This Ground Beef Bulgogi is a fun twist on a classic Korean dish! It features tender, marinated beef cooked up with deliciously sweet and savory flavors that are just amazing.
I love how quick and easy it is to whip this up for dinner. Just toss everything in a skillet, and you’ve got a tasty meal in no time—perfect for busy weeknights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80% lean ground beef for its balance of flavor and fat. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider ground turkey or chicken. Just keep in mind they may have a milder flavor.
Soy Sauce: This adds saltiness and depth. If you’re watching your sodium intake, low-sodium soy sauce is a great substitute. Tamari is also a gluten-free alternative to consider.
Gochujang: This Korean chili paste brings a spicy kick and umami. If you can’t find it, try using sriracha or a bit of chili powder mixed with a touch of miso paste for similar flavor notes.
Sesame Oil: This ingredient adds a nice nutty flavor. You can swap it with olive oil in a pinch, but you might lose that distinct taste. Toasted sesame oil gives an even richer flavor if you have it!
Vegetables: Feel free to mix up the veggies! Bell peppers, radishes, or thinly sliced cabbage can add crunch and color. I often toss in whatever I have on hand.
How Do I Perfectly Cook Ground Beef for Bulgogi?
Getting the ground beef just right is key to this dish. Start by using medium-high heat to brown the beef in your skillet. Make sure to only cook it until it’s no longer pink—about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess fat, drain it for a better texture.
- Only stir occasionally to allow the beef to brown effectively.
- Once cooked, pour in your marinade and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This not only warms the sauce but also allows the beef to absorb those delicious flavors.
How to Make Ground Beef Bulgogi?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bulgogi:
- 1 pound ground beef (preferably 80% lean)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 green onion, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
For Serving:
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 4 large lettuce leaves (for wrapping)
- Kimchi (for serving, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 20-25 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping and mixing ingredients, followed by about 10-15 minutes cooking everything. Quick and tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and gochujang. Mix everything well until you see that the brown sugar has all dissolved into the sauce. This will give your beef a flavorful marinade!
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
Heat up a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the ground beef. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s browned and fully cooked. If there’s extra fat, carefully drain it from the pan.
3. Combine Beef and Marinade:
Once the beef is cooked, pour the marinade you made earlier over the beef in the skillet. Stir everything together so that the beef gets nicely coated with the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat the sauce and let it thicken a little.
4. Prepare the Veggies:
While your beef is cooking, it’s time to get your vegetables ready! Thinly slice the cucumber and shred the carrots. If you have pre-shredded carrots, then you’re all set!
5. Assemble Your Dish:
Now for the fun part! Grab a bowl and place a generous scoop of cooked rice in the center. Top that with your flavorful bulgogi beef, slices of cucumber, shredded carrots, and one large lettuce leaf.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle some chopped green onion and sesame seeds on top for a nice finishing touch. You can also add a side of kimchi if you love that tangy flavor!
7. Enjoy!
Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious bulgogi beef! You can either wrap everything up in the lettuce leaves for handheld bites or serve it in the bowl as is. Either way, it’s going to be tasty!
This Ground Beef Bulgogi is a savory delight that’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or even meal prepping for the week. Enjoy!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef in this recipe. Just note that it may be a bit leaner, so you might want to add a splash more sesame oil for flavor and moisture. Cook it the same way as the beef until it’s browned!
What If I Don’t Have Gochujang?
If you can’t find gochujang, you can use Sriracha or another chili paste for some heat, but the flavor will differ. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste, as these sauces can be spicier than gochujang.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover bulgogi beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating!
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Recipe?
Yes, feel free to add more veggies! Bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas can be great additions. Just sauté them along with the beef for a few extra minutes until they’re tender.
