This Ground Beef Bulgogi is a tasty twist on the classic Korean dish. The beef is marinated in a sweet and savory sauce and cooked until it’s perfectly tender!
It’s super fun to make and even more exciting to eat! I love serving it with rice and veggies. You might find those servings disappear faster than you think! 😄
Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground beef: I find that using lean ground beef (around 80/20) gives the best flavor without too much grease. If you’re looking for a healthier option, ground turkey works too, but it might be a bit drier.
Soy sauce: Regular soy sauce is great, but for a gluten-free version, you can use tamari. If you’re watching your sodium intake, low-sodium soy sauce is a perfect alternative.
Gochujang: This Korean chili paste adds a unique flavor. If you can’t find it, try mixing chili paste with a little sugar. You might miss out on the depth of flavor, but it’ll still be good!
Sesame oil: I love the toasted flavor this oil adds. If you don’t have sesame oil, you can substitute with olive oil, but it won’t give the same nutty taste.
How Do I Get My Beef to Absorb the Marinade Well?
Marinating the ground beef is key to infusing it with flavor. Here are some helpful tips:
- Mix the marinade ingredients well before adding the beef to ensure all flavors are combined.
- Use your hands to mix the beef into the marinade, ensuring every bit is nicely coated.
- Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is even better if you have the time.
This helps the beef absorb all those delicious flavors, making your dish truly shine!
How to Make Ground Beef Bulgogi
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Marinade:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
For Serving:
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- 1 cup shredded carrots (for garnish)
- Lettuce leaves (for serving, optional)
- Kimchi (for serving, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time plus at least 30 minutes for marinating the beef. After marinating, cooking will take around 10 minutes. Altogether, plan for about 1 hour to prepare and enjoy a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, gochujang, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well blended. This mixture will be the flavorful marinade for your ground beef.
2. Marinate the Beef:
Add the ground beef to the marinade in the bowl. Mix well with your hands or a spoon, ensuring that every piece of beef is coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. For best results, you can let it marinate overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor.
3. Cook the Ground Beef:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated ground beef to the skillet. Cook while stirring frequently for about 7-10 minutes, or until the beef is browned and fully cooked. This ensures the meat gets that nice, savory flavor!
4. Add Green Onions:
In the last minute of cooking, stir in the chopped green onions. This adds a delightful crunch and fresh flavor. Once everything is well combined, remove the skillet from heat.
5. Assemble Your Bowls:
To create your delicious Ground Beef Bulgogi bowls, place a scoop of cooked rice at the bottom of each bowl. Top it with a generous portion of the cooked beef, along with the thinly sliced cucumbers and shredded carrots. If you like, you can wrap everything in lettuce leaves for a fresh twist.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle sesame seeds and extra chopped green onions on top to make it extra special. Serve with kimchi on the side for a tasty and traditional touch, if you wish. Enjoy your warm and flavorful Ground Beef Bulgogi bowls!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly due to differences in fat content and moisture levels. Ensure that whichever meat you choose is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Can I Marinate the Beef for Longer?
Yes, marinating the beef overnight will enhance the flavor even more! Just be cautious about not exceeding 24 hours, as the meat might become too soft. Store it in a sealed container or a zip-top bag in the fridge while marinating.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Ground Beef Bulgogi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Definitely! If you like it spicy, consider adding more gochujang or a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also try adding sliced jalapeños during cooking for an extra kick!
