Healthy Korean Ground Beef Bowls

Name: Healthy Korean Ground Beef Bowls
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef; 1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce; 1/4 cup honey; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon water; 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 1/4-1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes ((depending on how spicy you like it)); Salt and pepper (to taste); Diced green onion; Sesame seeds

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This healthy Korean beef recipe is quick, easy, and loaded with flavor. Ready to serve in just 20 minutes, it’s a tasty option for those busy weeknights! Serve it over rice or in lettuce wraps for a delicious meal that the whole family will enjoy! {Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free-Friendly}

A fully assembled Korean beef bowl with sliced cucumbers .

Table of Contents

Healthy Korean Beef Bowl Recipe

When you’re short on time and need to get dinner on the table in a hurry, this Korean ground beef is a lifesaver! It comes together so quickly and is a great alternative to your usual takeout.

This dish is so flavorful and is sweet, spicy, and savory at the same time. Plus, you can easily adjust the spice level for a great family-friendly meal.

I make this recipe pretty regularly because it’s so simple, and the whole family loves it! It’s hands down one of our favorite healthy dinner recipes right now because it’s so versatile. Serve it with your favorite veggies over rice, cauliflower rice, or in lettuce wraps for a super easy dinner!

If you’re looking for some more Asian beef recipes, be sure to check out this Freezer Beef and Broccoli and these Asian Beef Meatballs too!

Korean ground beef over rice in a large bowl.

Why We Love This Easy Dinner

One Pan: The best part is that this easy Korean beef bowl recipe is all cooked on the stovetop in a skillet, so clean-up is a breeze!

Simple ingredients: You only need a few basic ingredients to make this dish, a lot of which you will already have on hand.

Make-ahead: This healthy Korean beef recipe is a great option for your weekly meal prep, since it still tastes great after sitting in the fridge for a few days, and it’s freezer-friendly too.

Naturally sweetened: Unlike other recipes, these healthy Korean beef bowls are sweetened with honey instead of brown sugar. It adds a fantastic flavor, too!

Ingredient Notes

Beef: Use lean ground beef for this recipe to keep saturated fat levels in check. If you can find it, grass-fed is always a better option, too, due to its healthier fat profile and higher antioxidant content.
Seame oil: I highly recommend using sesame oil in this recipe for an unmistakeable Asian flavor. You can use regular or toasted sesame oil.
Fresh garlic and ginger: Use freshly minced garlic and ginger for the best flavor. You can also sub in garlic and ginger paste if that’s what you have on hand.
Cornstarch: This will thicken the sauce to make it smooth and glossy.
Honey: Honey adds a nice subtle sweetness. Use raw honey if you can, as it tends to be less processed.
Soy sauce: I prefer to use low sodium soy sauce. If you have a gluten intolerance, you can use tamari sauce or coconut aminos instead.
Red pepper flakes: Adds a slight spicy kick to the recipe. Increase the amount used if you prefer more heat.

To garnish:

Diced green onions
Sesame seeds

Step-by-Step Instructions

The sauce for the Korean beef bowls in a small bowl

In a small bowl or mini blender, mix the sesame oil, garlic, honey, soy sauce, ginger, and red pepper flakes until combined.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook ground beef until no longer pink, about 10 minutes. Drain the fat.
Add the sauce to the beef in the pan, stir and simmer for a few minutes to bring the flavors together. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Scroll to the recipe card below for the full printable recipe!

Expert Tips

I recommend using extra lean or lean ground beef for this recipe to keep the saturated fat content lower.

I like to mix the ingredients for the sauce in a mini blender (we love the Ninja) since it makes it nice and smooth. If you don’t have a small blender, you can also just mix the ingredients together in a bowl before dumping into the pan with the beef.

For the purpose of this recipe, I used 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes to add a little kick of heat without it being overly spicy to make it more family-friendly, but you can increase the amount used if you prefer more heat.

You can double the recipe for the sauce if you prefer saucier beef or extra sauce that you can serve over rice and vegetables.

Start cooking the rice (if you plan on serving it) before browning the beef to get dinner on the table in record time!

A close-up of Korean ground beef with green onions served over rice with a fork digging in.

How to Store

To refrigerate: Once you’ve made the beef, let it cool before storing in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for 3-4 days.

To freeze: Chill any leftovers in the fridge, then store in the freezer for up to 6 months. Use a vacuum sealer for the freshest flavor.

How to reheat

You can reheat this beef on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If needed, add a little water to thin out the sauce.

Recipe FAQs

Can I sub in another meat other than beef?

Yes! You can sub in ground chicken, turkey or pork for the beef if desired. The rest of the recipe remains the same.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Of course! Instead of the ground beef, you can use veggie ground or you could even try cubed firm tofu instead of the beef. The tofu will absorb all of those delicious flavours from the sauce!

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, this is a great option for freezer meals. Let it cool before storing in a freezer safe container or bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months. Thaw the frozen beef in the fridge overnight before reheating.

A healthy Korean beef bowl on a counter.

What to Serve with Korean Beef

I like to serve this recipe over steamed white or brown rice (try this Coconut Cilantro Lime Rice) and top with a sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds. You can also use rice noodles to make Korean beef noodle bowls! To reduce the carbs, try cauliflower rice or using lettuce wraps.

For a complete meal, pair it with some steamed, stir-fried, or roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, green beans, and peppers.

It’s also delicious served with this Easy Asian Cucumber Salad, Carrot Cucumber Salad or this Cashew Crunch Salad for a cool and refreshing pop of flavor that complements the sweet and spicy beef so nicely.

Recipe Variations

Change the sweetener: I love the honey in this, but you can also use maple syrup for a deeper, richer flavor or substitute sugar free syrup for a low-sugar option.
Reduce the meat: If you want to consume less meat, try replacing half of it with cubed extra-firm tofu or 1-2 cans of rinsed and drained black beans. The beans are definitely not traditional, but they soak up the delicious sauce so well and add lots of fiber!
Top with your favorite garnishes: In addition to the garnishes listed in the recipe, these high protein Korean beef rice bowls would also taste amazing with a fried egg, chopped peanuts or cashews, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. For heat, add your favorite chili garlic sauce or sriracha.

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A healthy Korean beef bowl with Asian cucumber salad.

Course Main Course