Easy Bulgogi Ground Beef Recipe
This Easy Bulgogi Ground Beef Recipe is a quick, flavorful Korean-inspired dish featuring a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly smoky notes. Ready in under 30 minutes, it uses simple ingredients like ground beef, soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil to create a versatile meal ideal for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. Serve over rice, in lettuce wraps, or tacos for a delicious and comforting experience.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely to create a well-blended marinade base.
- Marinate the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the bowl and gently but thoroughly mix to coat all the meat evenly with the marinade. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes so the flavors can permeate the beef.
- Cook the beef: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for about 7-10 minutes until browned and fully cooked, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Add green onions and finish: Stir in the chopped green onions during the last minute of cooking to add freshness and a pop of color. Mix well and then remove from heat.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the Bulgogi Ground Beef over steamed rice, in lettuce wraps, or with your favorite vegetables. Optionally, garnish with extra green onions or toasted sesame seeds for presentation.
Notes
- Choose ground chuck or an 80/20 beef blend for best flavor and moisture.
- Marinating even briefly enhances the depth of flavor significantly.
- Use a hot pan to ensure quick browning and to seal in juices.
- Adjust brown sugar amount to your taste preference to control sweetness.
- Fresh minced garlic and ginger add brightness that dried powders can’t replicate.
- For gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: bulgogi, ground beef, Korean recipe, quick dinner, easy meal, weeknight dinner, savory, sweet, sesame, Korean beef