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Easy Bulgogi Ground Beef Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Keywords: bulgogi, ground beef, Korean recipe, quick dinner, easy meal, weeknight dinner, savory, sweet, sesame, Korean beef