Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi Recipe for Beginners
This Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi Recipe for Beginners delivers authentic Korean flavors with a quick and simple method. Featuring a sweet, savory, and umami-packed marinade, this dish uses affordable ground beef and common ingredients to create a juicy, caramelized bulgogi perfect for weeknight dinners or anytime you want a taste of Korea without fuss.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80/20 for juiciness)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 green onions, finely sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp rice vinegar or mirin
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru), optional
- Black pepper, to taste
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar or honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, green onions, sesame oil, rice vinegar or mirin, red pepper flakes (if using), and black pepper. This mixture forms the flavorful bulgogi sauce.
- Marinate the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the marinade and thoroughly mix with your hands or a spoon until all the meat is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors, preferably 30 minutes to an hour if time allows.
- Cook the Bulgogi: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of sesame oil or neutral oil. Add the marinated ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned, caramelized, and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Final Touches: Taste the cooked bulgogi and adjust seasonings by adding more sugar or soy sauce if desired. Remove from heat and garnish with extra green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- Use 80/20 ground beef for a juicy and flavorful result.
- Don’t skip marinating—even a short time deepens the flavor significantly.
- Cook on high heat to get that crispy, caramelized texture.
- Add quick-cooking vegetables near the end to keep them crisp.
- Always use fresh garlic and ginger for vibrant aroma and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 730 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: ground beef bulgogi, Korean recipe, easy bulgogi, quick Korean dinner, bulgogi for beginners, Korean ground beef