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Easy Korean Beef Bowl (One-Skillet Ground Beef) Recipe

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3.8 from 55 reviews

This Easy Korean Beef Bowl is a quick and flavorful one-skillet dish featuring ground beef simmered in a savory-sweet Korean-inspired sauce. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for a fast weeknight dinner served over rice with a refreshing chili crunch cucumber salad.

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Beef and Sauce

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch

To Serve

  • Cooked rice, to serve
  • Chili crunch cucumber salad, for side (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat and Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart and spreading it evenly across the pan. Let it cook undisturbed for 5 minutes to develop a nice crust on one side.
  2. Prepare the Sauce: While the beef cooks, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, sesame oil, rice vinegar, oyster sauce, grated fresh ginger, and cornstarch in a small bowl. Set the sauce mixture aside.
  3. Combine and Simmer: After the beef has browned for 5 minutes, pour the sauce mixture over the meat. Stir thoroughly to coat the beef evenly, breaking up any large pieces. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the beef.
  4. Serve: Spoon the Korean beef over bowls of steamed rice. Serve with a side of chili crunch cucumber salad for added texture and flavor if desired.

Notes

  • Allowing the beef to brown undisturbed helps develop a richer flavor and slightly crispy texture.
  • Adjust the sweetness or saltiness by tweaking the amount of brown sugar or soy sauce according to your taste.
  • For a gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with tamari and ensure oyster sauce is gluten-free.
  • The dish pairs well with steamed or fried rice and fresh vegetable sides.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 2-3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Korean