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Flavorful Korean Beef Bowl Recipe Easy 20-Minute Dinner with Toasted Sesame Seeds

Korean beef bowl - featured image
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A quick and easy Korean beef bowl featuring savory-sweet ground beef with toasted sesame seeds, garlic, and ginger served over warm white rice. Perfect for busy weeknights, this flavorful dish delivers comforting umami with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce (preferably low sodium)
  • 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or neutral oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • About 4 cups (800 g) cooked white rice, warm
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Prepare the rice: Cook 2 cups (400 g) of uncooked white rice according to package instructions (about 15-20 minutes). Keep warm until serving.
  2. Toast the sesame seeds: Place 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, and 3 cloves minced garlic. Stir until sugar dissolves. Add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes if desired.
  4. Cook the beef: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
  5. Add the sauce: Pour the sauce over the cooked beef. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir to coat evenly. Simmer 2-3 minutes to thicken and deepen flavor.
  6. Finish with sesame oil: Drizzle 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil over the beef and stir to combine.
  7. Plate the bowls: Serve the Korean beef over warm white rice. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Notes

Toast sesame seeds carefully to avoid burning; they add essential flavor and crunch. Do not overcrowd the pan when browning beef to ensure caramelization. Simmer sauce briefly to thicken and marry flavors. Adjust soy sauce or sugar to taste before serving. For gluten-free, substitute tamari for soy sauce. Ground turkey or chicken can be used as alternatives. Add veggies like shredded carrots or steamed broccoli for variation.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean beef bowl, quick dinner, easy recipe, toasted sesame seeds, ground beef, weeknight meal, savory-sweet, garlic, ginger

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/flavorful-korean-beef-bowl-recipe-easy-20-minute-dinner-with-toasted-sesame-seeds/