This Ground Beef Bulgogi is a tasty twist on the classic Korean dish. With seasoned beef, sweet soy sauce, and garlic, it’s full of flavor and super quick to make!
I love making this dish on busy nights—just stir-fry the beef, serve it over rice, and enjoy! Plus, my family can’t resist its deliciousness. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This recipe works best with ground beef for its rich flavor. However, you could use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce adds the classic umami flavor. If you’re avoiding gluten, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce. Also, low-sodium soy sauce helps manage salt intake.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar gives a lovely sweetness. You can swap it for honey or maple syrup, but remember to adjust the quantities because they may add more moisture.
Sesame Oil: This oil adds a nutty flavor. If you don’t have any, you can use olive oil, but it won’t have the same depth. Toasted sesame oil is even richer in flavor if available!
Vegetables: Green onions are amazing here, but feel free to use scallions or shallots. For the cucumber, a zucchini can also be thinly sliced as a substitute. Shredded cabbage is a great addition if you want extra crunch!
How Do I Make Sure My Beef Is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking ground beef might seem straightforward, but timing is important for texture and flavor. Here’s how to do it right!
- Start with a medium-high heat to form a nice sear. This enhances the taste.
- Break the beef apart gently with a wooden spoon. Don’t stir too much to let it brown evenly.
- Cook until all the beef is browned and no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
- After cooking, add the green onions and give it just a minute to soften them up while the beef finishes cooking.
With this method, you’ll have tender, flavorful bulgogi ready to enjoy!
How to Make Ground Beef Bulgogi
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Marinade:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Assembly:
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- Lettuce leaves (for serving)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Kimchi (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10 minutes to prepare the ingredients and mix the marinade, plus at least 30 minutes for marinating the beef. Cooking will take about 8 minutes, making the total time around 50 minutes. It’s worth the wait for all those delicious flavors!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Beef:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, crushed red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Mix everything together until the beef is well coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinating for up to 2 hours enhances the flavor even more!
2. Cook the Beef:
Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated ground beef to the pan. Use a wooden spoon to break the beef apart as it cooks. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Make sure there are no pink parts left in the meat!
3. Add Green Onions and Assemble:
Once the beef is done cooking, stir in the chopped green onions and sauté for an additional minute. Now it’s time to put everything together—start by placing a scoop of cooked rice in each bowl. Top with the delicious ground beef bulgogi. On the side, add the sliced cucumbers and shredded carrots. You can also offer some lettuce leaves for wrapping the beef if you’d like!
4. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle sesame seeds on top of each bowl for a nice finishing touch. If you enjoy kimchi, serve some on the side for an extra punch of flavor. Enjoy your homemade Ground Beef Bulgogi!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the type of meat you use. Ensure the meat is fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F for poultry or 160°F for pork.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove or microwave and consider adding a splash of water or soy sauce to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
What Can I Serve Instead of Rice?
If you’re looking for alternatives to rice, try serving the bulgogi with quinoa, cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or even noodles! Each of these will provide a slightly different texture and flavor, but they all complement the bulgogi beautifully!
