If you’re looking for a quick, cozy dinner that’s bursting with sweet, savory, and umami flavors, Ground Beef Bulgogi is your new weeknight hero. This delicious Korean-inspired dish transforms humble ground beef into a bold, mouthwatering meal with a glossy sauce, lots of garlic and ginger, plus a sprinkle of green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Whether you’re craving comfort or something fresh and healthy, Ground Beef Bulgogi brings together the best of all worlds — and you’ll have it ready in less than half an hour!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about this Ground Beef Bulgogi is that it only takes a few basic pantry staples and fridge must-haves to create something magical. Each ingredient plays a key role, so don’t skip the little details — they bring the dish to life.
- Ground Beef: Choose 80-90% lean for the best flavor and just enough richness without being greasy.
- Vegetable Oil: Just a splash helps the aromatics bloom and the beef brown beautifully.
- Garlic: Essential for building that savory, bold flavor foundation Bulgogi is known for.
- Fresh Ginger: Adds warmth and brightness, cutting through any heaviness from the beef.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: The backbone of the sauce — use low-sodium for balance and to avoid overpowering saltiness.
- Brown Sugar: Sweetness is key to Bulgogi’s signature flavor, making every bite irresistible.
- Sesame Oil: For that nutty, toasty aroma you’ll smell as soon as you stir it in.
- Rice Vinegar: A splash of acidity rounds everything out and keeps the dish lively.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Offers a spicy kick — tailor the amount to your heat preference.
- Green Onions: Their fresh crunch and pop of color make this dish feel vibrant and satisfying.
- Toasted Sesame Seeds: For a final nutty flourish and that irresistible texture on top.
- Steamed White Rice: A bed of fluffy rice soaks up all the savory juices — it’s a must for serving!
How to Make Ground Beef Bulgogi
Step 1: Whisk the Sauce
Start by grabbing a small bowl and whisking together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you love a little heat. This glossy mixture is the heart of Ground Beef Bulgogi — every drop infuses the beef with mouthwatering flavor, so make sure that sugar is dissolved and everything is well combined before you set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat your skillet over medium-high and add the vegetable oil. Once it shimmers, toss in the garlic and ginger. Sauté for just 30 seconds — you’ll smell that incredible fragrance almost instantly. Be careful not to let them brown; you want that fresh punch rather than any bitterness.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Let it brown nicely for 5 to 6 minutes, so every bit gets golden and slightly crispy at the edges. If you notice any excess grease, feel free to drain some off at this point for a lighter finish.
Step 4: Add the Sauce
Now, pour that gorgeous sauce over the beef and give it all a good stir to ensure even coating. Drop the heat to medium and let it simmer for a couple of minutes. The flavors will meld, and the sauce will thicken just a touch, clinging to every piece of beef. It’s the signature glossiness you want in your Ground Beef Bulgogi!
Step 5: Finish with Freshness
Turn off the heat and toss in your sliced green onions. Stir everything together, letting the residual heat soften the onions just a bit without losing their bright, fresh bite. Sprinkle the whole skillet with toasted sesame seeds for a final flourish of flavor and crunch.
How to Serve Ground Beef Bulgogi
Garnishes
Top your steaming bowls of Ground Beef Bulgogi with extra sliced green onions and a pinch more toasted sesame seeds. If you have them on hand, a quick scatter of thinly sliced red chili or a handful of microgreens adds a little color and visual pop. They’re more than just decoration — every bite gets a little extra flavor and crunch.
Side Dishes
To make your meal feel complete, serve this bulgogi over fluffy steamed white rice, letting the grains soak up all those savory juices. For extra color and nutrition, try classic Korean sides like kimchi, sautéed spinach, or crisp cucumber salad. Even a simple bowl of miso soup makes for a cozy, balanced spread alongside Ground Beef Bulgogi.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the bowl: tuck the bulgogi into lettuce wraps with sticky rice, julienned carrots, and pickled radishes for a light, crunchy dinner. Or layer it over steamed broccoli in a bowl for a protein-packed version of your favorite takeout. Don’t forget: this beef makes an amazing topping for noodles or even a breakfast fried rice!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Ground Beef Bulgogi stores like a dream! Simply cool any leftovers, then spoon them into an airtight container. They’ll keep happily in the fridge for up to four days. This makes it a brilliant option for meal prepping a few dinners or lunches at a time.
Freezing
If you want to save some for a rainy day, let the cooked bulgogi cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep well in the freezer for up to three months. When you need a fast, flavorful dinner, just thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm your Ground Beef Bulgogi in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s hot and bubbly. Or, pop it in the microwave for a minute or two with a splash of water to keep it moist. It will taste just as vibrant and delicious as the day you made it!
FAQs
Is Ground Beef Bulgogi spicy?
It has a hint of optional spice from the crushed red pepper flakes, but you can leave these out for a completely mild dish or add extra if you prefer a kick. The overall flavor is sweet and savory with lots of depth from garlic and ginger.
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken are fantastic lighter substitutes. Just be sure to adjust for leaner meat by adding a touch more sesame oil or a tablespoon of water to keep everything as juicy as classic bulgogi.
What kind of rice is best for serving?
Plain white rice is traditional and perfect for soaking up the sauce, but jasmine or short-grain sushi rice also work wonderfully. Brown rice, cauliflower rice, or even cooked quinoa could be used for something a little different or more nutritious.
How do I make this Ground Beef Bulgogi gluten-free?
Swap the soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Double-check all other ingredients (like the rice vinegar and sesame oil) to make sure there are no hidden sources of gluten for a safe, delicious meal.
Can I prep the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! Mix the sauce up to three days in advance and keep it sealed in the fridge. This makes dinner lightning-fast — just grab your sauce, brown your beef, and you’re halfway to a fabulous meal.
Final Thoughts
If you’re hunting for an easy, crowd-pleasing meal, give Ground Beef Bulgogi a try. It’s bold, comforting, and endlessly adaptable. With just a handful of ingredients and barely any prep, you’ll have a deeply flavorful dish that’s sure to become a regular at your table!
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Ground Beef Bulgogi Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy Ground Beef Bulgogi recipe that brings the flavors of Korean cuisine to your table. This dish features savory ground beef cooked in a delicious soy-based sauce, perfect for serving over steamed white rice.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
Sauce:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Serving:
- Steamed white rice for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
- Cook Ground Beef: Sauté garlic and ginger in oil until fragrant. Add ground beef, cook until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add Sauce: Pour prepared sauce over beef, stir to coat, and cook for a few minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in green onions, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and serve hot over steamed rice.
Notes
- Complete the meal with kimchi and sautéed vegetables.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (without rice)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
