Keto Korean Beef Bowl (Ready in 25 Minutes)

This is not another cheese and bacon keto recipe, and that is exactly the point. Keto Korean beef bowl has real beefiness with a touch of sweetness, on the table in about 25 minutes.

This post may contain affiliate link(s). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See Disclosure.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

I love the versatility here, cauliflower rice for me, regular rice for the rest of the family, same pot of beef either way. It’s one of my go-to weeknight meals when I want something that tastes like it came from a takeout container instead of a diet plan.

Chef Jenn’s Take on Korean Beef Bowl

This is not another cheese and bacon keto recipe, and that’s exactly the point. A lot of keto ground beef recipes lean so hard on dairy that the actual beef flavor gets buried. This one skips that entirely and lets the beef, ginger, and garlic do the work, with just enough sweetness from the brown sugar substitute to balance the saltiness of the coconut aminos.

Brown the beef first, drain the fat, and set it aside before starting on the vegetables. Trying to cook everything together at once muddles the texture of both, you end up with vegetables that steam instead of staying tender-crisp, and beef that never gets a proper sear.

Sesame oil gives this a genuinely distinctive flavor and is worth using if you have it, though regular cooking oil works fine in a pinch. I love the versatility here too, cauliflower rice for me, regular rice for the rest of the family, same pot of beef either way, which makes this one of the easier keto dinners to cook for a mixed household.

What You’ll Love About This Keto Korean Beef Bowl

• It comes together in about 25 minutes, which makes it one of the easier keto dinners to pull off on a weeknight when you’re short on time.
• It works for a mixed household, cauliflower rice under mine and regular rice under everyone else’s, with the same pot of beef serving both.
• It holds up well as meal prep, a double batch freezes for up to 3 months, so it’s an easy one to have ready for a quick lunch later.

Ingredients

• Ground beef – Lean. Ground pork, chicken, or turkey all work as substitutes.
• Yellow onion – Sliced thinly. Skip for strict keto.
• Carrot – Sliced thinly. Skip for strict keto.
• Garlic – Minced fine.
• Fresh ginger – Minced fine. This is what gives the dish most of its distinctive flavor, don’t skip it.
• Sesame oil – Adds a distinctive flavor. Regular cooking oil works in a pinch.
• Coconut aminos – Soy sauce works too, with a few extra carbs.
• Brown sugar substitute – Your preferred brand.
• Green onion and sesame seeds – Optional, for topping.

How to Make Korean Beef Bowl

Scroll down for the full recipe card with exact measurements and printable instructions.

Brown the beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain the fat, remove the beef, and set aside.

Heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat and add the carrot, ginger, onion, and garlic. Sautee for about 3 minutes, until the onion is soft and the carrot is tender-crisp.

Add the drained beef back to the pan and mix well with the vegetables. Add the coconut aminos and brown sugar substitute, and mix well. Heat through over medium heat.

Season with salt if needed, and serve topped with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

Make It A Meal

I love this with a side salad topped with Ranch Dressing, or a batch of Broccoli with Garlic & Parmesan.

For more Korean and Asian-inspired bowls, Egg Roll in a Bowl and Keto Beef and Broccoli are both worth adding to the rotation.

Storage

This is one of my favorite recipes for meal prep. Make a double batch, portion into airtight, freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat for a quick lunch or dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Want even more deliciousness? Go Italian with this meaty and cheesy dish, or pick a deli classic for breakfast. There can be more on the menu if you’re keto, like this veggie-packed soup, or opt for one of these keto soups and chowders.