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Easy Savory Korean Beef Bowl Recipe with Sesame Seeds for Quick Dinners

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A quick and comforting Korean beef bowl featuring a balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavors with toasted sesame seeds, ready in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
  • 2 tbsp (25 g) brown sugar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 3 cups (600 g) cooked white rice (jasmine or short-grain)

Instructions

  1. Cook 3 cups (600 g) of white rice according to package instructions, rinsing until water runs clear for fluffy texture (about 15-20 minutes).
  2. Toast 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds in a small dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant (2-3 minutes). Set aside.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, 3 minced garlic cloves, and red pepper flakes if using. Set aside.
  4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink (5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
  5. Pour the prepared sauce over the browned beef. Stir well to coat evenly. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Stir in sliced green onions just before serving to keep their fresh flavor and crunch.
  7. Spoon cooked rice into bowls and top with the savory Korean beef mixture. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top.

Notes

Toast sesame seeds separately for maximum aroma and crunch. Rinse rice until water runs clear for fluffier texture. Adjust saltiness by adding water or extra rice vinegar if sauce is too salty. Avoid overcooking green onions to keep them crisp. Ground turkey, chicken, tofu, or mushrooms can be used as alternatives. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean beef bowl, quick dinner, savory beef, sesame seeds, easy recipe, weeknight meal, ground beef recipe

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/easy-savory-korean-beef-bowl-recipe-with-sesame-seeds-for-quick-dinners/