Name: Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 small yellow onion, finely diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 0.25 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional); 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper; 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish); 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish); 2 cups cooked white rice (for serving); 2 soft-boiled eggs, halved (optional)

If you’re searching for a dinner recipe that’s bold in flavor yet simple to make, look no further than Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi. This dish brings together the rich, savory elements of Korean cuisine and turns them into a quick weeknight meal that anyone can whip up in just 25 minutes. Imagine succulent ground beef sautéed to perfection, enveloped in a sweet-savory sauce that makes your taste buds dance with excitement. With minimal prep and a handful of ingredients, this dish satisfies your cravings for delicious Korean food right at home.

Not only is Ground Beef Bulgogi a powerhouse of flavor, but it’s also highly versatile. Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice, top it with jammy soft-boiled eggs, and finish with a sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds, and you’ve got a fulfilling meal that looks as good as it tastes. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or in need of a satisfying dinner for the family, this easy bulgogi recipe fits every occasion. Plus, it’s an incredibly economical choice, making it friendly to your wallet without compromising on quality or taste.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi

Quick and Simple: Perfect for busy weeknights when time is of the essence.
Delicious Flavor Profile: Combines sweet and savory notes for a satisfying bowl.
Versatile: Easily adjustable ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Great for Meal Prep: Ideal for leftovers and lunches throughout the week.
Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients without skimping on taste.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the cooking process, it’s essential to set up your kitchen to ensure a smooth and efficient experience. Start by gathering all the ingredients listed and prepping them accordingly. Finely dice the yellow onion, mince the garlic, and grate the fresh ginger to maximize flavor infusion in your meal. You’ll want to have your cooking space organized with the necessary tools: a large skillet or frying pan to cook the beef and a mixing bowl for whisking the bulgogi sauce.

It’s also helpful to have measuring spoons handy for accurately portioning out the soy sauce, brown sugar, and other ingredients. A spatula is crucial for breaking up the ground beef evenly while cooking. If you choose to add soft-boiled eggs as a topping, prepare a small pot of boiling water for this step as well.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon sesame oil
0.25 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional)
0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
2 cups cooked white rice (for serving)
2 soft-boiled eggs, halved (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bulgogi Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, and any optional ingredients like rice vinegar and red pepper flakes. Whisk these ingredients together until well blended. This aromatic sauce serves as the foundation for your bulgogi, providing that signature Korean flavor that’s both sweet and savory.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced yellow onions to the skillet and sauté them until they become translucent, which should take about 2–3 minutes. The onions will release their natural sweetness and create a flavorful aroma that sets the stage for the ground beef.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef

Next, introduce the ground beef to the skillet. Using a spatula, break it up into smaller chunks as it cooks. Continue cooking for about 6–8 minutes or until the beef is fully browned. If there is excess fat, you may want to drain it to keep the dish from becoming greasy.

Step 4: Combine with Sauce

Once the beef is browned, pour the prepared bulgogi sauce over the meat. Stir well to evenly coat the beef with the sauce, then allow it to simmer for an additional 4–5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together, and the sauce should slightly thicken, creating a delicious glaze over the beef.

Step 5: Final Adjustments

Before serving, taste your dish and adjust the seasoning as needed. Depending on your preference, you might find it beneficial to add a bit more sugar for sweetness or soy sauce for saltiness to suit your palate.

Step 6: Cook Rice and Prepare Eggs

While the bulgogi is simmering, take the time to prepare your rice according to package instructions. If you decide to incorporate soft-boiled eggs, prepare them during this time as well, cooking them until the whites are set and the yolks remain slightly runny.

Step 7: Assemble Your Bowls

To serve, scoop a generous amount of rice into each bowl, followed by the bulgogi beef. If you prepared soft-boiled eggs, slice them in half and place them atop the beef. Finish it off with garnishes of sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for added taste and texture.

Variations

Protein: Substitute ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or tofu for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Vegetables: Enhance your bulgogi with sautéed bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for added crunch and flavor.
Spices: Experiment with different spices like sesame oil or cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

Cooking Notes

Storing leftovers in an airtight container will keep the bulgogi fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
This meal is also freezer-friendly; portion it out and freeze for quick meals later.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the bulgogi over steamed rice, quinoa, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative.
Add sides like kimchi or pickled vegetables for an authentic Korean experience.

Tips

For added depth, marinate the ground beef in the bulgogi sauce for up to 30 minutes before cooking.
Try garnishing with fresh cilantro or sesame sprouts for a flavorful twist.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
Protein: 22 g
Sodium: 800 mg

FAQs

What is bulgogi?

Bulgogi is a traditional Korean dish made from marinated beef that is grilled or stir-fried. It’s known for its sweet and savory flavors.

Can I use other meats?

Yes! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based proteins to cater to dietary needs.

How do I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for later use.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Absolutely! You can add more red pepper flakes or even spicy sauces like Sriracha to enhance the heat level to your liking.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi is a delightful dish that combines speed, flavor, and convenience, perfect for your next dinner. This recipe caters to various tastes and offers flexibility, allowing you to customize it based on your preferences or dietary requirements. We encourage you to try this recipe, share your experiences, and explore different variations. Your feedback could inspire others to discover this easy and delicious Korean-inspired meal that is sure to please everyone at your table. Prepare your ingredients, set your kitchen, and let the cooking begin!