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–+ servings
Sarah

20-Minute Korean Gochujang Beef Bowls

Quick, flavor-packed Korean-inspired beef bowls featuring sweet-heat gochujang sauce, crisp cucumbers, and carrots over fluffy rice. Ready in 20 minutes and perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 8 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
Calories: 540
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (85–90% lean)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
  • Sauce
  • 2–3 Tbsp gochujang
  • 3 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 Tbsp brown sugar or honey
  • 1 Tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for gloss)
  • Bowls
  • 4 cups cooked rice
  • 1 cup sliced cucumber
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 2 scallions, sliced
  • sesame seeds
  • Optional: kimchi, fried eggs for topping

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • whisk or spatula
  • Rice cooker or pot for cooked rice

Method

  • Whisk sauce ingredients in a bowl, including cornstarch if you prefer a thicker, glossy sauce.
  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks, until no longer pink and 160°F (71°C).
  • Add minced garlic and grated ginger; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Pour in the sauce mixture; simmer 2–3 minutes until thickened and shiny.
  • Divide rice among 4 bowls. Top with beef, cucumber, carrots, and scallions. Sprinkle sesame seeds and serve with optional kimchi or fried egg.

Nutrition

Calories: 540kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 28gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 560mgFiber: 2gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 240IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3.2mg

Notes

Adjust Heat: Add or reduce gochujang to taste.
Protein Swaps: Ground turkey or chicken (cook to 165°F/74°C).
Lower-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or shredded cabbage.
Meal Prep: Portion beef and rice into containers; pack cucumbers and carrots separately. Sauce stays glossy on reheat.
More Dinner Ideas: BBQ Cheeseburger Wrap, Crockpot Beef Stew, Greek Chicken Bowls.
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