Korean Ground Beef Rice Bowls

Looking for a high-protein meal that actually satisfies? These Korean Ground Beef Rice Bowls are savory, slightly spicy, and packed with flavor—thanks to a sweet and umami-rich sauce that clings to every bite. It’s a macro-balanced dish you can whip up in under 30 minutes, perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep days.


Korean Beef Rice Bowl

This recipe came from one of those “I need something quick but crave-worthy” nights. I wanted the comfort of a rice bowl with the kick of gochujang and the macro balance to fit my goals. After a few tweaks, this bowl became a weekly staple. It's high in protein, crazy flavorful, and easy to customize depending on what veggies I have in the fridge.

Ingredients Breakdown

Main Ingredients:

  • 16 oz 96/4 lean ground beef

  • 1 tsp olive oil

  • 1.5 cups cooked white jasmine rice

Sauce Mixture:

  • 60g reduced sodium soy sauce

  • 20g brown sugar

  • 1 tbsp gochujang

  • 1 tsp sesame oil

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • ½ tsp garlic powder

  • ½ tsp black pepper

Optional Toppings:

  • Sliced green onions

  • Toasted sesame seeds

Optional Veggies:

  • Pickled radish

  • Kimchi

  • Steamed or stir-fried vegetables

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • High Protein (34g): A lean and filling meal that supports your fitness goals.

  • Balanced Macros: Each bowl hits that protein-carb-fat sweet spot.

  • Big Flavor, Simple Ingredients: No complicated marinades or sauces—just pantry staples with a Korean twist.

  • Meal Prep: Makes 3 bowls that store and reheat well.

  • Flexible: Swap the rice, toss in veggies, or spice it up even more.

Korean Ground Beef Rice Bowl Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Make the Sauce:
    In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, gochujang, sesame oil, garlic, garlic powder, and pepper until smooth and slightly sticky.

  2. Cook the Beef:
    Heat 1 tsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula as you go.

  3. Add the Sauce:
    Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour the sauce over the beef and stir until coated. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly and sticks to the meat.

  4. Build Your Bowls:
    Divide cooked jasmine rice into 3 portions. Top each with the beef mixture and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

  5. Customize & Enjoy:
    Add pickled radish, kimchi, or stir-fried veggies to round out your bowl. Forks (or chopsticks) optional, but highly encouraged.

Meal Prep Tips & Swaps

  • Make Ahead: Cook the beef and rice in advance for grab-and-go meals all week.

  • Storage: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of water.

  • Swap It Out: Use brown rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa to change up the base.

  • Spice Level: Add more gochujang or red pepper flakes if you like it spicier.

Macro Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 373 kcal

  • Protein: 34g

  • Carbs: 36g

  • Fat: 9g

Yield: 3
High-Protein Korean Ground Beef Rice Bowls

High-Protein Korean Ground Beef Rice Bowls

Looking for a high-protein meal that actually satisfies? These Korean Ground Beef Rice Bowls are savory, slightly spicy, and packed with flavor—thanks to a sweet and umami-rich sauce that clings to every bite. It’s a macro-balanced dish you can whip up in under 30 minutes, perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep days.

Prep time: 5 MinCook time: 15 MinTotal time: 20 Min

Ingredients

Main Ingredients
Sauce Mixture
Optional Toppings/Veggies

Instructions

  1. Cook Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, break it apart, and cook until browned. Drain excess liquid if needed.
  2. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, gochujang, sesame oil, minced garlic, garlic powder, and black pepper.
  3. Combine: Pour the sauce into the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir to coat evenly and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Assemble: Divide cooked rice into 3 bowls or containers. Top with beef mixture.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Add green onions, sesame seeds, and optional veggies. Serve immediately or store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Notes

  • Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
  • Can substitute with brown rice or cauliflower rice

Nutrition Facts

Calories

373

Fat

9 g

Carbs

36 g

Protein

34 g

Hi! I’m Brandon!

Welcome to my food blog! I make recipes that are simple, macro-friendly, and delicious. I believe that a healthy diet doesn’t have to be boring! On my food blog, you’ll discover a huge variety of breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack recipes that are nutritious, delicious, and perfect for meal prep! I’m so glad you are here!

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