Name: Ground Beef Bulgogi Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
Ingredients: For the Bulgogi Sauce: 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional), 1 tablespoon rice vinegar. For the Ground Beef Bulgogi: 1 pound ground beef, 2 green onions (chopped), 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, cooked white rice for serving, sliced cucumber, and shredded carrots for garnish (optional)

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If you’re searching for an incredibly satisfying, quick, and flavorful dinner that tastes like a Korean feast in a bowl, look no further than this Ground Beef Bulgogi. With the perfect balance of salty, sweet, garlicky, and umami, this dish is ready in just 20 minutes and brings bold taste and colorful freshness to your weeknight table. Whether you’re brand new to Korean-inspired cooking or a seasoned fan, you’ll find that the ease and depth of Ground Beef Bulgogi will quickly make it one of your go-to meals.

Ground Beef Bulgogi Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This simple lineup of ingredients is what makes Ground Beef Bulgogi so special – each one adds something essential, whether it’s deep flavor, savory body, or a fresh crunch on top. Gather everything beforehand to ensure your cooking is smooth and stress-free.

Ground beef: Brings hearty, savory richness and soaks up the tasty bulgogi sauce perfectly.
Low-sodium soy sauce: Creates the salty umami base without overwhelming the dish.
Brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness that balances the salt and spices beautifully.
Sesame oil: Infuses everything with a deep, toasty nutty aroma that’s classic for bulgogi.
Garlic (minced): Lends a fragrant punch that makes every bite pop with flavor.
Freshly grated ginger: Brings zesty brightness and elevates the whole dish.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle heat – use more for extra spiciness or leave out for a family-friendly version.
Rice vinegar: Offers gentle tang and brightness to lift the sauce.
Green onions (chopped): Add color, crunch, and a touch of mild onion bite.
Sesame seeds: Sprinkle on for delightful crunch and extra nutty flavor.
Cooked white rice: The ideal base for soaking up all the saucy goodness.
Sliced cucumber and shredded carrots (optional): Their crispness and color take the freshness factor to another level.

How to Make Ground Beef Bulgogi

Step 1: Whisk the Sauce Together

In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, red pepper flakes (if using), and rice vinegar. Give everything a good whisk until the brown sugar is mostly dissolved and the mixture smells fragrant. This quick sauce is the heart of your Ground Beef Bulgogi, packing a punch of sweet and savory in every bite!

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon and stir occasionally as it cooks, allowing it to brown and develop some tasty caramelization, about 5 to 7 minutes. If your beef lets off a lot of fat, feel free to drain off the excess for a lighter dish.

Step 3: Add the Bulgogi Sauce

Pour your freshly whisked sauce directly into the skillet with the browned beef. Stir thoroughly so every morsel of meat soaks up the bulgogi flavors. Let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes – you’ll notice the sauce thicken slightly as it coats the beef. At this point, the aroma will be irresistible!

Step 4: Finish with Freshness

Turn off the heat and add the chopped green onions and sesame seeds to the skillet. Stir them through so you get vibrant pops of color and nutty flavor in every forkful. This finishing touch takes your Ground Beef Bulgogi from simple to stunning.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Spoon the hot, saucy beef mixture over bowls of fluffy white rice. Top with extra green onions, sesame seeds, and, if you like, sliced cucumber and shredded carrots for a beautiful, crunchy finish. Serve immediately and dig in!

How to Serve Ground Beef Bulgogi

Garnishes

Finish your Ground Beef Bulgogi with a scattering of sesame seeds and a handful of chopped green onions for a burst of color and uplifting bite. If you want even more freshness, add sliced cucumber and shredded carrots – their cooling crunch contrasts perfectly with the warmly spiced beef.

Side Dishes

This dish absolutely shines with classic sides like steamed rice, kimchi, or a crisp green salad. Lightly sautéed broccoli or bell peppers provide color, crunch, and ensure every serving is even more nourishing. For a lower-carb option, try pairing it with cauliflower rice to keep things light without losing out on flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Ground Beef Bulgogi as lettuce wraps for a crisp, hand-held version perfect for parties or meal prep. Stuff the beef into warm tortillas for a fun Korean-inspired taco night, or even top a steaming bowl of ramen with leftovers. Don’t be afraid to make it your own – this recipe is versatile and always delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Ground Beef Bulgogi keeps incredibly well. Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen and meld overnight, making it even more irresistible the next day.

Freezing

If you want to make a double batch or save some for later, Ground Beef Bulgogi freezes beautifully. Spoon the cooled beef into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible, and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Ground Beef Bulgogi in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra soy sauce if needed. Alternatively, microwave individual servings in short bursts, stirring between each to avoid overcooking. Serve hot and fresh with new garnishes on top for a quick, delicious repeat meal.

FAQs

Can I use a different protein instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for the beef. Each variant brings a slightly different texture and flavor, but all pair wonderfully with the bulgogi sauce.

Is Ground Beef Bulgogi very spicy?

Not at all! The spiciness is completely adjustable. The red pepper flakes are optional, so you’re free to use more, less, or omit them entirely depending on your family’s heat preference.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap out regular soy sauce for tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce. Double-check any additional condiments or garnishes as well to ensure all ingredients meet your needs.

What vegetables work best as add-ins?

Bell peppers, shredded cabbage, broccoli, or mushrooms all work brilliantly. Sauté them briefly before adding the beef for extra color, nutrition, and crunch without overpowering the bulgogi flavors.

Can I prepare Ground Beef Bulgogi ahead for meal prep?

This dish is a meal-prepper’s dream! Make a batch, portion it out with rice and garnishes, and enjoy delicious, satisfying lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something easy, vibrant, and utterly delicious, this Ground Beef Bulgogi is your answer. There’s nothing like the combination of sweet, savory, and just the right touch of spice, all wrapped up in a bowl of homemade comfort. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and make it a staple in your kitchen too!

Ground Beef Bulgogi Recipe

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4.5 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A quick and flavorful recipe for Ground Beef Bulgogi, a Korean-inspired dish featuring savory ground beef cooked in a sweet and salty sauce, served over rice and garnished with fresh vegetables.

Ingredients

For the Bulgogi Sauce:

1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional), 1 tablespoon rice vinegar.

For the Ground Beef Bulgogi:

1 pound ground beef, 2 green onions (chopped), 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, cooked white rice for serving, sliced cucumber, and shredded carrots for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Bulgogi Sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and rice vinegar.
Cook the Ground Beef: Brown and cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat if needed.
Combine and Simmer: Add the sauce to the cooked beef, simmer until slightly thickened. Stir in green onions and sesame seeds.
Serve: Serve the beef over rice, garnish with cucumber and carrots.