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Savory Skillet Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe for Easy Sticky Soy Glaze Meal

korean ground beef bowl - featured image

A quick and fuss-free Korean ground beef bowl with a sticky soy glaze that delivers savory, sweet, and umami flavors in under 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights and made with simple pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (60 ml)
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 4 cups cooked jasmine rice (960 g)
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Mince the garlic cloves and grate the fresh ginger. Slice the green onions thinly and set aside for garnish. Measure out soy sauce, brown sugar, and oils to have them ready.
  2. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Let it warm until shimmering but not smoking (about 1-2 minutes).
  3. Add 1 pound (450 g) of ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it up into small pieces. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through—about 6-8 minutes.
  4. If there’s a lot of grease, carefully drain some off, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan for flavor.
  5. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.
  6. Pour in 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce and 2 tablespoons brown sugar. Stir well to combine. Add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes if using. Lower heat to medium and let the mixture simmer gently, stirring often, until the sauce thickens and becomes sticky—about 3-4 minutes.
  7. Drizzle 1 tablespoon sesame oil over the beef and stir to incorporate.
  8. Scoop warm jasmine rice into bowls, then top with the sticky Korean ground beef. Garnish with sliced green onions.

Notes

Watch the glaze closely during simmering to avoid burning the sugar. If it thickens too fast, lower the heat and add a splash of water to loosen it. Prepping rice ahead saves time. Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted with added soy sauce for moisture. For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Add quick-cooked vegetables like snap peas or shredded carrots for extra crunch and color.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean ground beef, sticky soy glaze, quick dinner, easy weeknight meal, savory beef bowl, skillet recipe