Description
A quick and flavorful Korean Beef Bowl recipe featuring a sweet and savory sauce made with honey, brown sugar, sesame oil, and soy sauce, served over rice or cauliflower rice for a satisfying meal in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Sauce
- 1 1/2 Tbsp honey
- 1 1/2 Tbsp dark brown sugar (light can be substituted)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tsp fresh lime juice
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp water
Beef Mixture
- 2 tsp vegetable oil
- 18 oz. 85% lean ground beef
- 1/3 cup chopped green onions (white and light portion)
- 1 Tbsp minced fresh garlic
- 1 Tbsp peeled and minced fresh ginger
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water (optional)
To Serve
- Chopped green onions (green portion)
- Chopped unsalted peanuts or toasted sesame seeds
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice, or cauliflower rice (or more as desired)
Instructions
- Make the Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together honey, brown sugar, sesame oil, lime juice, soy sauce, and water. Set aside to blend the flavors.
- Preheat Skillet: Heat a 12-inch non-stick skillet over moderately high heat. This ensures the beef will brown nicely.
- Cook the Beef: Crumble the ground beef into roughly 1-inch chunks and add the vegetable oil to the skillet. Add the beef chunks in a single layer, leaving space so they brown instead of steaming. Let cook undisturbed for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes until the bottoms are nicely browned.
- Add Aromatics: Sprinkle in the chopped green onions (white and light green parts), minced garlic, minced ginger, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss and break up the beef, continuing to cook until fully browned and cooked through, about 2 to 3 more minutes. Remove excess fat by dabbing with paper towels if desired.
- Simmer with Sauce: Pour the prepared honey mixture into the skillet and reduce heat to medium. If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch and water mixture now. Simmer the beef with the sauce, stirring frequently, for about 1 minute. Taste and adjust seasoning with more soy sauce or salt if needed.
- Serve: Serve the savory Korean beef warm over cooked white, brown, or cauliflower rice. Garnish with chopped green onion greens, chopped peanuts, or toasted sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute light brown sugar if dark brown sugar is unavailable.
- The red pepper flakes are optional and can be omitted or adjusted for desired spice level.
- If you want a thicker sauce, be sure to mix the cornstarch with water before adding to prevent lumps.
- Using cauliflower rice is a great low-carb alternative to traditional rice.
- Drain excess fat from the cooked beef with paper towels to keep the dish less greasy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
