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Korean-inspired ground beef rice bowl topped with matchstick carrots, sliced green onions, and creamy ginger-garlic sauce in a white bowl

Korean-Inspired Ground Beef Rice Bowls

Savory browned beef over rice with crisp veggies and a creamy ginger-garlic sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients Instruction Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Beef
  • 1 lb ground beef preferably American Wagyu
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • additional salt to taste
For the Bowls
  • 2 cups uncooked white rice prepared according to package or preferred method
  • 1/2 cucumber thinly sliced
  • 1 medium carrot cut into thin matchsticks
  • 2 green onions thinly sliced
For the Ginger-Garlic Sauce
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tsp soy sauce
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 1-2 tbsp water as needed

Instructions

  1. Prepare the rice: Cook the rice according to your preferred method. Keep warm while preparing the beef and sauce.
  2. Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high to high heat.
    Add the ground beef and sprinkle with the ¼ teaspoon salt. Cook, allowing the beef to sit undisturbed for a minute or two at a time so it develops deep browning. Break it apart as it cooks and continue until thoroughly cooked and nicely browned.
  3. Season the beef: Once the beef is deeply browned, add the garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir well and cook for another 1–2 minutes, allowing the seasonings to coat the beef.
    Taste and add additional salt if needed.
  4. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, soy sauce, garlic powder, ginger, and onion powder.
    Add water a little at a time until the sauce reaches a smooth, easily drizzled consistency.
  5. Build the bowls: Divide the warm rice among four bowls.
    Top with the browned beef, cucumber slices, and matchstick carrots.
    Drizzle generously with the ginger-garlic sauce and finish with sliced green onion.
    Serve warm.

Notes

  • Don’t skimp on the sauce. The creamy sauce helps balance the richness of the beef and brings the whole bowl together.
  • For extra flavor, a very small drizzle of Japanese BBQ sauce can be added to the finished sauce or bowl, but it’s completely optional.