Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi Recipe
Introduction
Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi is a flavorful Korean-inspired dish that comes together quickly with simple ingredients. This savory and slightly sweet ground beef recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, offering a delicious way to enjoy authentic bulgogi flavors without the hassle of slicing meat.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 5 cloves minced garlic
- ½ cup chopped green onions (plus more for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the bulgogi sauce by whisking together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and black pepper in a bowl. Combine the cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then whisk it into the sauce. Finally, stir in the chopped green onions and minced garlic.
- Step 2: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef for 7-10 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks.
- Step 3: Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess liquid or fat from the skillet, then return it to the stove. Pour the prepared bulgogi sauce over the meat and stir well to coat. Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes until it thickens.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and garnish with additional chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve your ground beef bulgogi over rice, wrapped in lettuce, or on top of a cabbage bowl for a tasty meal.
Tips & Variations
- For extra heat, add a teaspoon of gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the sauce before cooking.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use sliced mushrooms or shredded carrots to add more vegetables and texture.
- If you prefer a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Storage
Store leftover ground beef bulgogi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this bulgogi sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the bulgogi sauce can be mixed and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just whisk it again before using.
What can I serve with ground beef bulgogi?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, kimchi, lettuce wraps, or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
PrintEasy Ground Beef Bulgogi Recipe
This Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi recipe offers a delicious and simplified take on the traditional Korean dish. Ground beef is cooked in a flavorful bulgogi sauce made from soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and green onions, then simmered until perfectly glazed. It’s perfect served over rice, in lettuce wraps, or as a cabbage bowl for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients
Meat
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
Bulgogi Sauce
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chopped green onions (plus more for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Make the bulgogi sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and black pepper until well combined. Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry and whisk it into the sauce. Stir in the chopped green onions and minced garlic, setting the sauce aside.
- Cook the ground beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for about 7-10 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks to ensure even browning.
- Drain excess fat: Once the beef is cooked through and no longer pink, drain any excess liquid or fat from the pan, then return the skillet to the stovetop.
- Add the bulgogi sauce: Pour the prepared bulgogi sauce over the cooked beef, stirring thoroughly to coat all the meat evenly. Allow the mixture to simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, garnish with additional chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately over steamed rice, wrapped in lettuce leaves, or in a cabbage bowl for a fresh, tasty meal.
Notes
- For a low-sodium option, use low-sodium soy sauce.
- Lean ground beef reduces excess grease and makes the dish healthier.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter variation.
- Adjust sugar quantity for sweetness preference.
- Serve with steamed rice or wrapped in lettuce for a low-carb option.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Keywords: ground beef bulgogi, easy bulgogi recipe, Korean ground beef, bulgogi sauce, quick Korean dinner, stovetop bulgogi
