This high-protein Korean beef bowl is one of my favorite quick meals when I want something flavorful, filling, and nourishing. Lean ground beef gets simmered in a garlicky, ginger-spiked soy glaze and served over warm rice with a jammy egg and fresh toppings. It feels like takeout but without the extra mystery ingredients—and it always leaves me satisfied.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s simple, protein-packed, and endlessly customizable. The beef cooks in one pan with bold flavors, and I can build the bowl however I like—with rice, veggies, or extra spice. It’s great for recovery after a workout, gives me long-lasting energy, and helps me stay full without snacking right away.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Lean ground beef
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Eggs (for topping, cooked soft with runny yolks)
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Soy sauce
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Honey (or a low-carb sweetener alternative)
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Rice vinegar
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Garlic, minced
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Fresh ginger, grated
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Onion, finely diced
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Scallions, sliced
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Fresh chilies, sliced (optional)
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Cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice for low-carb)
Directions
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I heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks.
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Once browned, I stir in onion, garlic, and ginger, letting them cook until fragrant.
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I add soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar, stirring to coat the beef in the glaze. I let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
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Meanwhile, I cook the eggs to soft or medium doneness so the yolk stays jammy.
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I spoon the beef over warm rice, then top each bowl with a soft-cooked egg.
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I garnish with scallions, sliced chilies, and extra sesame seeds if I have them.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4 servings. Prep takes about 10 minutes, cooking takes around 15 minutes, so in 25 minutes total, I have a high-protein meal ready. Each serving packs in over 40g of protein thanks to the beef, egg, and rice combination.
Variations
Sometimes I swap beef for ground turkey or chicken to keep things lighter. For a low-carb version, I serve the beef over cauliflower rice. If I want it extra spicy, I add gochujang or red pepper flakes to the glaze. I also like adding veggies like sautéed broccoli, spinach, or zucchini to bulk up the bowl.
storage/reheating
I store leftover beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm it in a skillet over medium heat until hot, adding a splash of water or soy sauce if needed. The rice and eggs are best made fresh, but I often meal prep the beef separately and build bowls during the week.
FAQs
Can I meal prep this recipe?
Yes, I cook the beef ahead of time and portion it into containers with rice. I add fresh eggs and toppings right before eating.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well, but I season it generously since they’re milder than beef.
How do I make the eggs perfectly jammy?
I cook eggs in boiling water for about 6–7 minutes, then cool them in ice water before peeling.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, I use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free.
What can I serve with these bowls?
I like serving them with kimchi, roasted vegetables, or a fresh cucumber salad for balance.
Conclusion
These high-protein Korean beef bowls are one of my favorite ways to get a quick, flavorful, and nourishing meal on the table. I love the balance of savory-sweet beef, fluffy rice, and creamy egg yolk with fresh toppings. Whether I’m meal prepping for the week or making a fast dinner, this bowl always satisfies and keeps me fueled.
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These high-protein Korean beef bowls are quick, flavorful, and ready in 25 minutes. Lean ground beef is simmered in a garlicky soy-ginger glaze and served over rice with a jammy egg for a satisfying, protein-packed meal.
- Author: Mayaa
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp honey (or low-carb sweetener)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 4 large eggs (soft-cooked, for topping)
- 3 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
- 3 scallions, sliced
- 1–2 fresh chilies, sliced (optional)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, cooking until browned and crumbled.
- Stir in onion, garlic, and ginger; cook until fragrant.
- Add soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Stir to coat beef and simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Meanwhile, cook eggs to soft or medium doneness (about 6–7 minutes in boiling water, then cooled in ice water).
- Spoon beef over bowls of warm rice. Top each with a soft-cooked egg.
- Garnish with scallions, chilies, and sesame seeds. Serve hot.
Notes
- Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Add gochujang or red pepper flakes for more heat.
- Bulk it up with veggies like broccoli, spinach, or zucchini.
- Perfect for meal prep—make beef ahead and assemble bowls as needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 210mg