Ground Beef Bulgogi brings a tasty twist to a Korean classic! It’s made with juicy ground beef, sweet soy sauce, garlic, and a hint of sesame oil. Perfect for a quick meal!
My favorite part? It cooks super fast, so I can whip it up after a long day. Serve it over rice, and enjoy the delightful flavors—you’ll be back for seconds! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for a good balance of flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works too, though keep in mind they can be less fatty and may need extra seasoning.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce provides saltiness, but if you’re looking for gluten-free options, tamari works great. You could also try coconut aminos, which is slightly sweeter and milder.
Gochugaru: This adds a unique spice and flavor. If you can’t find it, you can substitute with crushed red pepper flakes, but adjust the quantity as they can be spicier!
Rice Vinegar: This ingredient adds a tangy note. If you don’t have it, try apple cider vinegar or white vinegar, but use less as they can be stronger in flavor.
Vegetables: Feel free to switch up the veggies! Add bell peppers or snap peas for crunch. If you don’t have cucumber, shredded zucchini or radishes can be refreshing alternatives.
How Do You Marinate Ground Beef for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating the beef is essential for developing depth of flavor. Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Mix all marinade ingredients together in a bowl before adding the beef. This ensures each component is well distributed.
- Let the beef marinate for at least 20 minutes; longer is better if you have time, as it allows flavors to penetrate.
- Make sure to coat the beef evenly. Use your hands to mix if necessary, but wash them well afterward.
How to Make Ground Beef Bulgogi
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bulgogi:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes), or to taste
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
For Serving:
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 head of butter lettuce or other leafy greens
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Kimchi for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Ground Beef Bulgogi recipe takes about 20 minutes of marinating time and another 15 minutes for cooking and assembly. In just around 35 minutes, you’ll have a delightful meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Beef:
Start by grabbing a mixing bowl. Add the ground beef, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, gochugaru, and rice vinegar. Use a spoon or your hands to mix everything together until the beef is well coated in the marinade. Once mixed, cover the bowl and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes. This step will really boost the flavors!
2. Cook the Beef:
After the marinating time, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add in the marinated ground beef. Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks. Stir it occasionally and cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Assemble the Bowls:
While your beef is cooking, it’s time to prepare the serving bowls! Start by adding a generous amount of cooked white rice at the bottom of each bowl. Once the beef is ready, spoon the cooked beef over the rice in each bowl. Next, arrange the sliced cucumber and shredded carrots on the side for a colorful and crunchy addition.
4. Final Touches:
For the finishing touches, sprinkle the chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the beef and rice. This adds a lovely flavor and beautiful presentation!
5. Serve:
Enjoy your Ground Beef Bulgogi right away while it’s hot! Serve it with leafy greens like butter lettuce for wrapping up all the tasty ingredients. If you like kimchi, feel free to add some on the side for an extra kick!
Enjoy your homemade Ground Beef Bulgogi! 🍽️
Can I Use Different Meat Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! If you’d like to switch things up, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even pork. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as leaner meats like turkey may cook faster than beef. Ensure all the meat is cooked through before serving.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the beef gently on the stove or in the microwave, and freshen up the side veggies if desired. You can also make a quick stir-fry with leftovers!
What Can I Use Instead of Gochugaru?
If you can’t find gochugaru, you can substitute it with cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes, but start with less since they can be spicier. Alternatively, a mix of sweet paprika and a bit of cayenne can mimic the flavor and color.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian or Vegan?
Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with crumbled tempeh or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Adjust the marinade ingredients to taste, and keep in mind that some flavor elements may be slightly different!
