KOREAN GOCHUJANG BEEF BOWLS
- WineCheeseScallops
- Sep 20, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 3
Looking to spice up your dinner routine with bold flavors and a fun twist on Korean-inspired comfort food? 🥢 Our Korean Gochujang Beef Bowls are here to save the day! 🔥 Packed with savory ground beef, sautéed red peppers, and a sweet, spicy Gochujang sauce that coats every bite, this dish delivers major flavor without a ton of effort.
"I personally tried this, and loved the dish! The peanuts were a nice touch...2nd's please!" -Brian West
What makes it even better? We’re topping it off with a cool, crunchy cucumber salad, roasted peanuts for extra crunch, and a drizzle of spicy mayo for that extra kick. 😋 Serve it all over a warm bed of rice, and boom—dinner’s done in no time!
Whether you're feeding the fam or meal-prepping for the week, these bowls are sure to become a new go-to. Check out the full recipe below and let the deliciousness begin! 🍚🌶️
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Korean Gochujang Beef Bowls: A Fusion of Flavors
Korean Gochujang Beef Bowls are a mouthwatering fusion of savory, spicy, and sweet flavors that perfectly represent the bold and vibrant nature of Korean cuisine. Gochujang, the star ingredient, is a Korean chili paste made from fermented soybeans, red chili powder, glutinous rice, and salt. This paste has a deep, rich flavor, adding a spicy kick and subtle sweetness to the dish. Gochujang has been a staple in Korean kitchens for centuries, traditionally used in popular dishes like bibimbap and tteokbokki. Its growing popularity worldwide has made it a go-to ingredient for anyone looking to bring some heat and complexity to their cooking.
In our Korean Gochujang Beef Bowls, we pair the spicy Gochujang sauce with tender ground beef, sautéed red bell peppers, and aromatic shallots and garlic. The dish is finished off with a drizzle of honey to balance the heat, and toasted sesame seeds for a nutty, rich texture. Ground beef is often used as a base for quick and hearty meals, but you can easily substitute chicken, turkey, or pork depending on your preferences. This flexibility allows for a lot of experimentation with different proteins, keeping the recipe fresh and exciting.
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The Origins of Korean Beef Bowls
While Korean beef bowls may seem like a modern take on Korean cuisine, the concept of combining rice with a protein and flavorful toppings is deeply rooted in traditional Korean cooking. Dishes like bulgogi and bibimbap have long utilized rice as a staple base, paired with seasoned meats and an array of vegetables. Over time, variations like Gochujang beef bowls emerged, offering a quicker, simpler way to enjoy the rich flavors of Korean cuisine while still retaining the essential elements of balance—spicy, savory, and slightly sweet.
What makes this recipe particularly appealing is its adaptability and ease. Korean beef bowls are often seen as a comfort food, thanks to their hearty and satisfying components. The combination of warm rice, flavorful beef, and refreshing cucumber salad creates the perfect balance of textures and flavors. This dish is a great way to introduce yourself or others to Korean cuisine, without feeling overwhelmed by unfamiliar ingredients or complex techniques.
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Ingredients That Make This Dish Stand Out
Each ingredient in Korean Gochujang Beef Bowls plays an important role in building layers of flavor. The Gochujang paste is, of course, the key element, providing heat and umami depth. The ground beef absorbs the sauce beautifully, but it's the addition of butter that helps create a rich, velvety texture. Shallots and garlic bring aromatic warmth, while the bell peppers add sweetness and a bit of crunch.
On the side, we have a refreshing cucumber salad that serves as the perfect palate cleanser to offset the richness of the beef. The cucumbers, lightly tossed with Gochujang, ginger juice, and Thai basil, provide a crisp, cool contrast. Top everything off with spicy mayo and crushed peanuts, and you’ve got a perfect balance of spicy, creamy, crunchy, and cool in every bite. This mix of flavors and textures makes the dish feel both elevated and approachable.
Whether you're a longtime fan of Korean food or just getting started, Korean Gochujang Beef Bowls offer an easy yet flavorful way to explore the world of Korean cuisine from your own kitchen!
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Korean Gochujang Beef Bowls
Ingredients:
1 ½ lbs ground beef (or substitute chicken, turkey, or pork)
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 Ttbs unsalted butter
2 red bell peppers, sliced
3 shallots, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup pickled ginger (or 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger)
½ cup tamari or soy sauce
2-3 Tbs Gochujang paste (Korean chili paste)
2 Tbs ginger juice (substitute rice vinegar if unavailable)
1/3 cup water
2 Tbs honey
¼ cup toasted sesame seeds
1/3 cup chopped roasted peanuts
Spicy mayo to taste (store-bought or homemade—here's a recipe: Spicy Mayo)
Cucumber Salad:
1-2 English cucumbers, chopped
1 Tbs Gochujang paste (Korean chili paste)
¼ cup chopped green onions
1 Tbs Thai basil, torn (plus extra for garnish)
2 Tbs ginger juice or rice vinegar
Instructions:
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef with black pepper over medium heat, breaking up the meat as it browns (about 5 minutes). Add the butter, bell peppers, garlic, shallots, and ginger, and cook for another 2 minutes.
Stir in the tamari, Gochujang paste, ginger juice (or vinegar), and 1/3 cup water. Cook until the sauce thickens and coats the beef, about 2-3 minutes. Mix in the honey and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the beef becomes caramelized. Remove from heat and toss with the toasted sesame seeds.
In a separate bowl, mix the chopped cucumbers with 1 tsp salt, chili paste, ginger juice (or vinegar), and green onions. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
Serve the beef and peppers over bowls of rice, alongside the cucumber salad. Top with chopped peanuts and add spicy mayo if desired. Enjoy!
We’re so excited for you to try this recipe! To make it even easier, we’ve put together a list of our favorite kitchen tools that are super helpful for this recipe. By using our affiliate links below, you’ll not only be getting top-notch products but also supporting our blog, Wine Cheese Scallops. Thank you so much for your support—happy cooking!
For the freshest ingredients to recreate dishes like these at home, we always visit our local gem, General Steak and Seafood.
Their high-quality selection never disappoints!
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