This Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi is a quick and tasty meal that brings sweet and savory flavors together. With just some ground beef, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, it’s ready in no time!
You can serve this delicious dish over rice or in lettuce wraps. I can’t help but smile when I take a bite—it’s so good! Plus, it’s super simple to whip up after a long day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is ideal for this recipe, but ground turkey or chicken can work too. Both will give you a lighter version while still providing great flavor.
Soy Sauce: You can use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake. Tamari is a good gluten-free alternative that still brings the same salty goodness.
Brown Sugar: If you prefer a healthier option, try using honey or agave syrup as a substitute for brown sugar. Both will add sweetness and depth to the dish.
Sesame Oil: Toasted sesame oil adds a rich flavor, but you can use regular vegetable oil if you don’t have it. Just remember, it won’t have the same nutty taste.
Red Pepper Flakes: If you like less heat, feel free to skip these. Alternatively, a splash of sriracha can add flavor without being too spicy.
How Do You Cook the Perfect Ground Beef Bulgogi?
The key to a great Ground Beef Bulgogi is cooking the beef until it’s perfectly browned and mixing in the marinade well. Here’s how:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the oil and beef. This helps with that nice browning.
- Break apart the beef as it cooks. No big chunks here! It should be nice and crumbly.
- Don’t rush the marinating step. Let the flavors soak into the beef for a few minutes.
- Stir in the green onions at the end for freshness—cooking them too long will lose their crunch.
Enjoy crafting this meal! It’s an easy way to bring a taste of Korea to your table with minimal fuss.
Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 2 green onions, sliced (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced or shaved into ribbons
- 1 cup shredded carrot
- Butter lettuce leaves or other leafy greens for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy Ground Beef Bulgogi recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes of cooking time. In just 25 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’d like a bit of spice. This will create a flavorful marinade for the beef!
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it’s fully browned and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Combine and Cook:
If there’s any excess fat, drain it from the skillet. Then, pour the marinade over the cooked ground beef. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened.
4. Add the Green Onions:
Stir in the sliced green onions, but save some for garnishing at the end. This adds a nice freshness to the dish!
5. Assemble Your Bowls:
To serve, place a bed of butter lettuce leaves in each bowl, then add a scoop of cooked rice on top. Next, pile on the marinated ground beef bulgogi.
6. Fresh Veggies Time!
Arrange the shredded carrots and cucumber ribbons around the beef and rice to give a fresh and colorful look. These add great crunch to your meal!
7. Garnishing:
Top it all off with additional green onions, a drizzle of sriracha or chili sauce for some heat, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for that perfect finishing touch.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve immediately and let everyone mix the ingredients as they like, or wrap the beef and veggies in lettuce leaves for a tasty Korean-style bite. Enjoy!
This flavorful, quick, and easy Ground Beef Bulgogi is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner. Happy cooking!
FAQ for Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi Recipe
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken make for lighter options while still maintaining the delicious flavors of bulgogi. Just make sure to cook them thoroughly to the appropriate temperature.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you’d like to reduce the spice, simply omit the red pepper flakes or use less if you prefer a mild kick. For more heat, consider adding sriracha or a spicy chili paste when serving!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the marinade and cook the ground beef in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to eat.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming.
