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Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowls Recipe with Sesame Seeds for Quick Flavor-Packed Meals

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A quick and easy Korean-inspired ground beef bowl recipe featuring a savory soy-garlic sauce and toasted sesame seeds for a flavorful, satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 for best flavor and juiciness)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce (Kikkoman recommended)
  • 2 tbsp (30 g) brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) toasted sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
  • 1/2 tsp (1 g) red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp (18 g) toasted sesame seeds
  • About 4 cups (600 g) cooked white or brown rice

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it apart with a spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink, stirring occasionally.
  2. Drain excess fat, leaving just enough to keep the beef moist.
  3. Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the beef. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. While the beef simmers, toast sesame seeds in a small dry pan over medium heat, shaking frequently for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant.
  6. Prepare rice according to package instructions if not already cooked.
  7. Just before serving, stir sliced green onions into the beef.
  8. Assemble bowls by spooning rice into bowls, topping with the Korean ground beef mixture, and sprinkling with toasted sesame seeds.

Notes

Toast sesame seeds last minute for best crunch and flavor. Drain excess fat but leave some for moisture. Use fresh garlic and ginger for best taste. Adjust soy sauce and sugar to taste. For leftovers, re-toast sesame seeds before serving to restore crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean ground beef bowl, quick dinner, sesame seeds, easy Korean recipe, weeknight meal, soy sauce beef, garlic ginger beef