Easy Korean Gochujang Ground Beef Bowl Recipe

These easy Korean-style ground beef bowls are comforting and ready in 10 minutes, spiced with bold gochujang (Korean chili paste), perfect over rice.

Prep Time10

Cook Time10

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Korean

Keyword: gochujang

Servings:

Calories: 569kcal

1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon vegetable or neutral oil
3 garlic cloves minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated (or ½ tsp ground ginger)
⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoons brown sugar
2-3 tablespoons gochujang Korean chili-paste (add 3 if you like a bit more heat)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional, for extra kick
½ cup water optional (for a saucier dish - or use chicken broth or tomato sauce)
4 cups cooked rice white, jasmine, or brown for serving
Garnishes: sliced green onions, scallions or fresh chopped herbs, toasted sesame seeds, thinly sliced chilies and cucumber or quick-pickled cucumber (optional)
Optional veggie add-ons: steamed broccoli florets, shredded carrots, or sautéed bell pepper for extra color & texture

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the ground beef. Break it up with a spatula and cook until no longer pink (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess grease if desired.
While the beef is cooking, in a small bowl whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, gochujang, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using), and optional water/chicken broth/tomato sauce for saucier.
Once the beef is fully browned, pour the sauce over the beef, reduce the heat to medium-low, and stir to coat everything evenly. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes so the flavors meld. You can simmer longer if you'd like.
Serve in bowls over rice with your chosen garnishes. Enjoy.