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Quick Savory Korean Beef Bowls Recipe with Easy Sesame Cucumber Salad

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A quick and easy Korean beef bowl recipe featuring caramelized savory beef paired with a refreshing sesame cucumber salad, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (preferably 80% lean for juiciness)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp freshly grated ginger (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2 green onions, sliced thinly
  • Cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine) for serving
  • 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced (seedless, like Persian)
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or mild white vinegar)
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: finely chopped fresh cilantro or mint

Instructions

  1. Cook 2 cups (about 360g) of rice according to package instructions (15-20 minutes).
  2. Thinly slice 1 large cucumber using a mandoline or sharp knife.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine cucumber slices with 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil, 1 teaspoon sugar, and a pinch of salt.
  4. Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds and toss gently. Set aside to let flavors meld.
  5. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon sesame oil.
  6. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and 1 teaspoon grated ginger (if using). Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Add 1 lb ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
  8. Stir in 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes. Cook 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats beef.
  9. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  10. Fluff cooked rice with a fork and divide among four bowls.
  11. Top each bowl with the savory Korean beef and a scoop of sesame cucumber salad.
  12. Garnish with sliced green onions.

Notes

Use tamari instead of soy sauce for gluten-free. Toast sesame seeds and use toasted sesame oil for best flavor. Let cucumber salad rest at least 10 minutes before serving. Cook beef in batches if pan overcrowded to get a good sear. Adjust soy sauce and sugar gradually to balance saltiness and sweetness. Rice can be cooked in advance and kept warm.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean beef bowls, quick dinner, sesame cucumber salad, easy weeknight meal, savory beef, Korean recipe

Find it online: https://shimmersnack.com/quick-savory-korean-beef-bowls-recipe-with-easy-sesame-cucumber-salad/