This Ground Beef Bulgogi is a quick and tasty dish that’s perfect for dinner! Made with tender ground beef, sweet soy sauce, and garlic, it’s bursting with flavor.
You can serve it with rice or lettuce wraps for a fun twist! I love how easy it is to whip up on busy nights—fewer dishes, more yummy bites! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: The recipe calls for 1 lb of ground beef, which gives it a rich flavor. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works just as well. For a vegetarian alternative, try using textured vegetable protein (TVP) or crumbled firm tofu.
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce adds a savory base to the marinade. If you’re looking for a low-sodium version, opt for low-sodium soy sauce. For gluten-free diets, tamari is a fantastic substitute.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness to balance the salty soy sauce. You can substitute it with honey or maple syrup if you want a natural alternative.
Gochujang: This Korean red chili paste brings depth and heat to the dish. If you can’t find it, a mix of red pepper flakes and a bit of soy sauce can mimic some flavor. Just adjust the spice to your liking!
Sesame Oil: It contributes a nutty flavor. If it’s not available, a light olive oil can be used, but you’ll miss that special sesame taste. Toasted sesame oil offers even more flavor if you have it.
How Do I Properly Marinate the Beef?
Marinating your ground beef is crucial for infusing flavor. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- In a bowl, combine ground beef with soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and gochujang.
- Mix until the beef is evenly covered. Allow it to marinate for at least 15 minutes. For richer flavor, try to marinate for an hour if you have time!
Take your time with this step; it makes a difference in taste. The longer you marinate, the deeper the flavors will penetrate the meat.
How to Make Ground Beef Bulgogi
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bulgogi:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
For Serving:
- 1 medium carrot, shredded
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- Lettuce leaves (for serving)
- Kimchi (for serving, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Ground Beef Bulgogi takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 10 minutes to cook. So, you can whip it up in about 25 minutes total. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and gochujang. Use your hands or a spoon to ensure that the beef is fully coated in the marinade.
2. Cook the Beef:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated ground beef to the skillet. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, breaking the beef apart with a spatula. Stir occasionally until the beef is browned and cooked through. Make sure it’s cooked all the way!
3. Add Green Onions and Sesame Seeds:
During the last minute of cooking, stir in the chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Cook for just a bit longer until the green onions are slightly wilted, then remove from heat.
4. Prepare Your Salad Ingredients:
While the beef is cooking, shred the carrot and slice the cucumber. Place these in separate bowls to make assembly a breeze!
5. Assemble Your Bowls:
Start by laying out some lettuce leaves on a bowl or plate. Then, add a scoop of cooked rice on one side and top it with the delicious cooked ground beef bulgogi.
6. Add the Salad Items:
Arrange the shredded carrots and cucumber slices around the bulgogi and rice. This colorful mix makes your meal look and taste amazing!
7. Optional Extras:
If you’re a fan, add some kimchi on the side for an extra kick of flavor. It pairs perfectly with the bulgogi!
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Dig in while it’s hot! Your Ground Beef Bulgogi bowls are ready to be enjoyed. Happy eating!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or pork for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the meat you choose, so ensure it’s fully cooked before serving.
What Can I Substitute for Gochujang?
If you don’t have gochujang, you can use a mix of chili paste or Sriracha combined with a bit of sugar to mimic the sweetness and heat. Alternatively, red pepper flakes can provide some spice, but the flavor will be different. Start with a small amount and adjust to your heat preference!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bulgogi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage—just make sure it’s cooled down first. When reheating, do it gently in a pan over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
