This Ground Beef Bulgogi Recipe is fast, tasty and very comforting. It brings Korean flavor using simple pantry items.
I love this dish because it cooks quickly on busy days. The beef turns sweet, salty and rich in minutes. Many people search for how to make Ground Beef Bulgogi at home.
This version is easy for beginners. The ingredients for Ground Beef Bulgogi are affordable and easy to find anywhere.
My Experience With This Recipe
I first made this recipe on a rushed weekday evening. I wanted something quick but full of flavor. Ground beef was already in my fridge. The sauce came together very fast.
While cooking, the smell filled my kitchen. My family gathered quickly. Everyone enjoyed it with rice. Now, I make it weekly. It always feels comforting and reliable.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Ground Beef Bulgogi
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Korean
- Calories: 380 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large skillet or pan
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients You Need for Ground Beef Bulgogi
- 1 pound ground beef
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
1. Prepare the sauce
In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger and black pepper until well combined.
2. Heat the pan
Place a skillet on medium heat. Add cooking oil. Let it warm for one minute.
3. Cook the onion
Add chopped onion to the pan. Stir and cook until soft and lightly golden.
4. Add the beef
Add ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart using a wooden spoon while cooking evenly.
5. Drain excess fat
Remove extra grease if needed. This keeps the dish light and balanced.
6. Add the sauce
Pour prepared sauce over the beef. Stir well to coat all meat evenly.
7. Simmer gently
Lower heat slightly. Let beef simmer until sauce thickens and absorbs fully.
8. Finish with toppings
Add green onions and sesame seeds. Stir gently. Turn off heat.
Recipe Tips
- Use lean ground beef for less grease.
- Taste sauce before cooking. Adjust sweetness if needed.
- Fresh garlic gives better flavor.
- Do not overcook beef. It stays juicier.
- Serve immediately for best taste.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Protein | 26 g |
| Carbohydrates | 14 g |
| Fat | 24 g |
| Sugar | 9 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot over steamed white rice. Brown rice also works well. You can serve it in lettuce cups for a lighter meal. It tastes great with a fried egg on top. Add kimchi on the side for extra flavor. This meal fits lunch or dinner easily.
Best Sides To Serve With
Steamed rice, kimchi, cucumber salad, pickled radish, stir-fried vegetables or simple noodles pair very well.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to four days. For reheating, warm in a pan over low heat. Add a small splash of water if dry. Microwave also works well. Stir halfway for even heating.
Ground Beef Bulgogi Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 green onions sliced
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
Prepare the sauce
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger and black pepper until well combined.
Heat the pan
- Place a skillet on medium heat. Add cooking oil. Let it warm for one minute.
Cook the onion
- Add chopped onion to the pan. Stir and cook until soft and lightly golden.
Add the beef
- Add ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart using a wooden spoon while cooking evenly.
Drain excess fat
- Remove extra grease if needed. This keeps the dish light and balanced.
Add the sauce
- Pour prepared sauce over the beef. Stir well to coat all meat evenly.
Simmer gently
- Lower heat slightly. Let beef simmer until sauce thickens and absorbs fully.
Finish with toppings
- Add green onions and sesame seeds. Stir gently. Turn off heat.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef for less grease.
- Taste sauce before cooking. Adjust sweetness if needed.
- Fresh garlic gives better flavor.
- Do not overcook beef. It stays juicier.
- Serve immediately for best taste.
FAQs about Ground Beef Bulgogi
Can I use another meat instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground chicken or turkey works well. Cooking time may change slightly, but flavor stays delicious.
Is this recipe very spicy?
No, this recipe is mild. You can add chili flakes if you like heat.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook it earlier. Store it well. Reheat gently before serving.
What makes bulgogi taste special?
The mix of soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and sesame oil gives bulgogi its sweet savory flavor.
Conclusion
This Ground Beef Bulgogi Recipe is simple, quick and full of comfort. It is perfect for busy days.
You now know how to make Ground Beef Bulgogi easily at home. The ingredients for Ground Beef Bulgogi are basic and budget friendly.
Try it once, and it may become a weekly favorite. Enjoy this warm and flavorful meal with people you love.
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.
