Ground Beef Bulgogi

Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi: A Quick & Flavorful Weeknight Meal in just 20 minutes

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What is Bulgogi?

Bulgogi, a classic Korean dish, translates to « fire meat. » Traditionally, it consists of thinly sliced beef, marinated in a sweet-savory sauce, then grilled to perfection. While ribeye or sirloin is the standard choice, this ground beef version offers a budget-friendly and quick alternative that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

This Ground Beef Bulgogi recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, coming together in just 20 minutes. The rich, umami-packed bulgogi sauce coats the ground beef beautifully, creating a satisfying meal that pairs perfectly with steamed rice and fresh toppings.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Bulgogi Recipe

✅ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish.

✅ Budget-Friendly – Uses affordable ground beef instead of pricier cuts like ribeye.

✅ Packed with Flavor – The sweet-savory bulgogi sauce infuses every bite with depth.

✅ Great for Meal Prep – Stores well and reheats beautifully for quick lunches or dinners.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Beef Bulgogi ingridients
Ground Beef Bulgogi ingridients

For the Bulgogi Sauce:

  • ½ cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh garlic, minced

For the Ground Beef:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • ½ small yellow onion, diced

For the Toppings:

  • 1 tablespoon scallions, diced
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
  • 4 large soft-boiled eggs

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Bulgogi Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. This mixture creates the signature balance of sweetness, umami, and acidity that makes bulgogi so irresistible.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add ground beef and diced onion, breaking up the meat with a spatula.
  3. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5 minutes.
  4. Pour the bulgogi sauce over the meat and stir well.
  5. Let the mixture simmer for 6-10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and fully coats the beef.

Step 3: Prepare the Soft-Boiled Eggs

  1. Bring a pot of water to a gentle boil.
  2. Carefully lower the eggs into the water and boil for exactly 6 minutes.
  3. Transfer the eggs to an ice bath and let them cool for 5 minutes.
  4. Gently peel the eggs, being careful not to break the soft yolk inside.

Step 4: Assemble & Serve

  1. Spoon the cooked bulgogi beef over steamed rice.
  2. Top with diced scallions, sesame seeds, and a soft-boiled egg.
  3. Optional: Drizzle with extra sesame oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added heat.

Pro Tips for the Best Bulgogi

🔥 For extra depth of flavor, marinate the beef in the sauce for 10 minutes before cooking.

🌶️ Love spice? Add gochujang or red pepper flakes to the sauce.

💡 Healthier swap – Use ground turkey or lean beef for a lower-fat option.

🍛 Want more sauce? Double the sauce ingredients for an extra saucy bulgogi experience.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: Allow the cooked beef to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Store for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

A single serving of this ground beef bulgogi (without rice) contains approximately:

  • Calories: ~340
  • Protein: 24g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g

Did you try this recipe? Let us know in the comments below or share it with our recipes community lovers on Facebook! We’d love to see your creations

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