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15-Minute Gochujang Beef Rice Bowls

Fast spicy-sweet gochujang ground beef served over rice with crunchy toppings—bold, cozy, and ready in about 15 minutes.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Quick & Easy Meals
Cuisine: Korean-inspired
Calories: 560
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Gochujang Beef
  • 1 lb ground beef 80–90% lean
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp gochujang start with 1 tbsp for mild
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce low-sodium if preferred
  • 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil stir in at the end
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
Bowls
  • 4 cups cooked rice microwave or leftover
  • 1 cup cucumber thinly sliced
  • 1 cup carrots shredded
  • 2 green onions sliced
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds optional

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon
  • Small bowl (for sauce)

Method
 

  1. Prepare rice (or reheat leftover rice) and set aside.
  2. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Stir in gochujang, soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), and rice vinegar. Simmer 1–2 minutes until glossy and thickened.
  5. Turn off heat and stir in sesame oil and black pepper.
  6. Assemble bowls: rice, gochujang beef, cucumber, carrots, green onions, and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Notes

Spice control: Start with 1 tbsp gochujang and add more after tasting. Swap: Ground turkey works too. Meal prep: Store beef and rice separately up to 3 days; add fresh toppings after reheating. Extra: Top with a fried egg for more protein.