ground Beef over Rice Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 101 reviews

A quick and flavorful Korean Ground Beef recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. This dish features lean ground beef cooked in a savory-sweet sauce with garlic, ginger, and sesame oil served over rice. It’s easy to prepare, customizable with toppings, and makes a delicious meal inspired by Korean flavors.

Author: Matteo
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Korean

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)

Optional Toppings

Chopped green onions
Sesame seeds
Shredded carrots
Cucumber slices

Instructions

Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and fresh ginger. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the ingredients are well blended.
Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until fully browned and no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add the Sauce to Beef: Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked ground beef in the skillet. Stir well to coat the meat evenly. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Serve: Spoon the seasoned ground beef over cooked rice. Garnish with optional toppings like chopped green onions, sesame seeds, shredded carrots, and cucumber slices for added freshness and crunch.
Enjoy: Serve immediately as a hearty, flavorful main dish perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

Notes

For a low sodium version, use low sodium soy sauce and adjust seasoning accordingly.
Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef.
Add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra nutrition and color.
If you prefer a spicier dish, increase crushed red pepper flakes or add sriracha.
This recipe can be doubled for meal prep and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Keywords: Korean ground beef, easy Korean recipe, quick dinner, beef bowl, Korean cooking, weeknight meal