Korean Ground Beef Rice Bowl

A Korean ground beef rice bowl with fresh veggies, customizable toppings, and optional egg.

This Korean ground beef rice bowl is a quick and flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It features savory ground beef simmered with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sweetness, served over a bed of fluffy white rice. Fresh toppings like shredded carrots, cucumber, and sautéed greens add crunch and color, while a fried or soft-boiled egg makes it extra satisfying. Finished with green onions, sesame seeds, and an optional drizzle of gochujang, this dish is customizable, balanced, and totally delicious.

Servings

2

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Total Time

40 minutes

For the Beef
1 lb ground beef
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 tablespoon gochujang (optional, for heat)
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons vegetable oil (for cooking)
2 teaspoons sesame seeds (optional)
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

For the Rice
1 cup uncooked white rice (yields ~3 cups cooked)
2 cups water
Pinch of salt

Toppings (customize to your taste)
2/3 cup shredded carrots
2/3 cup thinly sliced cucumber
2/3 cup sautéed spinach or steamed broccoli
2 eggs (fried or soft-boiled) — optional
Extra sesame oil, soy sauce, or gochujang for drizzling

Preparation

  • Rinse the rice under cold water until mostly clear and set aside.
  • Mince the garlic, grate the ginger, and slice the green onions.
  • Shred the carrots, slice the cucumber, and cook any vegetables or eggs you plan to use for toppings.
  • In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, gochujang (if using), and black pepper to create the sauce.

Cooking

  • In a saucepan, bring water and a pinch of salt to a boil. Add the rice, cover, and simmer on low until tender. Remove from heat, let sit covered briefly, then fluff.
  • Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it into crumbles, until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
  • Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and stir well. Simmer briefly until the beef is evenly coated and glossy.
  • Sprinkle in sesame seeds if using and keep warm.

Serving

  • Divide the rice between bowls.
  • Top with the seasoned beef and arranged vegetables.
  • Add a fried or soft-boiled egg if desired.
  • Garnish with green onions and drizzle with extra sesame oil, soy sauce, or gochujang to taste.