Are you craving Korean flavors but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? This easy ground beef bulgogi brings the best of Korean cuisine to your table in under 30 minutes!
Packed with bold, savory-sweet flavors, ground beef bulgogi is a simple yet delicious alternative to traditional bulgogi made with thinly sliced beef. Whether you’re a busy home cook looking for a quick dinner or a food enthusiast exploring new cuisines, this recipe is the perfect addition to your weekly meal rotation.
Here, you’ll find step-by-step instructions, the ingredients you’ll need, tips for a perfect bulgogi, and answers to common questions. Let’s get cooking!
What is beef Bulgogi?
Bulgogi, which translates to “fire meat” in Korean, is a traditional Korean dish made by grilling or stir-frying marinated beef or pork. It’s known for its irresistible balance of sweet, salty, slightly smoky, and savory flavors. Traditional bulgogi uses thinly sliced cuts of high-quality meat, but this ground beef version offers a quicker, more affordable way to enjoy the same iconic taste.
Ground beef bulgogi works wonderfully served over steamed rice, wrapped in lettuce leaves, or even stuffed into tortillas for a Korean-Mexican fusion twist!
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Versatile: Serve it with rice, noodles, or veggies for a complete meal.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses ground beef, which is more affordable than traditional cuts of meat.
- Packed with Flavor: The marinade brings bold, authentic Korean flavors to every bite.
Ground Beef Bulgogi Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this dish (many are likely already in your pantry):
To Prepare the Bulgogi Marinade:
- ⅓ cup soy sauce (low sodium is preferred)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or honey)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean red chili paste) — optional for a bit of heat
For the Ground Beef:
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced (keep the green and white parts separate)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for cooking
For Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Additional sliced green onions
Step-by-Step ground beef bulgogi
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
- Mix the marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and gochujang (if using). Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat the oil
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the onion
Add the chopped onions and the white parts of the green onion. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Brown the beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
Step 3: Combine with Marinade
- Add the bulgogi marinade
Pour the prepared marinade over the cooked beef, stirring to coat evenly.
- Simmer and thicken
Lower the heat and simmer for 3–4 minutes until the beef soaks up the flavors and the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Add green onions
Stir in the green parts of the green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
- Serve
Serve hot over steamed rice, with lettuce leaves for wraps, or alongside sautéed vegetables. Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Bulgogi
- Don’t skip the sesame oil. It’s key to achieving the rich and nutty flavor characteristic of bulgogi.
- Adjust sweetness. Taste the bulgogi sauce and adjust the brown sugar or soy sauce to suit your palate.
- Use fresh ginger. Grated fresh ginger enhances the flavor better than powdered alternatives.
- Add heat if you like. A dollop of gochujang or a pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate the dish if you enjoy spice.
- Double the recipe for meal prep. Ground beef bulgogi reheats beautifully and is great for lunches throughout the week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a meat substitute?
Yes, you can replace ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or even a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian option.
Q: Is bulgogi spicy?
Traditional bulgogi isn’t spicy, but you can add gochujang or red pepper flakes for heat! Feel free to adjust the spice level based on your preference.
Q: Can I freeze cooked bulgogi?
Absolutely! Allow the cooked bulgogi to cool completely, then store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet or microwave when ready to eat.
Q: What’s the best way to serve ground beef bulgogi?
It pairs beautifully with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or inside lettuce wraps. You can even use it as a filling for tacos or sliders for a creative twist.
Take Your Taste Buds on a Flavorful Journey
This ground beef bulgogi recipe is proof that bold, authentic flavors don’t have to mean hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or an adventurous beginner, this quick and easy dish is guaranteed to satisfy. Serve it for dinner, meal prep it for the week, or impress your friends with your newfound Korean cooking skills.
Want more recipes like this? Sign up for our newsletter to explore diverse and approachable dishes that make every day delicious!
