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A bowl of rice topped with ground beef bulgogi recipe, sesame seeds, and green onions.

ground beef bulgogi recipe

Ava
Looking for a delicious bulgogi recipe ground beef? Try this quick and easy dish packed with flavor! Perfect for a tasty, satisfying meal any night.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Korean
Servings 4
Calories 330 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Bulgogi Marinade:

  • 1/3 cup soy sauce – The base of the marinade; use low-sodium if preferred.
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar – Adds the perfect touch of sweetness.
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil – Essential for that nutty authentic Korean flavor.
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic – Fresh is best but jarred works in a pinch.
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger – Adds a warm spicy note.

For the Ground Beef:

  • 1 pound ground beef – Choose lean or regular depending on your preference.
  • 1 tablespoon cooking oil – For sautéing.

Optional Garnishes:

  • Sliced green onions – Adds a fresh pop of flavor.
  • Toasted sesame seeds – For extra texture and nuttiness.
  • Red pepper flakes – Perfect if you love a little heat.

Instructions
 

Prepare the Marinade

  • In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
  • Whisk the ingredients together until the sugar dissolves and everything is well blended. Set aside.

Cook the Ground Beef

  • Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles with a spatula.
  • Cook for 4–5 minutes, or until the beef is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease if needed.

Add the Marinade

  • Pour the prepared marinade over the cooked beef, stirring to coat the meat evenly.
  • Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and infuse into the beef.

Adjust Seasoning

  • Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding a pinch of salt, a splash of soy sauce, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra flavor if desired.

Garnish and Serve

  • Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the dish with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or both.
  • Serve the Bulgogi Ground Beef hot over a bed of steamed rice, or wrap it in lettuce leaves for a fresh, crunchy twist.

Video

Notes

Ingredient Tips:

  • Don’t have brown sugar? Substitute with honey or maple syrup for a similar sweetness.
  • Tamari or coconut aminos can replace soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
  • For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of rice vinegar or a dash of gochujang (Korean chili paste).

Bonus Tip:

  • Leftovers are just as tasty! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to refresh the flavors.
  • These tips and variations let you personalize the recipe while keeping the bold, savory essence of bulgogi intact. Experiment and discover your favorite twist!
Keyword Bulgogi Ground Beef, Korean Beef, Quick Korean Recipes, Bulgogi