Are you looking for a quick and tasty meal? This ground beef bulgogi recipe is just what you need. It is full of sweet and savory flavors that everyone will love. Plus, it is simple and affordable to make.
This dish is a twist on traditional Korean bulgogi. Instead of sliced beef, it uses ground beef, which cooks faster. This makes it great for busy weeknights. Serve it with rice, noodles, or fresh veggies for a complete and satisfying meal.
In this guide, you will learn how to make the perfect ground beef bulgogi recipe. We will show you the steps, share tips, and help you create a meal your family will enjoy. Let’s get started and bring bold Korean flavors to your table!
Table of Contents
What is Ground Beef Bulgogi?
Traditional Bulgogi with a Twist
Bulgogi is a popular Korean dish that means “fire meat.” It is usually made with thin slices of beef that are soaked in sauce and then grilled or cooked in a pan. This makes the meat sweet, salty, and smoky.
This ground beef bulgogi recipe is a simpler version. Instead of sliced beef, it uses ground beef, which is faster to cook and easier to make. You still get all the tasty flavors, but it takes less time.
Why Use Ground Beef?
Ground beef is perfect for this dish because it cooks fast and absorbs the sauce well. It is also cheaper than sliced beef, so it’s a great option for families. Plus, it’s easy to find in any store.
You can use this dish in many ways. For example, serve it with rice, in wraps, or on top of salads. This makes it a great choice for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. In short, ground beef makes this recipe quick, tasty, and perfect for busy days.
Ingredients for Ground Beef Bulgogi Recipe
Essential Ingredients
To make this ground beef bulgogi recipe, you will need some simple ingredients. They are easy to find and work well together to create amazing flavors. Here is what you need:
- 1 pound ground beef: Lean beef is best because it has less fat.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: This gives the dish its salty and savory taste.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the salty flavor.
- 3 garlic cloves (minced): Brings a bold and savory flavor.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated): Gives the dish a warm and slightly spicy taste.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Adds a nutty and rich flavor that makes the dish special.
- 2 green onions (chopped): Adds freshness and a mild onion taste.
These ingredients come together to make a dish that is both sweet and savory. The flavors are well-balanced and easy to enjoy. If you follow the measurements closely, the taste will turn out just right.
Optional Add-ins
You can make this recipe even better by adding some extras. These are not required, but they add more flavor, color, and crunch. Here are some ideas:
- 1/2 cup sliced carrots or bell peppers: These add crunch and make the dish colorful.
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes: If you like it spicy, this is a great option.
- Steamed rice or noodles: Serve the bulgogi over rice or mix it with noodles for a full meal.
- 1 fried egg: Add on top for extra protein and flavor.
These extras make the recipe flexible. For example, you can add more vegetables if you want a healthier dish. Also, if you like spicy food, the red pepper flakes are a good choice. Feel free to try different combinations to see what you like best.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Ground Beef Bulgogi
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
To begin, you need to make the sauce. This sauce gives the beef its amazing flavor. In a small bowl, mix these ingredients:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Stir everything together until the sugar mixes fully. This sauce is sweet, salty, and full of flavor. Afterward, set it aside for later use.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
After that, heat a large pan or skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef to the pan. While the beef cooks, break it into small pieces using a spoon or spatula.
Cook the beef for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until it turns brown. If you see extra grease in the pan, carefully drain it to keep the dish lighter. Following this, lower the heat slightly.
Step 3: Add the Sauce
After the beef is fully cooked, pour the sauce over the meat. Stir everything well so that every piece of beef is coated with the sauce. Allow the beef to simmer in the sauce for 3 to 5 minutes.
This step allows the flavors to soak into the beef. During this time, stir occasionally to keep the sauce from sticking to the pan.
Step 4: Add Green Onions
Lastly, add 2 chopped green onions to the pan. Stir them gently into the beef and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. The green onions add a fresh taste and a little crunch to the dish.
Now your ground beef bulgogi is ready to serve! Turn off the heat and enjoy this flavorful dish with rice, noodles, or vegetables.
How to Serve Ground Beef Bulgogi
Serve Over Rice or Noodles
The easiest way to enjoy bulgogi is to serve it over rice or noodles. Steamed white rice works best because it soaks up the tasty sauce. If you want a lighter option, try cauliflower rice, which is healthy and full of vegetables.
Another idea is to serve bulgogi with noodles. Stir-fried noodles make a great match. Cook the noodles and mix them with the beef for a quick and filling meal. Moreover, soba or udon noodles also work well because they are soft and chewy.
In short, serving bulgogi with rice or noodles is simple and delicious. It’s a great choice for lunch or dinner when you want something easy and satisfying.
For a fresh side dish to complement bulgogi, try this Easy and Healthy Mexican Chicken Salad Recipe for a nutritious and flavorful pairing.
Make It a Wrap
You can also serve bulgogi as a wrap. Use fresh lettuce leaves to hold the beef, which gives it a crunchy and fresh texture. Additionally, you can add rice, cucumbers, or shredded carrots to make it more flavorful.
Instead of lettuce, you can use tortillas. Warm them up and fill them with the beef mixture for an easy-to-carry meal. This makes it perfect for lunches, picnics, or quick snacks.
Do you eat bulgogi with lettuce? Yes, lettuce is a popular choice because it balances the rich flavors of the beef. It also adds freshness to every bite.
Perfect Side Dishes for Bulgogi
Ground beef bulgogi tastes even better with the right sides. Try serving it with Korean side dishes like kimchi, pickled radishes, or cucumber salad. These sides add fresh and tangy flavors that go well with the sweet and savory beef.
Besides these, you can make Korean-style potato pancakes or add crispy roasted seaweed for some crunch. Furthermore, soups like miso soup or Korean soybean soup make a warm and comforting addition to your meal.
What is bulgogi paired with? Typically, it is served with rice, vegetables, and side dishes like these. Together, they make a complete and tasty meal.
Variations to Try with Ground Beef Bulgogi
Spicy Ground Beef Bulgogi
If you enjoy spicy food, this variation is for you. Add 1–2 tablespoons of gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the sauce. This gives the dish a bold and spicy flavor. Alternatively, you can use red chili flakes instead. Start with 1 teaspoon and add more if needed.
Afterward, pour the sauce over the beef and mix well. Let the beef simmer in the sauce for a few minutes so the flavors can soak in. Finally, serve the spicy bulgogi with rice or wraps to balance the heat.
This spicy version is a fun twist on the original recipe. It’s perfect for anyone who loves a little extra kick in their meals.
For an extra layer of smoky depth, consider incorporating Chile Morita, a dried and smoked red jalapeño that brings complex heat to any dish.
Ground Beef Bulgogi with Vegetables
Adding vegetables is a simple way to make this dish even healthier. Use zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach, as they cook quickly and taste great with the beef.
First, chop the vegetables into small pieces. Then, after cooking the beef, stir in the vegetables and let them cook for about 3–5 minutes. This gives the veggies time to absorb the tasty sauce.
Ground beef bulgogi with vegetables is perfect for busy days. It’s healthy, quick, and easy to clean up since it all cooks in one pan. Plus, it’s a great way to add more veggies to your meals without extra work.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Beef Bulgogi Recipe
What Makes Bulgogi Special?
Bulgogi is special because it is sweet, salty, and full of flavor. The sauce, made with soy sauce, garlic, sugar, and sesame oil, is simple but delicious. Also, the beef is cooked quickly, which keeps it soft and juicy. In short, bulgogi is an easy dish to make that tastes amazing every time.
Why Use Pear in Bulgogi?
Pear is often used in bulgogi because it makes the meat soft and juicy. It helps break down the meat so it’s easier to chew. The pear also adds a bit of sweetness, which mixes nicely with the salty sauce. If you want the meat to taste great, adding pear is a good idea.
Can I Use Apple Instead of Pear?
Yes, you can use an apple if you don’t have a pear. Pear is more traditional because it is sweeter and juicier, but apples work too. For the best results, use a sweet apple like Fuji or Honeycrisp. It will give you a similar result even if it tastes a little different.
What Is the Best Cut of Meat for Bulgogi?
The best meat for bulgogi is thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin. These cuts are tender and cook very quickly.
If you are making ground beef bulgogi, choose lean ground beef. It has less fat, which keeps the dish from being greasy and makes it easy to cook.
What to Serve with Bulgogi Beef?
Bulgogi tastes great with rice or noodles. The rice soaks up the sauce, while noodles give the dish a nice chewy texture. You can also serve it with Korean side dishes like kimchi, cucumber salad, or pickled radishes. If you want more, roasted vegetables or a light soup also work well. Together, they make the meal more filling and tasty.
What Makes the Meat Soft in Bulgogi?
The key to soft meat in bulgogi is using pear. Pear helps soften the meat while adding a bit of sweetness to the dish. If you don’t have pear, you can use an apple instead. Even though it’s not the same, it still works well and makes the meat tasty.
What Drinks Go Well with Bulgogi?
Bulgogi goes well with Korean soju, a light and slightly sweet drink. If you like wine, try a fruity red wine like Merlot or Shiraz. Both go well with the beef. If you don’t drink alcohol, sparkling water with lime or pear juice are great options. These drinks add freshness to your meal.For a refreshing cocktail option, try this Lambrusco Spritz Recipe, which pairs beautifully with the sweet and savory notes of bulgogi.
Nutritional Tips About Ground Beef Bulgogi ?
Ground beef bulgogi can be a healthy meal if you make a few changes. Beef is high in protein, which is good for your muscles. Adding vegetables like carrots, spinach, or zucchini gives you more vitamins and helps with digestion.
The sauce can have a lot of salt and sugar. To make it healthier, use soy sauce with less salt. You can also use less sugar or replace it with honey to keep it sweet but healthier.
How unhealthy is beef bulgogi? It depends on how you make it. Use lean ground beef and lots of fresh vegetables to make it better for your body. Serving it with brown rice or cauliflower rice is another way to make it healthier.
In short, ground beef bulgogi is a tasty meal that can be part of a healthy diet. Small changes, like using less sugar and salt, can make it better for you without losing the flavor.
Try This Easy and Flavorful Ground Beef Bulgogi Recipe Today
Ground beef bulgogi is full of sweet and salty flavors. It’s easy to make and tastes great with soft beef, fresh vegetables, and a rich sauce. You can prepare it quickly and enjoy it in different ways.
For example, add chili flakes if you like spicy food. You can also include vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers to mix it up. Serve it with rice, noodles, or wraps for a meal that is simple but satisfying.
Overall, this dish is perfect for busy nights or fun dinners. Why not try it today? Add your favorite ingredients and enjoy a delicious meal that’s quick and easy to make!