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Quick Korean Beef Bowl Recipe with Spicy Gochujang Sauce

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A fast and flavorful Korean beef bowl featuring a spicy gochujang sauce, tender ground beef, and fluffy rice. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners with bold, balanced flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (Kikkoman recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 cups cooked white rice (about 800 g), preferably day-old
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)
  • Optional vegetables: thinly sliced cucumber, shredded carrots, or steamed broccoli

Instructions

  1. Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons gochujang, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Set aside.
  2. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of neutral oil (canola or vegetable). Once shimmering, add the ground beef. Break it up with a spatula and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
  3. Drain excess fat if necessary, leaving a little for flavor.
  4. Pour the gochujang sauce mixture over the beef. Stir well to coat evenly. Reduce heat to medium and let simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the meat.
  5. While the beef simmers, fluff the cooked rice and chop green onions and optional vegetables. Steam or blanch vegetables like broccoli if using.
  6. Assemble the bowls by spooning warm rice into bowls, topping generously with the spicy beef mixture. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Add fresh veggies on the side or mix them in.
  7. Optionally, drizzle extra sesame oil or squeeze lime juice over the bowl for brightness. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use day-old rice to prevent mushiness. Adjust gochujang and honey to control spice level. Browning beef well locks in juiciness and flavor. If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen. Can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or tofu for variations.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean beef bowl, gochujang sauce, quick dinner, spicy beef, weeknight meal, easy Korean recipe