Ground Beef Bulgogi: A Quick & Easy Korean Recipe

Ground Beef Bulgogi: Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that marries the savory allure of Korean flavors with the convenience of a weeknight meal! Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned ground beef, infused with a symphony of sweet and savory notes, all coming together in a dish that’s ready in minutes. Are you ready to ditch the takeout and create a restaurant-worthy experience in your own kitchen?

Bulgogi, traditionally made with thinly sliced beef, holds a special place in Korean cuisine. Its name literally translates to “fire meat,” hinting at the grilling process that imparts its signature smoky char. While the classic version is a beloved staple, this Ground Beef Bulgogi adaptation offers a delightful twist, making it accessible to busy cooks without sacrificing any of the authentic taste.

People adore Bulgogi for its irresistible combination of flavors. The marinade, typically a blend of soy sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil, creates a harmonious balance that’s both comforting and exciting. The sweetness caramelizes beautifully during cooking, while the savory elements provide a satisfying depth. This Ground Beef Bulgogi recipe is no exception, delivering that same craveable taste in a fraction of the time. Plus, its versatility makes it a winner – serve it over rice, in lettuce wraps, or even as a topping for your favorite noodles. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs Ground Beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
• 1/2 cup Soy Sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 1/4 cup Brown Sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons Sesame Oil
• 2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Gochujang (Korean chili paste), adjust to taste
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 inch Ginger, peeled and grated
• 1 medium Yellow Onion, thinly sliced
• 2 Green Onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
• 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds, for garnish
• 1 teaspoon Black Pepper, freshly ground
• 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• Cooked Rice, for serving
• Lettuce Leaves (optional, for lettuce wraps)
• Kimchi (optional, for serving)

Preparing the Bulgogi Marinade

Okay, let’s get started! The key to amazing Bulgogi is the marinade. This is where all the magic happens, infusing the ground beef with that signature sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavor. Don’t skip any of these steps, and trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

1. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and gochujang. Make sure the brown sugar is fully dissolved. This is important because undissolved sugar can create uneven flavor distribution. I like to use a whisk for this, but a fork works just fine too.
2. Add the Aromatics: Now, add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the bowl. Freshly minced garlic and grated ginger are essential for that authentic Bulgogi flavor. Don’t use garlic powder or ginger powder; the fresh stuff makes a huge difference.
3. Season with Pepper: Stir in the black pepper and red pepper flakes (if using). The red pepper flakes are optional, but I highly recommend them if you like a little kick. You can adjust the amount to your preference.
4. Taste and Adjust: This is a crucial step! Give the marinade a taste. It should be a balance of sweet, salty, savory, and slightly spicy. If it’s too salty, add a little more brown sugar. If it’s not sweet enough, add a touch more brown sugar. If it needs more heat, add more gochujang or red pepper flakes. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

Marinating the Ground Beef

Now that we have our fantastic marinade, it’s time to get the ground beef involved. This step is all about letting the flavors meld together and tenderize the meat. The longer you marinate, the better the flavor will be, but even a short marinating time will make a difference.

1. Combine Beef and Marinade: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef and the marinade. Use your hands (clean hands, of course!) or a spatula to ensure the beef is evenly coated. Don’t overmix, as this can make the beef tough.
2. Add the Onions: Add the thinly sliced yellow onion to the bowl and mix gently to incorporate. The onions will add sweetness and flavor to the Bulgogi as it cooks.
3. Marinate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the mixture to a resealable bag. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or preferably longer. I recommend at least 2 hours, but you can marinate it overnight for the best flavor. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful and tender the beef will become.

Cooking the Ground Beef Bulgogi

Alright, the beef has been marinating, and we’re ready to cook! This is the easiest part. You can cook the Bulgogi in a skillet on the stovetop or even on a grill. I prefer the stovetop method because it’s quick and easy, and I can control the heat more precisely.

1. Heat the Skillet: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. You don’t need to add any oil because the ground beef will release its own fat.
2. Cook the Beef: Add the marinated ground beef to the hot skillet. Spread it out in a single layer as much as possible. If you have too much beef to fit comfortably in the skillet, cook it in batches to avoid overcrowding. Overcrowding will steam the beef instead of browning it.
3. Break Up the Beef: Use a spatula to break up the ground beef as it cooks. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
4. Cook Until Browned: Cook the beef until it is fully cooked through and nicely browned. This should take about 8-10 minutes, depending on the heat of your skillet. Make sure there is no pink remaining.
5. Drain Excess Fat (Optional): If there is a lot of excess fat in the skillet, you can drain it off after the beef is cooked. This is optional, but it can help to reduce the overall fat content of the dish.

Serving the Ground Beef Bulgogi

The Bulgogi is cooked, and now it’s time to enjoy the fruits of our labor! There are so many ways to serve this delicious dish. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. Serve Over Rice: This is the classic way to serve Bulgogi. Spoon the cooked ground beef Bulgogi over a bed of fluffy cooked rice. I prefer short-grain rice, but any type of rice will work.
2. Garnish: Garnish with the sliced green onions and sesame seeds. These add a pop of color and flavor.
3. Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter option, serve the Bulgogi in lettuce wraps. Use crisp lettuce leaves, such as butter lettuce or romaine lettuce, as a wrap. Add a spoonful of Bulgogi and top with your favorite toppings, such as kimchi, sriracha, or a drizzle of sesame oil.
4. Add Kimchi: Kimchi is a must-have side dish for Bulgogi. The spicy, fermented cabbage adds a wonderful contrast to the sweet and savory beef.
5. Other Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Some other great options include:
   • Sriracha mayo
   • Pickled radishes
   • Cucumber slices
   • Carrot shreds
   • Bean sprouts

Tips and Variations

Want to customize your Ground Beef Bulgogi? Here are a few tips and variations to try:

• Adjust the Spice Level: If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce the amount of gochujang or red pepper flakes. If you like it extra spicy, add more!
• Add Vegetables: You can add other vegetables to the skillet along with the beef. Some good options include sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
• Use Different Ground Meat: While ground beef is the most common choice, you can also use ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground pork. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Make it Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
• Make it Ahead: You can make the Bulgogi ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a skillet or microwave before serving.
• Freeze it: Cooked Bulgogi freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Serving Suggestions for a Crowd

If you’re planning to serve Ground Beef Bulgogi to a crowd, consider setting up a Bulgogi bar. This is a fun and interactive way for guests to customize their own meals. Provide a variety of toppings, such as rice, lettuce leaves, kimchi, sriracha mayo, pickled radishes, cucumber slices, carrot shreds, and bean sprouts. Let your guests create their own Bulgogi bowls or lettuce wraps. This is a great way to cater to different dietary needs and preferences.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this Ground Beef Bulgogi recipe as much as I do! It’s a quick, easy, and delicious meal that’s perfect for weeknights or any time you’re craving Korean flavors. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the ingredients and adjust the recipe to your liking. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

This Ground Beef Bulgogi recipe isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! The sweet and savory marinade, the ease of using ground beef, and the incredible versatility make it a must-try for anyone looking to add a little excitement to their meal routine. I truly believe this will become a staple in your household, just as it has in mine.

Why is this Ground Beef Bulgogi a must-try? It’s simple: it delivers authentic Bulgogi flavor without the fuss. Forget marinating for hours or struggling with thinly slicing steak. This recipe cuts down on prep time without sacrificing any of the deliciousness. The ground beef soaks up the marinade beautifully, resulting in tender, flavorful bites that are perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Plus, it’s incredibly budget-friendly, making it a win-win for both your taste buds and your wallet.

But the best part? The possibilities are endless! Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a side of kimchi for a classic Korean experience. Or, get creative and use it as a filling for lettuce wraps, tacos, or even sliders. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade or drizzle with sriracha before serving. You could also stir-fry it with some colorful vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and carrots for a complete and balanced meal.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Bulgogi Bowls: Layer rice, Ground Beef Bulgogi, your favorite veggies (like spinach, bean sprouts, and shredded carrots), a fried egg, and a drizzle of gochujang sauce for a complete and satisfying bowl.
* Bulgogi Lettuce Wraps: Serve the cooked ground beef in crisp lettuce cups with a dollop of kimchi mayo and a sprinkle of chopped peanuts.
* Bulgogi Tacos: Use warm tortillas and top with the ground beef, shredded cabbage, a squeeze of lime, and a drizzle of cilantro-lime crema.
* Bulgogi Sliders: Pile the ground beef onto mini burger buns with a slice of provolone cheese and a smear of gochujang mayo.
* Vegetarian Variation: Substitute the ground beef with crumbled firm tofu or plant-based ground meat. Be sure to press the tofu to remove excess water before marinating.

I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe, and I can’t wait to hear about your experience. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and variations to make it your own. After all, cooking should be fun and creative!

So, what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a delicious and unforgettable meal. I promise, this Ground Beef Bulgogi will become a new family favorite.

And most importantly, please share your creations! I’d love to see your photos and hear about your personal twists on this recipe. Tag me on social media or leave a comment below. Let’s spread the Bulgogi love! Happy cooking!