Ground Beef Bulgogi is a tasty twist on a Korean classic! This dish features ground beef marinated in a sweet and savory sauce made with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic.
It’s super quick to cook, and the smell of it sizzling will make your mouth water! I love serving it over rice or in lettuce wraps—it’s fun to eat and so delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the main ingredient, providing a juicy base for the dish. If you want a leaner option, consider using ground turkey or chicken. For a plant-based version, try using lentils or plant-based ground meat.
Soy Sauce: Essential for that savory flavor. If you’re watching your sodium intake, low-sodium soy sauce works great. For a gluten-free alternative, coconut aminos is a tasty option.
Gochujang: This Korean chili paste adds heat and depth. If you can’t find it, try a mix of red pepper flakes and a little honey for sweetness, but it won’t replicate the unique flavor exactly.
Sesame Oil: It gives a nutty flavor to the dish. If you don’t have it, you can use any neutral oil, but toasted sesame oil is preferred for its richness.
Vegetables: Carrots and cucumbers provide crunch and freshness. Feel free to add bell peppers, radishes, or snap peas for a nice twist in flavors and textures!
How Do I Brown the Ground Beef Without Making It Greasy?
The key to perfectly browned ground beef is managing the heat and draining any excess fat. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat your skillet over medium-high heat before adding the beef. This helps to sear it quickly.
- Break the beef apart with a spatula as it cooks to ensure even browning.
- After about 5-7 minutes, check for any excess grease. If there is, carefully drain it off so the meat stays flavorful but not greasy.
By doing this, you’ll achieve nice, brown beef without an oily finish, keeping your meal light and tasty!
Delicious Ground Beef Bulgogi Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch piece of ginger, grated
- 2 green onions, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup lettuce leaves (for serving)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Kimchi (for serving, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and another 10 minutes to cook. You’ll have delicious Ground Beef Bulgogi ready in just 25 minutes—perfect for a quick and flavorful meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s fully browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally and drain any excess grease once it’s cooked through.
2. Make the Marinade:
While the beef is cooking, grab a mixing bowl. In it, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, gochujang, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and forms a lovely marinade.
3. Combine the Beef and Marinade:
Once your beef is cooked, pour the marinade over the beef in the skillet. Stir well so that every bit of beef is coated with that tasty sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, letting the beef soak up all the delicious flavors from the marinade.
4. Assemble Your Bowl:
Now it’s time to serve! In serving bowls, start with a base of cooked rice. Top it generously with the ground beef bulgogi mixture.
5. Add Fresh Toppings:
Next, arrange the shredded carrots, cucumber slices, and lettuce leaves around the beef on top of the rice. This will add some crunch and freshness to your dish.
6. Garnish and Enjoy:
Finish off your bowl by sprinkling chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top. Serve with kimchi on the side if you like. Now sit back and enjoy your homemade Ground Beef Bulgogi!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork for the beef. Just keep in mind that leaner meats may result in a slightly different texture and flavor, so you might want to adjust the amount of sesame oil for added richness.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bulgogi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or beef broth to keep it moist, or microwave it in short intervals.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade and cook the ground beef a day in advance! Simply refrigerate it in an airtight container. When ready to serve, reheat on the stove and assemble with fresh ingredients right before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Definitely! If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the gochujang to 1 teaspoon or omit it entirely. For extra heat, feel free to add more gochujang or even some red pepper flakes as a garnish when serving!
