This Korean beef bowl is loaded with flavor and comes together in just 30 minutes! It features ground beef cooked in a savory, umami-packed sauce, served over rice with fresh veggies, kimchi, and spicy mayo.
This Korean beef bowl is my kind of weeknight dinner — quick, easy, and loaded with flavor. We’re talking saucy ground beef with savory-sweet Korean-inspired flavors, layered over rice with crisp veggies, tangy kimchi, and a creamy spicy mayo drizzle. It’s kind of like a deconstructed bulgogi bowl but way faster to make.
If you love quick rice bowl recipes like my poke bowl, you’re going to be all about this one. It’s so customizable and perfect for meal prep too.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This beef bowl is bold, balanced and packed with textures and flavors you’ll crave again and again.
- Packed with flavor – The sauce hits all the right notes: salty, sweet, tangy and just a little spicy.
- Quick & easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep. Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Meal prep friendly – Make a double batch and enjoy leftovers all week.
- Customizable – Use your favorite veggies or swap the rice for noodles or greens.
Ingredients Needed
You only need a handful of pantry staples and fresh veggies to pull together these flavorful Korean beef bowls. Here’s everything you need:
- lean ground beef – I like using 85/15 or 90/10 for a nice balance of flavor and less grease.
- low sodium soy sauce or tamari – adds that rich umami base to the sauce. I used 25% less sodium tamari.
- brown sugar or coconut sugar – just a touch of sweetness to balance out the spice and saltiness.
- rice vinegar – adds a little tang and brightness to the sauce.
- toasted sesame oil – don’t skip this! It adds that signature nutty depth.
- gochujang – a Korean chili paste that brings a spicy, savory kick. You can find it in most grocery stores or Asian markets.
- fish sauce – just a splash adds amazing depth and umami.
- garlic and fresh ginger – fresh is best here for that punchy, aromatic flavor.
- carrot ribbons, cucumbers, red cabbage – these crisp veggies add crunch and freshness to the bowl.
- kimchi – brings tang, spice and probiotics. I love using a classic Napa cabbage kimchi.
- spicy mayo – just mayo (I like to use the Primal Kitchen avocado oil mayo because it’s made without seed oils or artificial sweeteners), sriracha, and a splash of water to thin. Creamy, spicy, and so good.
Find the full ingredient list with measurements in the recipe card below.
Recipe Substitutions
This Korean beef bowl is super flexible, so feel free to make it your own with what you have on hand:
- Protein swap: Not into beef? Try ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter option. I haven’t tested this with tofu or tempeh, but they could work for a vegetarian version—just make sure to press and season them well for maximum flavor!
- Veggies: Use what you love or have in the fridge! Shredded lettuce, sautéed mushrooms, or steamed broccoli would all be delicious additions or swaps.
How to Make a Korean Beef Bowl
Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, gochujang, garlic and ginger. Set aside.
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked.
Step 3: Add the prepared sauce to the cooked beef and stir to coat evenly. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes so the sauce thickens up slightly.
Step 4: Remove from heat and serve over rice or cooked cauliflower rice. Add your veggies, and kimchi. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Drizzle with spicy mayo and enjoy!
Brittany’s Tips!
This recipe is simple, but here are a few tips to make it even better:
- Use lean ground beef: I like using 85/15 or 90/10 for the perfect balance of flavor and less grease. If there’s excess fat after cooking, just drain it off before adding the sauce.
- Don’t skip the gochujang: It brings that signature Korean flavor with a little heat and tang. Start with a small amount if you’re sensitive to spice, and adjust to taste.
- Prep your veggies ahead: This bowl comes together so quickly if your carrots are already ribboned and your cucumbers and cabbage are sliced. I like doing this while the beef cooks to save time.
How to Serve Korean Beef Bowls
These Korean beef bowls are super versatile and can be enjoyed a few different ways depending on what you’re in the mood for!
- Over rice or cauliflower rice – I love serving the savory beef over a base of jasmine rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a lower carb option.
- Make it a wrap – Skip the bowl and wrap everything up in a large collard green leaf, lettuce wrap or even a tortilla for a handheld version.
- With an egg on top – Add a fried or soft-boiled egg on top for extra protein and richness. So good when the yolk mixes into the rice!
- Double the veggies – Feeling extra? Serve with a side of this Asian edamame salad or my creamy cucumber salad for even more crunch and nutrients.
- As a meal prep bowl – These make the best grab-and-go lunches. Just keep the beef, rice, veggies, and spicy mayo separate until you’re ready to heat and assemble.
How to Store Leftovers & Reheat
Leftovers keep super well, which makes this recipe perfect for meal prep!
- In the fridge: Store the beef, rice, veggies, and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days. This helps everything stay fresh and prevents the veggies from getting soggy.
- To reheat: Warm the beef and rice in the microwave or a skillet until heated through, then assemble your bowl with the fresh toppings and drizzle of spicy mayo.
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be! Just be sure to use tamari instead of soy sauce and double check your gochujang and fish sauce—some brands contain gluten.
Gochujang adds that signature Korean flavor and heat, but if you don’t have it, try using sriracha or sambal oelek instead. Just know the flavor will be a bit different.
More Bowl Recipes
Be sure to check out all of the dinner recipes on EBF!
