Sweet and Spicy Korean Beef Bowls

If you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner that’s loaded with flavor, look no further than these Sweet and Spicy Korean Beef Bowls.

This dish combines savory ground beef with a perfect balance of heat and sweetness, served over fluffy rice and finished with fresh toppings.

The result is a satisfying meal that comes together in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy families or anyone who wants big flavors without the hassle.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast & easy: Made with simple pantry staples and ready in no time.

• Budget-friendly: Ground beef keeps costs low while still delivering rich flavor.

• Customizable: Adjust the spice level, add veggies, or swap the protein.

• Meal-prep friendly: Great for making ahead and packing into lunch bowls.

Read More: Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Sweet and Spicy Korean Beef Bowls

A quick and flavorful weeknight dinner featuring savory ground beef cooked in a sweet and spicy Korean-inspired sauce, served over rice with fresh toppings

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: asian

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1/4 onion chopped
• 3 garlic cloves minced (may sub ¾ tsp garlic powder)
• 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger may sub ¾ tsp ground ginger
• 4-5 cups cooked rice/quinoa sprialized veggies

Korean Sauce

• 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 2-3 tablespoons brown sugar See Note
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 tablespoons rice wine may substitute dry sherry
• 2 tablespoons Gochujang or more if desired*
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• chili sauce to taste

Stir Fry

• 1 teaspoon neutral oil
• 1 large zucchini sliced
• 1 red bell pepper chopped
• 1 carrot thinly sliced
• may add or substitute different vegetables

Garnish

• green onions
• chili paste
• sesame seeds

Method

 

1. Whisk together Korean Sauce in a medium bowl. Set aside.
2. Brown beef and onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and ginger and sauté an additional 30 seconds. Drain off any excess fat.
3. Add Korean Sauce and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer for 5-10 minutes or until reduced and thickened. Taste and add chili paste for spicier, brown sugar for sweeter. Remove from skillet but do not wipe out.
4. Add one teaspoon oil and heat over medium-high heat. Add zucchini, carrots and red bell peppers (or other desired vegetables) and stir fry 2-3 minutes or to your desired crisp-tenderness.
5. Layer 4 bowls with rice/quinoa and top with Korean beef and vegetables.

Notes

• Add a fried egg on top for extra protein and richness.
• For a lighter option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Read More: Easy Beef Pepper Steak Recipe

How to Make Sweet and Spicy Korean Beef Bowls

1. First, whisk together your Korean Sauce ingredients of soy sauce, rice wine, sesame oil, ginger, garlic and Gochujang then set aside.

2. Brown your beef and onion, then add your garlic and ginger.

3. Add the Korean Sauce and bring to a boil.Reduce the Korean Beef to a simmer for 5-10 minutes or until reduced and thickened.

4. Once the sauce has thickened, taste and customize.  Add additional Gochujang for spicier or brown sugar for sweeter.

5. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds

6. Next, we saute our veggies.  I used zucchini, thinly sliced carrots and red bell peppers but this recipe is perfect to clean out your fridge and use whatever veggies you want.  Stir fry 2-3 minutes then layer your bowls with rice/quinoa, Korean beef and veggies.

7. Now dig into your fakeout takeout Korean Beef Bowls that are extremely quick, inexpensive but will have you craving its satisfying sweet heat for days!

Serving Suggestions

• Add a fried or poached egg for extra protein and richness.

• Toss in sautéed veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers.

• Swap rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.

Why Korean Beef Bowls Are a Dinner Winner

What makes this dish shine is the harmony of flavors—savory, slightly sweet, and just enough spice to keep things interesting.

It’s comfort food with a bold twist, and the fact that it’s so easy to make means it can quickly become a weeknight staple in your home.

FAQs About Sweet and Spicy Korean Beef Bowls

1. Can I use another protein besides beef?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work well.

2. Is gochujang very spicy?
Gochujang has a mild to medium heat with a hint of sweetness, making it less spicy than chili flakes or hot sauce. You can adjust the amount to your taste.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Store the cooked beef mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat and assemble when ready to serve.

4. What rice works best?
Jasmine or short-grain white rice is most common, but brown rice or cauliflower rice are great healthier swaps.

5. How can I make it healthier?
Use lean ground beef, reduce the sugar slightly, and add extra veggies to the bowls.

👉 With its bold flavors and simple preparation, Sweet and Spicy Korean Beef Bowls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Try it once, and it may just become your go-to dinner when you need something quick, hearty, and delicious.