Korean Beef (Bulgogi-Style Ground Beef)

Korean Beef (Bulgogi-Style Ground Beef) 🥢🥩

This Korean Beef recipe is a quick and flavorful dish inspired by the classic Korean bulgogi. Made with ground beef and a savory-sweet marinade, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Packed with umami from garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil, it’s a versatile recipe that can be served over rice, in lettuce wraps, or as a filling for tacos or sandwiches.

Let’s dive into how to make this delicious Korean-inspired ground beef step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick & Easy : Ready in under 20 minutes with minimal prep.
2. Flavorful : A perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors.
3. Versatile : Serve it over rice, in wraps, or as a topping for various dishes.
4. Customizable : Adjust sweetness or spice to suit your taste.
5. Meal Prep Friendly : Great for making ahead and reheating throughout the week.

Ingredients

(Serves 4)

• 1 pound ground beef
• 3 cloves garlic , minced
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (adjust to taste )
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste, optional for spice )
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional, for extra heat )
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds , plus more for garnish
• Green onions , sliced, for garnish
• Cooked rice , for serving (optional )

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce , brown sugar , sesame oil , rice vinegar , gochujang (if using ), grated ginger , sriracha (if using ), and sesame seeds . Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat . Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula, until browned and cooked through (about 5–7 minutes ). Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute , until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Sauce

1. Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked beef. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes , allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and additional sesame seeds .
2. Serve hot over cooked rice , in lettuce wraps, or as a filling for tacos or sandwiches.

Tips for Success

1. Adjust Sweetness or Spice : Add more brown sugar for sweetness or extra gochujang/sriracha for heat.
2. Use Fresh Ingredients : Fresh garlic and ginger make a noticeable difference in flavor.
3. Add Veggies : Stir in chopped onions, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrition and texture.
4. Storage : Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days . Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
5. Freeze for Later : Freeze portions of the cooked beef in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months . Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Perfect Pairings

This Korean Beef pairs beautifully with:

• Steamed Rice : Serve over jasmine or brown rice for a complete meal.
• Lettuce Wraps : Use large lettuce leaves (like romaine or butter lettuce) for a low-carb option.
• Kimchi : Add a side of spicy kimchi for an authentic Korean touch.
• Egg Fried Rice : Pair with fried rice topped with a fried egg for extra richness.
• Sparkling Beverages : Pair with sparkling water or a cold Korean rice drink (e.g., sikhye) for a refreshing contrast.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)

(Based on 4 servings)

• Calories : ~300 kcal
• Protein : ~25g
• Carbohydrates : ~10g
• Fat : ~18g
• Fiber : ~1g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

This Korean Beef is a quick, flavorful dish that brings the bold, umami-rich flavors of Korean cuisine to your table in no time. Whether you’re serving it over rice, in wraps, or as a creative taco filling, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings. The combination of savory beef, garlic, ginger, and a hint of sweetness creates a dish that’s both comforting and exciting.

The best part? It’s endlessly customizable, so you can tweak the seasonings, add veggies, or pair it with different sides to make it your own. So grab your skillet, toss in that beef, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.