This Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi is a tasty twist on a classic Korean dish. With sweet and savory flavors, it’s made with tender ground beef, soy sauce, and a hint of garlic.
You can whip this up in no time and serve it with rice or lettuce wraps. Trust me, your taste buds will be throwing a party! 🎉 I love to add some extra veggies in for a colorful, yummy meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using ground beef that has a higher fat content, like 80/20. It gives more flavor and keeps the meat juicy. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey or chicken can work, but they’ll give a different texture.
Soy Sauce: This is key for the salty and umami flavor. If you need a gluten-free option, try tamari or coconut aminos, which can also bring sweetness.
Brown Sugar: It balances the saltiness of the soy sauce. You can use honey or maple syrup as a substitute if you prefer natural sweeteners.
Gochujang: This Korean chili paste adds depth and a bit of heat. You can replace it with red pepper flakes or sriracha if that’s what you have on hand, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.
Vegetable Oil: Any neutral oil will work here, such as canola or grapeseed oil. If you want a more robust flavor, use sesame oil instead.
How Do You Marinate Ground Beef to Enhance Flavor?
Marinating is essential in this recipe to boost the flavor. Here’s how to get it right:
- Mix the marinade ingredients in a bowl until the brown sugar dissolves completely.
- Add the ground beef to the bowl and use your hands to mix well, allowing the meat to absorb the flavors.
- For best results, let it sit for at least 10 minutes, but if you have time, 30 minutes will deepen the taste even more.
What’s the Best Way to Serve Ground Beef Bulgogi?
You can create a fun and interactive meal! Here are tips for serving:
- Prepare individual bowls with lettuce leaves, so everyone can make their wraps or bowls.
- Arrange colorful sides like shredded carrots and cucumbers for a fresh crunch.
- Offer garnishes like sliced green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.
- Provide sriracha or gochujang on the side for those who enjoy a spicy kick.
With these tips, your Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi will be a hit, and you’ll enjoy the process even more!
Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80/20 for flavor)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or gochujang (Korean chili paste) for spice
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced (separate white and green parts)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 small cucumber, sliced thinly (ribboned if possible)
- Butter lettuce or lettuce leaves for serving
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Sriracha or additional gochujang for drizzling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi can be ready in about 25 minutes! This includes 10-30 minutes for marinating the beef and about 15 minutes to cook and prepare the meal. Perfect for a quick dinner or lunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger (if using), black pepper, and red pepper flakes or gochujang. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved and all ingredients are mixed together to create a flavorful marinade.
2. Marinate the Beef:
Add the ground beef and the white parts of the green onions to the marinade. Mix everything well until the beef is evenly coated in the marinade. It’s best to let it marinate for at least 10 minutes, but if you have more time, 30 minutes will deepen the flavor.
3. Cook the Beef:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated ground beef mixture. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking up the beef with a spatula as it cooks, until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. Remove from heat.
4. Assemble Your Bowls:
To serve, place a large lettuce leaf in each bowl. Add a scoop of cooked rice on top of the lettuce. Arrange shredded carrots and cucumber ribbons around the rice for a fresh crunch.
5. Finish and Enjoy:
Spoon the cooked ground beef bulgogi on top of the rice. Garnish with the green parts of the sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. If you like a little heat, drizzle with sriracha or extra gochujang. Serve immediately, either as wraps with the lettuce or as a rice bowl with chopsticks.
Enjoy your quick, flavorful, and nutritious Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi bowl!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for ground beef, you can use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly, especially with lean meats.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicer?
If you love heat, simply increase the amount of red pepper flakes or gochujang. You can also add chili paste or serve with sliced jalapeños for an extra kick!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can marinate the beef a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. Cooked bulgogi can also be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
What Can I Serve with Bulgogi Aside from Rice?
This dish pairs well with various sides. You could serve it with quinoa, barley, or even spiralized vegetables for a low-carb option. It’s also delicious with kimchi or pickled vegetables for an authentic Korean experience!
