Quick, flavorful, and easy to make, these Air Fryer Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls are a perfect weeknight dinner. Packed with savory, sweet, and spicy flavors, this dish is ready in no time!
Air Fryer Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls are a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
The ground beef is cooked in a rich, sweet, and savory Korean-inspired sauce, creating a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors.
Served over fluffy white rice and topped with fresh green onions and sesame seeds, this recipe is both hearty and vibrant. Using the air fryer ensures the beef is perfectly cooked with minimal effort and cleanup. Whether you’re looking for an easy dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal, these rice bowls are a delicious solution you’ll want to make on repeat!
If you love quick air fryer dinner recipes, try my recipe for Copycat Olive Garden Parmesan Crusted Tilapia Recipe, Air Fryer Rack of Lamb, or Air Fryer Pork Chops – No Breading.
What Is Korean Ground Beef?
Korean ground beef is a flavorful and savory dish made with ground beef and a distinctive combination of seasonings, resulting in a delicious and easy-to-prepare meal. It’s a popular Korean-American dish inspired by Korean flavors and ingredients.
Served over rice or noodles makes for a great and flavorful meal.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- This recipe is quick and easy, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- The air fryer ensures perfectly cooked, flavorful ground beef with minimal effort.
- The sweet and savory Korean-inspired sauce is bursting with bold, delicious flavors.
- It’s a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or even lettuce wraps.
- Minimal cleanup is required, thanks to the convenience of the air fryer.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that can be customized with your favorite toppings like green onions or sesame seeds.
Ingredients Needed
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef.
- Onions: Bring freshness and a mild flavor to the dish.
- Minced Garlic: Provides a robust and savory flavor, infusing depth into the dish.
- Sesame Oil: Contributes a nutty and aromatic essence, a key component of Korean cuisine.
- Soy Sauce: Provides a savory and salty base, enhancing the overall umami taste.
- Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and balances the saltiness of the soy sauce, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
- Grated Ginger: Offers a subtle, spicy warmth and adds complexity to the flavor profile.
- Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): Added for those who enjoy a touch of spiciness.
How To Make Air Fryer Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls
Step One: Place the ground beef, onions, and garlic into a compact baking pan.
Step Two: Insert the baking pan into your air fryer and set the cooking time for 8 to 10 minutes, ensuring you break apart the beef as it cooks. Once it is fully cooked, take it out of the air fryer. Proceed to drain the excess liquid or fat from the cooked beef.
Step Three: In a petite bowl, combine the soy sauce, sugar, oil, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and ginger. Pour this flavorful mixture over the cooked beef.
Step Four: Return the beef to the air fryer and cook for a few minutes until the sauce is pleasantly warmed. Serve this delectable creation over a bed of rice and garnish it with sliced green onions or parsley for a fresh touch.
Air Fryer Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls Recipe Tips
- Choose Lean Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef to minimize excess fat during cooking.
- Use a Baking Pan: Place the ground beef, onions, and garlic in a small baking pan or oven-safe dish within the air fryer basket.
- Break Apart the Beef: Break it into smaller crumbles with a spatula while cooking.
- Don’t Overcook: Be mindful not to overcook the beef, as lean ground beef can dry if cooked too long.
- Drain Excess Fat: After cooking the beef, drain any excess fat or liquid from the baking pan before adding the sauce.
- Customize Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness according to your preference.
- Garnish Creatively: Get creative with garnishes.
- Double the Recipe: If you’re feeding a larger group, double the recipe. Remember that you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly if you have more ingredients in the air fryer.
Storing
- Storing: To store leftover Air Fryer Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls, let the dish cool completely, then place it in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing:
For longer storage, you can freeze the ground beef and rice separately in airtight containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Make sure to cool the beef and rice fully before freezing to maintain the best texture and flavor. - Reheating:
To reheat, simply microwave the rice and beef in a microwave-safe dish for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. If you prefer, you can reheat the dish in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F until heated through, ensuring the beef stays tender and the rice remains fluffy.
What To Serve With Air Fryer Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls
Air Fryer Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes that complement their bold flavors. Serve with a simple side of steamed or sautéed vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, or carrots for a healthy and colorful addition.
A crisp cucumber salad or kimchi can add a refreshing, tangy contrast to the savory beef. For an extra touch of flavor, you can also serve the bowls with a drizzle of sesame oil or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a bit of heat.
Air Fryer Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls Recipe Faqs
Can I use ground pork or ground chicken instead of ground beef? Yes, you can substitute ground pork or ground chicken for ground beef in this recipe if you prefer a different protein.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the dish? You can control the spiciness by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes.
Can I make this dish with extra lean ground beef? While lean ground beef is recommended to prevent excessive fat, you can use extra lean ground beef.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare and reheat the Korean Ground Beef when ready to serve. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a few days.
How do I prevent the beef from sticking to the baking pan? You can lightly grease the baking pan or use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Is this dish suitable for a low-sodium diet? While soy sauce is a key ingredient and can be high in sodium, you can use reduced-sodium soy sauce to make the dish more suitable for a low-sodium diet.
Equipment Used
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Air Fryer Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls
Description
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef , lean is the best
- 1/2 yellow onion , chopped
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions
- Begin by placing the ground beef, along with the onions and garlic, into a compact baking pan.
- Insert the baking pan into your air fryer and cook for a span of 8 to 10 minutes, ensuring that you break apart the beef as it cooks. Once it is fully cooked, take it out of the air fryer.
- Proceed to drain the excess liquid or fat from the cooked beef.
- In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, sugar, oil, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and ginger. Pour this flavorful mixture over the cooked beef.
- Return the beef to the air fryer and cook for an additional couple of minutes until the sauce reaches a pleasantly warmed state.
- Serve this delectable creation over a bed of rice and garnish it with either sliced green onions or parsley for a fresh touch. Enjoy!
Equipment
- Baking Pan
- Cooking Spray
Nutrition
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