Easy Bulgogi Recipe Ground Beef Made Simple

Easy Bulgogi Recipe Ground Beef

If you’re craving a satisfying, flavorful Korean dish but want a quick and approachable way to make it at home, this Easy Bulgogi Recipe Ground Beef is your new go-to. Combining tender ground beef with a savory, slightly sweet marinade, this recipe captures all the deliciousness of traditional bulgogi without any fuss. It’s perfect for family dinners, weeknight meals, or whenever you want a comforting Korean-inspired dish that comes together in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Simple: Uses ground beef which cooks faster than slices, making dinner ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Authentic Flavors: Balances sweet, savory, and umami notes just like traditional bulgogi.
  • Versatile Meal: Perfect for rice bowls, lettuce wraps, or even tacos.
  • Family Friendly: Milder seasonings make it a hit with kids and adults alike.
  • Minimal Ingredients: Relies on pantry staples and easy-to-find Korean sauces for convenience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Easy Bulgogi Recipe Ground Beef calls for a streamlined list of ingredients that pack big flavor and create the perfect texture. Each item plays a crucial role, from the savory soy sauce base to the slightly sweet touch of brown sugar that balances everything.

  • Ground Beef: Choose lean or regular ground beef based on preference for rich flavor or lower fat.
  • Soy Sauce: Provides the salty, umami backbone for the marinade.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds a natural sweetness that caramelizes during cooking.
  • Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings that essential aromatic kick.
  • Ginger: Grated ginger adds warmth and a slight zing to brighten the dish.
  • Green Onions: For crunch and mild onion flavor, added both in marinade and as garnish.
  • Sesame Oil: Adds nutty depth that’s important for authentic Korean flavors.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Optional but adds just the right bit of heat to complement the sweetness.
  • Rice Wine or Mirin: Enhances the tenderizing of the beef and adds complexity.
  • Black Pepper: Freshly ground for balanced spice.

Variations for Easy Bulgogi Recipe Ground Beef

This versatile Easy Bulgogi Recipe Ground Beef invites you to customize flavors or ingredients to fit your lifestyle and pantry. Whether you’re looking for a healthier twist or a different protein, here are some easy swaps and additions.

  • Swap Protein: Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version without sacrificing flavor.
  • Vegetarian Version: Substitute with crumbled tofu or mushrooms for a plant-based twist.
  • Spice It Up: Add extra gochujang or fresh chili for those who love bold heat.
  • Extra Veggies: Stir in shredded carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini for added color and nutrients.
  • Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep it safe for gluten sensitivity.
  • Sweetener Alternatives: Honey or maple syrup works great instead of brown sugar.
Easy Bulgogi Recipe Ground Beef Made Simple

How to Make Easy Bulgogi Recipe Ground Beef

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, rice wine, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk it all together until the sugar dissolves and the marinade is well blended.

Step 2: Mix Ground Beef and Marinade

Add the ground beef and chopped green onions to the marinade. Use a spoon or your hands to thoroughly mix, ensuring every bit of beef is coated evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to soak in the flavors.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned and cooked through.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper and extra chopped green onions over the cooked beef. Give everything one last toss, remove from heat, and it’s ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Bulgogi Recipe Ground Beef

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger really elevate the flavor compared to powders.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary to get a nice sear and avoid steaming.
  • Let It Marinate: Even a short 15-minute marinade cushions the beef in deep flavor.
  • Balance Sweet and Salt: Taste the marinade before mixing to adjust sugar or soy sauce if needed.
  • Optional Toasted Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle on top at the end for a delightful crunch and nutty aroma.

How to Serve Easy Bulgogi Recipe Ground Beef

Garnishes

Finishing touches elevate the dish—add fresh chopped green onions, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, or thin slices of fresh chili for color and a hint of spice that makes each bite exciting.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs perfectly with warm steamed rice, kimchi for a fermented tang, or simple sautéed vegetables like spinach or zucchini for a balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the bulgogi in lettuce wraps topped with shredded carrots and a drizzle of sriracha mayo or spoon it over noodles for a delicious fusion bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cooked bulgogi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep flavors fresh and prevent drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked ground beef in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months—perfect for meal prep and busy weeknights.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to keep the meat moist and flavorful.

FAQs

Can I use other meats instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork work great as alternatives, adjusting cooking times accordingly for best results.

Is this recipe spicy?

This easy bulgogi recipe ground beef is mildly spiced by default, but you can add more red pepper flakes or gochujang to increase the heat level.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just swap regular soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to keep it safe for gluten intolerance.

How long should I marinate the beef?

While 15 minutes is sufficient for flavor, marinating up to 1 hour can deepen the taste even more without compromising texture.

What’s the best way to serve leftover bulgogi?

Leftovers are great in rice bowls, wrapped in lettuce, or stirred into fried rice or noodles for a quick revamped meal.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Bulgogi Recipe Ground Beef is a brilliant way to bring authentic Korean flavors into your kitchen without the hassle. It’s simple, packed with flavor, and adaptable to whatever ingredients you have on hand. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite dinner recipe that everyone asks for again and again.

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Easy Bulgogi Recipe Ground Beef

This Easy Bulgogi Recipe Ground Beef offers a quick and authentic way to enjoy the classic Korean dish at home. Featuring a savory-sweet marinade blending soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and brown sugar, the ground beef cooks in under 30 minutes. Perfect for family meals and adaptable to various serving styles like rice bowls or lettuce wraps, this flavorful dish brings comforting Korean-inspired flavors to your table with minimal fuss.

  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Korean
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)

Marinade

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar (or honey/maple syrup as sweetener alternatives)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp rice wine or mirin
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 green onions, chopped (divided; some for marinade, some for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, rice wine, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is well combined.
  2. Mix Ground Beef and Marinade: Add the ground beef and chopped green onions to the marinade. Mix thoroughly using a spoon or your hands to ensure all the beef is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to develop the flavors.
  3. Cook the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 5-7 minutes while stirring frequently, until the beef is browned and cooked through.
  4. Finish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper and extra chopped green onions over the cooked beef. Toss to combine, then remove from heat and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed to sear meat properly.
  • Marinate for at least 15 minutes; up to 1 hour for deeper flavor.
  • Taste the marinade before mixing to balance sweetness and saltiness.
  • Optionally sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top before serving for extra crunch and aroma.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg

Keywords: Easy Bulgogi, Korean Ground Beef, Bulgogi Recipe, Quick Korean Dinner, Ground Beef Bulgogi

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