Meals · High Protein
Korean Ground Beef Bowls (44g Protein)
These r/fitmeals-approved Korean beef bowls deliver 57 grams of protein and 612 calories per serving. Sweet-savory ground beef glazed with gochujang and soy gets piled over steamed rice with a runny fried egg, quick-pickled cucumbers, and shredded carrots for a 20-minute weeknight winner that serves four.
Nutrition per serving
- Protein
- 44 g
- Calories
- 519
- Carbs
- 34 g
- Fat
- 31 g
Nutritional values are estimates based on standard ingredient data and may vary by brand or preparation method. This information is for general reference only and is not a substitute for professional dietary advice. Consult a healthcare provider or registered dietitian for personalized nutrition guidance.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground beef 90% lean
- 2 tbsp sesame oil — divided
- 4 cloves garlic — minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger — minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce — low-sodium
- 2 tbsp gochujang
- 2 tbsp brown sugar — packed
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1.5 cups white rice — uncooked, yields ~3 cups cooked
- 4 large eggs
- 1 medium english cucumber — sliced thin
- 2 medium carrots — shredded or julienned
- 4 stalks green onions — sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds — for garnish
- to taste sriracha — optional, for extra heat
Steps
- Make quick-pickled cucumbers: Toss sliced cucumber with 1 tablespoon rice vinegar and a pinch of salt. Refrigerate while you cook.
- Cook rice according to package directions.
- Make the sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, gochujang, brown sugar, and remaining rice vinegar in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking into small crumbles, until browned, about 6-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Push beef to the side. Add garlic and ginger to the cleared space. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant, then stir into beef.
- Pour sauce over beef. Stir to coat and cook 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and glazes the meat.
- While beef finishes, fry eggs: Heat remaining sesame oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Crack eggs into pan and cook until whites are set but yolks are still runny, about 3-4 minutes.
- To serve: Divide rice among four bowls. Top with glazed beef, a fried egg, pickled cucumbers, shredded carrots, and green onions. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and drizzle with sriracha if desired.
Why This Works
Ground beef (90% lean) provides 20g protein per 100g raw (USDA #174030). and unlike sliced bulgogi, requires no marinating. The sauce follows Maangchi's bulgogi principle: a 1:1 ratio of soy sauce to sugar, balanced with garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Gochujang adds both heat and sweetness (it contains fermented rice), so brown sugar is reduced compared to traditional bulgogi. The sauce thickens as it cooks, creating a sticky glaze that clings to every crumble. A runny fried egg adds 6g protein per serving and acts as a built-in sauce when the yolk breaks over the rice. Cook to 145°F for medium.
The Gochujang Balance
Gochujang is more complex than simple chili paste. It's fermented with glutinous rice, which gives it body and underlying sweetness. Two tablespoons provides noticeable heat without overwhelming the dish. If your gochujang is particularly spicy, reduce to 1 tablespoon and increase brown sugar by 1 teaspoon to maintain the sweet-savory balance. For a milder version, substitute 1 tablespoon gochujang + 1 tablespoon hoisin. The rice vinegar splash at the end brightens everything and cuts through the richness.
Make It Your Own
Swap ground beef for ground turkey (reduce to 93% lean for moisture) or ground pork for more fat and richness. Add 1 cup kimchi to the beef in the last minute of cooking for a tangier, more complex bowl. For lower carbs, serve over cauliflower rice or mixed greens. The pickled cucumbers can be made up to 3 days ahead. They only get better. For meal prep, store beef and rice separately; reheat beef with a splash of water to restore the glaze.
Sources Research-Backed
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I meal prep Korean Ground Beef Bowls ahead of time?
Yes. Store the cooked beef and rice in separate containers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. The gochujang-soy sauce keeps the beef tender when reheated. For best texture, warm the beef in a skillet over medium heat rather than microwaving.
Can I freeze Korean Ground Beef Bowls?
Yes. Freeze the cooked beef in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Store rice separately as frozen rice can become mushy. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to restore the sauce consistency.
Is Korean Ground Beef Bowl gluten-free?
Not as written. Soy sauce contains wheat. Substitute tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version with nearly identical flavor. All other ingredients (ground beef, gochujang, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice) are naturally gluten-free.
