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Perfect Ground Beef Bulgogi Recipe

Perfect Ground Beef Bulgogi Recipe

This Perfect Ground Beef Bulgogi Recipe offers a quick and easy way to enjoy the savory, sweet, and umami flavors of traditional Korean BBQ using ground beef. Ideal for busy weeknights or casual meals, it’s packed with bold, balanced flavors from simple pantry staples and Korean ingredients like gochujang and sesame oil. Versatile and family-friendly, it can be served with rice, in wraps, tacos, or bowls for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
  • 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 green onions, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, gochujang, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and black pepper. Whisk until the sugar dissolves and the marinade is smooth and fragrant.
  2. Mix the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the marinade and use your hands or a spoon to mix everything thoroughly. Ensure every bit of beef is evenly coated for a consistent bulgogi flavor.
  3. Let it Marinate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 1-2 hours, to let flavors deeply penetrate the meat.
  4. Cook the Bulgogi: Heat a nonstick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef, break it apart with a spatula, and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until fully cooked and slightly caramelized with crispy edges.
  5. Add Green Onions and Serve: Stir in chopped green onions toward the end of cooking to add freshness and color. Serve immediately with preferred sides, or enjoy in wraps, tacos, or bowls.

Notes

  • Use fatty ground beef (80/20) to keep the bulgogi moist and flavorful during cooking.
  • Don’t skip marinating to allow flavor absorption and tenderizing of the meat.
  • Cook on high heat to achieve caramelization and the signature bulgogi texture.
  • Adjust sweetness after cooking by adding more sugar or honey for perfect balance.
  • Garnish with toasted sesame seeds or fresh herbs like cilantro for elevated flavor and presentation.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean BBQ, bulgogi, ground beef, quick recipe, easy dinner, Korean cuisine, weeknight meal, gluten free