Ground Beef Bulgogi is a tasty dish with sweet and savory flavors that everyone loves! It’s made with ground beef marinated in a mix of soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and sesame oil.
This dish cooks up quickly, making it a fantastic weeknight dinner option. I like to serve it over rice with some veggies. Trust me, you’ll enjoy every bite! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the main protein for bulgogi. You could use ground turkey or chicken as lighter options. If you’re vegetarian, try using textured vegetable protein or a plant-based meat substitute.
Soy Sauce: A key flavor booster! Low-sodium soy sauce is a great alternative if you’re watching your salt intake. Tamari is a good gluten-free option.
Gochujang: This Korean chili paste adds a spicy kick. If you can’t find it, consider using sriracha or a mix of red pepper flakes with a little sugar for sweetness.
Garlic & Ginger: Fresh is best! These aromatics give depth to the flavors. You can use garlic powder and ground ginger, but fresh is preferred for brightness.
Vegetables: Green onions and carrots add crunch and color. Feel free to substitute with bell peppers or zucchini if you prefer!
How to Cook Ground Beef Perfectly for Bulgogi?
Cooking ground beef for bulgogi can be simple, but there are a few things to keep in mind to get it just right:
- Heat your skillet over medium-high heat before adding the beef. This helps it brown nicely.
- Break the meat apart as it cooks. This ensures even browning and helps it absorb the flavors of the marinade.
- Don’t rush to drain the fat. Some fat adds flavor, but if there’s too much, use a spoon to remove the excess.
- Once the beef is cooked, stirring in the marinade thoroughly allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.
How to Make Ground Beef Bulgogi
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 teaspoons sugar (brown or white)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bunch green onions, chopped (reserve some for garnish)
- 1/2 cup grated carrots
- 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
- Cooked white rice (for serving)
- Lettuce leaves (for serving)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Kimchi (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 10-15 minutes to cook, making it ready to serve in about 25-30 minutes. Perfect for a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, gochujang, sugar, minced garlic, minced ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed. This will be the flavorful marinade for your beef!
2. Cook the Beef:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook the beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it is completely browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes. After browning, drain any excess fat to keep it nice and healthy.
3. Combine Beef with Marinade:
Add the prepared marinade to the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir well to make sure all the beef is coated with the marinade. Let this cook for another 2 minutes, allowing all those delicious flavors to meld together.
4. Add Vegetables:
Now, toss in the chopped green onions and grated carrots. Stir continuously for about 2-3 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly and mix well with the beef mixture. This adds a lovely crunch and color to your dish!
5. Serve it Up:
To serve, take a scoop of the beef bulgogi mixture and place it over a bed of hot cooked rice in a bowl. Top it with sliced cucumbers and a few lettuce leaves for freshness.
6. Finish with Garnish:
Finally, sprinkle some reserved chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top for extra flavor and crunch. If you like, serve kimchi on the side for a spicy kick!
7. Enjoy!
Dig in while it’s warm! This ground beef bulgogi is not only easy to make but also bursting with flavors. Enjoy your homemade meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to ground beef. Just keep in mind that it may be a bit drier, so you might want to add an extra drizzle of sesame oil or a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist while cooking.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of gochujang to 1/2 tablespoon or omit it entirely and replace it with a bit more soy sauce and sugar. Conversely, if you like it spicier, feel free to add more gochujang or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes when cooking!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Just chop them into small pieces and add them along with the carrots, cooking until they’re tender.
