Spicy Korean Beef Bowl (Printable)
Savory spicy beef paired with crisp vegetables and fluffy rice enriched with classic Korean flavors.
# Ingredient List:
→ Beef
01 - 1.1 lbs lean ground beef
→ Marinade and Sauce
02 - 3 tbsp soy sauce
03 - 1.5 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
04 - 1 tbsp brown sugar
05 - 2 tsp sesame oil
06 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
08 - 1 tbsp rice vinegar
→ Vegetables and Rice
09 - 2 cups cooked white rice (jasmine or short-grain)
10 - 1 cup shredded carrots
11 - 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
12 - 1 cup kimchi, chopped
13 - 2 scallions, thinly sliced
→ Garnish
14 - 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
15 - Optional: fresh cilantro or extra sliced scallions
# Directions:
01 - Combine soy sauce, gochujang, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and rice vinegar in a small bowl and whisk until smooth.
02 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat; add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked, about 5 to 6 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
03 - Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked beef, stir well, and allow to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the beef is evenly coated and the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
04 - Divide cooked rice evenly among four bowls. Top each with spicy beef, shredded carrots, sliced cucumber, chopped kimchi, and sliced scallions.
05 - Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over each bowl and add fresh cilantro or extra scallions as desired. Serve immediately.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The balance of bold spices with tender beef feels like a comforting hug in a bowl
- It’s quick to make but tastes like it simmered all day, a total weeknight win
02 -
- Don't rush browning the beef—letting it get a little crusty adds incredible flavor
- Adjust gochujang carefully, as it can vary in heat level and impact the final kick
03 -
- Use a cast iron skillet if you have one to get that perfect beef sear
- Letting the sauce rest with the beef off the heat intensifies the flavor