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Spicy Korean-Inspired Ground Beef Bowls with Kimchi Fried Rice

Whip up these quick and flavorful Korean-inspired ground beef bowls with homemade kimchi fried rice for a weeknight dinner that's packed with umami and spice. Easy, delicious, and totally satisfying!
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner Recipes
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil like vegetable or canola
  • 1 lb ground beef 80/20 recommended
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 inch ginger grated
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons gochujang Korean chili paste
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup water or beef broth
  • 2 cups cooked short-grain rice preferably day-old
  • 1 cup chopped kimchi plus extra for garnish
  • 1 tablespoon kimchi juice
  • 1 tablespoon butter optional, for richness
  • 2 green onions thinly sliced (white and green parts separated)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • Optional toppings: fried egg sliced cucumber, shredded nori, extra gochujang

Method
 

  1. **Prepare the Ground Beef:** Heat the sesame oil and neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off most of the excess fat, leaving about a tablespoon in the skillet.
  2. **Build the Flavor:** Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the soy sauce, gochujang, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Cook for another minute, stirring to coat the beef evenly.
  3. **Simmer and Thicken:** Pour in the water or beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and coats the beef beautifully. Stir in the white parts of the green onions.
  4. **Make the Kimchi Fried Rice:** While the beef simmers, heat a separate large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the cooked rice, chopped kimchi, and kimchi juice. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, breaking up the rice and allowing it to get slightly toasted. If using, stir in the butter until melted and combined. Stir in the green parts of the green onions.
  5. **Assemble the Bowls:** Divide the kimchi fried rice among serving bowls. Top generously with the spicy Korean-inspired ground beef. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and extra sliced green onions.
  6. **Add Your Favorite Toppings:** Finish with any of your desired optional toppings like a perfectly fried egg, crisp cucumber slices, or a sprinkle of shredded nori for an extra layer of flavor and texture.