Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi

Hey there! I’m so excited to share my recipe for Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi. It’s a fantastic, simplified take on traditional Korean bulgogi that’s perfect for busy weeknights8. Trust me; this dish is a total lifesaver when you’re craving something flavorful and quick4.

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in about 15-25 minutes45.

• Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ground beef and pantry staples4.

• Customizable: Easily adaptable to your taste preferences and dietary needs.

• Delicious: Packed with savory, slightly sweet, and umami flavors that everyone will love4.

Quick Facts

• Prep Time: 5 minutes3

• Cook Time: 10-20 minutes16

• Serving Size: 4-61

Ingredients

Bulgogi Sauce

• 1/4 cup soy sauce2

• 2-3 tablespoons brown sugar (adjust to taste)24

• 1 tablespoon mirin2

• 1 teaspoon minced ginger2

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil4

• 1 teaspoon black pepper4

Ground Beef Bulgogi

• 1-2 tablespoons vegetable oil2

• 1 small yellow onion, sliced or finely diced2

• 2 cloves garlic, minced2

• 2 green onions, white and green parts separated, sliced2

• 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean recommended)24

• Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)2

Instructions

1. Make the Bulgogi Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, mirin, minced ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper until well combined25. Ensure the brown sugar is mostly dissolved.

2. Sauté the Aromatics: Preheat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat2. Add the onion, garlic, and white parts of the green onions. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes21.

3. Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it apart with a spatula2. Cook until fully browned2.

4. Add Sauce and Finish: Give the bulgogi sauce a quick stir and pour it over the beef2. Add the remaining green onion parts and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce clings to the beef2.

5. Garnish and Serve: Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with sesame seeds if desired3.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic Rice Bowl: Serve over warm cooked rice. I like using short-grain white rice31.

• Lettuce Wraps: Spoon the bulgogi into lettuce leaves for a lighter option23.

• Bibimbap: Use it as a topping for bibimbap, adding other veggies and a fried egg4.

• With Kimchi: Serve alongside kimchi for a flavorful kick31.

Tips for Customization

• Spice It Up: Add a tablespoon of gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the sauce for a spicy kick3.

• Add Veggies: Mix in sautéed mushrooms, carrots, or spinach for extra nutrients15.

• Sweetness: Adjust the amount of brown sugar to suit your sweetness preference4.

• Protein: Try using ground turkey or crumbled tofu as a substitute for ground beef3.

FAQs

Can I marinate the ground beef?

• While not necessary, you can mix the ground beef with the sauce and let it sit for 30 minutes to enhance the flavor6.

How do I store leftovers?

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze ground beef bulgogi?

• Yes, you can! Freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before reheating.

What kind of ground beef should I use?

• I recommend using 90% lean ground beef to avoid excess grease4.

Enjoy this simple and delicious Ground Beef Bulgogi recipe! I hope it becomes a regular in your meal rotation.