Ground Beef Bulgogi Recipe
Ground Beef Bulgogi is the kind of recipe that instantly brightens up any dinnertime routine with its bold flavors, speedy prep, and cozy, homey vibe. This Korean-inspired dish transforms humble ground beef into a savory-sweet, garlicky masterpiece with just a handful of pantry staples. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick weeknight meal or craving something more vibrant than your usual dinner fare, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your kitchen rotation. Trust me, once you taste the irresistible combination of tender beef, aromatic sesame, and a touch of heat, you’ll understand why Ground Beef Bulgogi is beloved by so many!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Ground Beef Bulgogi is in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role in developing those rich, balanced flavors and the perfect texture. Don’t skip any if you want that authentic, mouthwatering taste with every bite!
- Ground beef (1 lb, 85–90% lean): The star of the show, this brings juicy richness and a satisfying bite to the dish.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (¼ cup): Adds deep umami and a savory backbone, balancing out the sweetness.
- Brown sugar (2 tablespoons): A touch of sweetness to offset the savory and bring that signature bulgogi glaze.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Infuses the beef with nutty, toasty aroma and an irresistible sheen.
- Garlic cloves, minced (3): Essential for that punchy, aromatic flavor that makes bulgogi so special.
- Freshly grated ginger (1 teaspoon): Adds brightness and a gentle warmth to round out the sauce.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Brings a subtle, spicy depth to the mix.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon, optional): Lifts the entire dish with a pop of acidity—perfect if you like a little tang.
- Gochujang or red pepper flakes (1–2 teaspoons, optional): For those who like a little heat; gochujang adds a sweet, fermented kick.
- Green onions, sliced (2): Fresh, peppery, and vibrant, they add color and a final fresh bite.
- Sesame seeds (1 tablespoon): Sprinkled at the end for a bit of crunch and classic Korean flair.
- Cooked white rice & steamed vegetables (for serving): The perfect canvas for soaking up all those delectable flavors.
How to Make Ground Beef Bulgogi
Step 1: Whisk the Sauce Together
Start by grabbing a small bowl and whisking together your soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, and rice vinegar if you’re using it. This quick sauce is the soul of Ground Beef Bulgogi, packing every bite with savory, sweet, and tangy notes. You want the sugar dissolved and the aromatics well mixed, so give it a good stir.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the ground beef straight in. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break up the meat as it cooks, ensuring you get those perfect little crumbles. Cook until the beef is nicely browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, go ahead and drain it off for a lighter finish.
Step 3: Add the Sauce
Pour your prepared sauce over the browned beef. The kitchen will start to smell absolutely amazing as the sauce mingles with the sizzling meat. Stir everything together so every morsel is coated. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the sauce thickens a bit and clings to the beef, giving it that irresistible glossy finish.
Step 4: Spice It Up (Optional)
If you love a little kick, now is the time to stir in your gochujang or red pepper flakes. This is totally customizable—add as much or as little as you like. It’s what gives Ground Beef Bulgogi a unique edge if you’re craving some heat!
Step 5: Finish with Freshness
Remove the skillet from the heat and immediately toss in the sliced green onions and sesame seeds. This last step adds a fresh crunch and nutty aroma that rounds out the dish beautifully. Give it a quick stir, and you’re ready to serve!
How to Serve Ground Beef Bulgogi
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra sliced green onions and a generous dash of toasted sesame seeds are classic, but you can also add a few shreds of nori or a drizzle of extra sesame oil for a glossy finish. These simple garnishes make your Ground Beef Bulgogi look just as good as it tastes and add bursts of flavor in every bite.
Side Dishes
Ground Beef Bulgogi is incredible over a mound of steamed white rice, but don’t stop there! Serve it with crunchy kimchi, quick-pickled cucumbers, or lightly steamed broccoli and carrots. These sides not only add color and crunch but also balance the rich, savory flavors of the beef.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Try serving your Ground Beef Bulgogi in lettuce wraps for a fresh, low-carb twist, or pile it on top of rice bowls with a fried egg for brunch vibes. It’s also fantastic spooned over noodles or tucked into a warm tortilla for a fusion-style taco. The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Ground Beef Bulgogi fresh, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it perfect for meal prep or easy lunches.
Freezing
Ground Beef Bulgogi freezes wonderfully! Simply portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, remove as much air as possible, and freeze for up to two months. Just remember to leave off the green onions and sesame seeds until after reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat the Ground Beef Bulgogi gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce if it looks a bit dry. The microwave works, too—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring between each, until hot throughout.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken make excellent lighter substitutes in Ground Beef Bulgogi. You might want to add a splash of extra sesame oil for richness since these meats are leaner.
Is Ground Beef Bulgogi spicy?
Not by default. The beauty of this dish is that you control the heat—add gochujang or red pepper flakes for spice, or leave them out for a milder, family-friendly meal.
What kind of rice should I serve with this?
Classic steamed white rice is ideal, but you can use brown rice, jasmine rice, or even cauliflower rice if you’re looking for a lower-carb option. The point is to have something to soak up all that delicious sauce!
Can I make Ground Beef Bulgogi ahead of time?
Definitely. It reheats beautifully and the flavors deepen as it sits. Just store it in the fridge and add your fresh garnishes when you’re ready to serve.
What vegetables pair well with this dish?
Steamed broccoli, carrots, snap peas, or even a simple cucumber salad all make wonderful additions. Their crisp freshness pairs perfectly with the savory-sweet beef.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that’s packed with flavor, super quick to prepare, and guaranteed to please, you have to give Ground Beef Bulgogi a try. It’s one of those recipes that’ll make you look forward to dinnertime—every single time!
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Ground Beef Bulgogi Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Ground Beef Bulgogi is a quick and flavorful Korean-inspired dish featuring tender, savory ground beef marinated in a sweet and savory sauce with garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe pairs beautifully with steamed white rice and fresh vegetables for a balanced meal.
Ingredients
Beef and Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef (85–90% lean)
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional for brightness)
- 1–2 teaspoons gochujang or red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Garnishes and Serving
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Cooked white rice, for serving
- Steamed vegetables, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, black pepper, and rice vinegar (if using). This creates the flavorful marinade and sauce base.
- Cook the ground beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and thoroughly cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary to avoid greasiness.
- Add the sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked beef in the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer and thicken: Allow the beef and sauce mixture to simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and becomes fragrant.
- Optional spice: Stir in gochujang or red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicy kick.
- Add garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the sliced green onions and sesame seeds. These add freshness and texture.
- Serve: Serve the bulgogi hot over steamed white rice alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Great for meal prep—store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Adjust the heat level by controlling the amount of gochujang or red pepper flakes.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce sodium content.
- If preferred, brown sugar can be substituted with honey or maple syrup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (without rice)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
