Easy & Delicious High Protein Korean Ground Beef Rice Bowls

Ingredients

• 1 lb Lean Ground Beef (80% lean, fresh)
• 1/4 cup Soy Sauce (Low‑sodium preferred)
• 2 tbsp Brown Sugar (Packed)
• 1 tbsp Sesame Oil (Toasted sesame oil for flavor)
• 2 cloves Garlic (Minced)
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper (Freshly ground)
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil (For sautéing)
• 1 tbsp Sesame Seeds (Toasted)
• 2 stalks Green Onions (Thinly sliced, both white and green parts)
• 2 cups Cooked Rice (White or brown rice, cooled)
• 1 cup Mixed Veggies (Steamed or sautéed (e.g., broccoli, carrots, bell pepper))

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce

   In a mixing bowl combine soy sauce, brown sugar, toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir until the sugar dissolves.

   Time: PT2M

2. Cook the Ground Beef

   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the lean ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is nearly browned but still a bit pink in the center.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: Medium‑high heat

3. Add Sauce and Simmer

   Pour the prepared sauce over the nearly cooked beef. Reduce heat to medium and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully cooked through and the sauce thickens and coats the meat.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: Medium heat

4. Garnish

   Remove the pan from heat. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the beef mixture.

   Time: PT1M

5. Assemble the Bowls

   Divide cooked rice among four serving bowls, top with the seasoned ground beef, and add a side of mixed veggies. Serve immediately.

   Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

350

Protein

20g

Carbohydrates

40g

Fat

12g

Fiber

3g

Ingredient Substitutions

• Instead of Lean Ground Beef: Ground turkey, Ground chicken
• Instead of Soy Sauce: Tamari (gluten‑free), Coconut aminos
• Instead of Brown Sugar: Honey, Maple syrup
• Instead of Sesame Oil: Peanut oil, Olive oil (less flavor)
• Instead of Garlic: Garlic paste, Garlic powder (increase to 1 tsp)
• Instead of Garlic Powder: Onion powder (different flavor)
• Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
• Instead of Olive Oil: Canola oil, Vegetable oil
• Instead of Sesame Seeds: Pumpkin seeds
• Instead of Green Onions: Chives
• Instead of Cooked Rice: Quinoa, Cauliflower rice
• Instead of Mixed Veggies: Snap peas, Zucchini

Equipment Needed

• Large Skillet or Frying Pan
• Mixing Bowl
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Knife
• Cutting Board
• Rice Cooker or Pot
• Serving Bowls

Critical Steps — Do Not Skip

• Mixing the sauce ingredients thoroughly
• Cooking ground beef until nearly done before adding sauce
• Simmering until sauce thickens and coats the meat
• Ensuring beef reaches safe internal temperature

Chef Tips from the Video

• Use toasted sesame oil for a deeper nutty flavor, but keep the amount modest as it can dominate.
• For extra heat, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of gochujang.
• Finely slice green onions just before serving to keep their fresh crunch.

Troubleshooting

Storage

Refrigerator: Store beef mixture in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Freeze in a freezer‑safe bag for up to 2 months; thaw in fridge before reheating.

Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Prepare the sauce and store in a small jar; it keeps for a week in the fridge.
• Cook the beef mixture a day ahead and reheat with a splash of water.
• Cook rice in bulk and portion into containers for quick assembly.

Frequently Asked Questions