Tasty Bulgogi Ground Beef: Easy Korean-Inspired Meal
Imagine the mouthwatering aroma of grilled Korean BBQ beef in your kitchen. You don’t need to go to a restaurant for those bold, savory-sweet flavors. Ground Beef Bulgogi Bowls are your new favorite weeknight meal. This recipe uses a classic bulgogi marinade on lean ground beef. It’s quick, crowd-pleasing, and great for busy schedules.
I love exploring global cuisines, especially Korean barbecue. But, not everyone can visit a KBBQ spot every time they crave it. This Ground Beef Bulgogi recipe lets you enjoy Korean beef flavors at home. In just 20 minutes, you can have a delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights or weekend prep.
Table of Contents
What is Bulgogi?
Bulgogi is a beloved Korean dish. It means “fire meat” in Korean. This refers to thin beef strips seared quickly over high heat.
Traditionally, bulgogi uses ribeye or sirloin steak. But this recipe uses ground beef. It’s quicker and more affordable, yet still tastes amazing.
Bulgogi Pronunciation and Meaning
The “B” in “bulgogi” sounds more like “puh” than “bull”. This is how you should say it. It’s a key part of the dish’s culture and identity.
Traditional Bulgogi vs. Ground Beef Bulgogi
- Traditional bulgogi uses thinly sliced steak, marinated in a sweet soy sauce mix.
- This recipe uses ground beef. It’s quicker and cheaper, but still tastes great.
Both versions are delicious. The ground beef makes this dish perfect for a weeknight meal. It keeps the spirit of traditional bulgogi alive.
Ground Beef Bulgogi Bowl Ingredients
This Ground Beef Bulgogi recipe has a simple ingredient list. You’ll need lean ground beef, yellow onion, green onions, garlic, and soy sauce. Brown sugar, sesame oil, and rice vinegar are also key. For more flavor, add fresh ginger, MSG, and black pepper.
Essential Ingredients
- 2 pounds of extra lean ground beef (93% lean)
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 3-4 scallion greens, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
Optional Ingredients and Substitutions
For extra taste and texture, try these optional ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons of freshly grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of MSG (optional, for enhanced umami)
Want gluten-free or dietary changes? Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. You can also swap the beef with ground pork or turkey.
Adding toasted sesame seeds, gochugaru, or other Korean ingredients can make the dish even more authentic.
bulgogi ground beef
If you love Korean food, you’ll enjoy this bulgogi ground beef recipe. It’s a twist on the classic bulgogi with ground beef instead of sliced beef. This makes it cheaper and quicker to make, so you can taste Korean barbecue in minutes.
The marinade is what makes this dish special. It’s a mix of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and spices. This blend gives the ground beef a delicious bulgogi flavor.
This korean beef ground beef recipe is very flexible. You can add your favorite veggies or serve it over rice. It’s quick to prepare, with only 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes to cook. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight.
Want to try Korean flavors at home? Try this korean barbecue ground beef recipe. It’s a tasty and simple way to enjoy bulgogi without the hassle of slicing beef. Get ready to enjoy the sweet, savory, and satisfying taste of this Korean dish!
Swaps and Modifications
This gluten free bulgogi, dairy free bulgogi, whole30 bulgogi, and paleo bulgogi recipe is super flexible. You can change the ingredients to fit your diet or taste. This makes it a great dish for everyone.
Gluten-Free and Dietary Substitutions
To make it gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. You can also choose ground pork or turkey for a dairy free bulgogi or whole30 bulgogi. For a paleo bulgogi twist, try mirin instead of rice vinegar for a sweeter sauce.
Want more veggies? Add diced bell peppers or sliced mushrooms to the beef. You can make it your own in many ways.
“The standard ingredient of fluffy white rice is hard to beat as the ideal base for soaking up the flavorful bulgogi sauce.”
Enjoying bulgogi can be quick and easy for home cooks. So, try different ingredients to make your ideal gluten free bulgogi, dairy free bulgogi, whole30 bulgogi, or paleo bulgogi bowl.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Ground Beef Bulgogi Bowls
Making ground beef bulgogi bowls is simple and quick. This Korean dish is ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights. Start with a tasty sauce, then cook the aromatics, brown the ground beef, and simmer until the sauce thickens.
- In a small bowl, whisk together coconut aminos, rice vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and toasted sesame oil to create the bulgogi-inspired sauce.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and sauté diced onions and minced garlic until softened and fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through.
- Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.
- Serve the ground beef bulgogi over freshly cooked white rice, garnished with green onions, sesame seeds, and your choice of additional toppings like julienned carrots or sliced cucumber.
With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy the bold flavors of Korean-inspired bulgogi in a quick and easy ground beef-based meal. Pair it with your favorite sides for a well-rounded and satisfying dinner.
Serving Suggestions for Ground Beef Bulgogi Bowls
These Ground Beef Bulgogi Bowls are a blank slate for tasty sides and toppings. They’re great on their own with white rice. But, you can make them even better with extra green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and a fried egg.
Korean-Inspired Side Dish Ideas
- Spicy cucumber salad
- Quick-pickled vegetables
- Kimchi
Adding a mixed greens salad or massaged kale salad can bring new flavors and textures. There are countless ways to what to serve with bulgogi or korean side dishes for bulgogi.
Feel free to be creative with your bulgogi ground beef sides. The bulgogi’s savory and slightly sweet taste goes well with many flavors and textures. Try different things to find your favorite.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
The ground beef bulgogi recipe is great for meal prep. It’s perfect for busy weeknights. You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge or freezer.
Leftovers and Reheating
Cooked ground beef bulgogi keeps well in the fridge for 4-5 days. Just warm it up in a skillet over medium-low heat. Reheat the rice separately to keep it fluffy.
For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot.
Portion out the beef, rice, and toppings like cucumber pear salsa or steamed veggies. This makes for easy lunches or dinners all week.
“Meal prepping the ground beef bulgogi makes it a breeze to enjoy this delicious Korean-inspired dish any night of the week.”
Using this recipe for meal prep saves time. It ensures you have a tasty, healthy meal ready quickly.
Ground Beef Bulgogi Recipe
Craving a delicious Korean-inspired meal? This easy Ground Beef Bulgogi recipe is perfect! It uses lean ground beef with a tasty bulgogi-style marinade. This quick, one-pan dish is great for a weeknight dinner. Serve it over steamed white rice for a satisfying Korean beef bowl that everyone will love.
This recipe takes just over an hour to prepare, with 30 minutes of hands-on time. It makes 4 servings, with each serving having 687 calories. For less sodium, use low-sodium soy sauce or a substitute. Fresh minced ginger is best for flavor, and you can adjust the gochujang to your spice preference.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground Beef (85/15 blend) | 1 lb |
| Soy Sauce | 1/4 cup |
| Brown Sugar | 2 tbsp |
| Sesame Oil | 1 tbsp |
| Rice Vinegar | 1 tbsp |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Ginger, minced | 1 tbsp |
| Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste) | 1-2 tbsp |
| Steamed White Rice | 4 cups |
To make this recipe, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger in a large bowl. Add the ground beef and mix well. Let it sit for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, until it’s no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in the gochujang and cook for 2-3 minutes more until the beef is cooked through and the sauce thickens slightly.
Serve the ground beef bulgogi over steamed white rice. Add your favorite toppings like sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or a pear and cucumber salsa. Enjoy this easy, flavorful Korean-inspired meal!
Korean Beef Bowl Variations
The classic ground beef bulgogi recipe is tasty, but you can also use ground turkey, chicken, or pork. These options let you try different flavors in your Korean beef bowls.
Protein Swaps
Ground turkey, chicken, or pork are great substitutes for beef. The cooking method and sauce stay the same. This lets you choose your favorite protein or what you have.
Trying different proteins adds variety to this easy meal. Whether you like the bold taste of beef or want something lighter, this dish is flexible. It lets you match your meal to your taste.
| Protein Option | Cooking Time | Nutritional Info (per serving) |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Beef (93% lean) | 15 minutes | Calories: 394, Carbs: 47g, Protein: 30g, Fat: 9g |
| Ground Turkey | 15 minutes | Calories: 326, Carbs: 47g, Protein: 30g, Fat: 5g |
| Ground Chicken | 15 minutes | Calories: 310, Carbs: 47g, Protein: 33g, Fat: 4g |
| Ground Pork | 15 minutes | Calories: 385, Carbs: 47g, Protein: 27g, Fat: 13g |
Choosing any protein, the bold bulgogi sauce will make your dish delicious. Try different proteins and find your new favorite Korean-inspired bowl!
Make it Gluten-Free
Making this ground beef bulgogi recipe gluten-free is easy. Just replace the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. This change keeps the dish’s savory taste while making it safe for gluten-free diets.
The other ingredients in this gluten-free bulgogi recipe don’t have gluten. So, no other changes are needed. This makes it simple to make a tasty gluten-free Korean beef bowl for everyone to love.
| Ingredient | Gluten-Free Version |
|---|---|
| Soy sauce | Tamari or Coconut Aminos |
With this easy swap, you can enjoy the rich flavors of bulgogi without gluten. This gluten-free bulgogi recipe is great for those with dietary needs or anyone wanting to try Korean food.
Bulgogi Bowl Bases
Choosing the right base for a bulgogi ground beef rice bowl is key. While white rice is classic, there are many other delicious options.
Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and a chewier texture. For a low-carb choice, cauliflower rice is great. It lets the bulgogi beef flavors stand out.
If you love noodles, try bulgogi bowls with soba, rice, or udon noodles. The noodles’ chewiness contrasts nicely with the tender bulgogi.
Whatever base you pick, it should soak up the bulgogi ground beef‘s rich flavors. With so many choices, your bulgogi beef bowl can be anything you want.
| Bulgogi Bowl Base | Calories (per serving) | Carbohydrates (per serving) | Protein (per serving) | Fat (per serving) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White Rice | 194 | 43g | 4.3g | 0.4g |
| Brown Rice | 216 | 44g | 5g | 1.8g |
| Cauliflower Rice | 25 | 5g | 2g | 0.3g |
| Soba Noodles | 113 | 22g | 4.5g | 1.5g |
| Rice Noodles | 192 | 40g | 3.8g | 0.4g |
| Udon Noodles | 272 | 53g | 8.2g | 1.1g |
The base is just the beginning. The real highlight is the bulgogi ground beef on top. So, don’t be afraid to try different bases and find your favorite.
What to Serve with Korean Beef Bowls
Make your Ground Beef Bulgogi Bowls even better with tasty side dishes. These dishes match the bold flavors of the Korean-inspired main dish. You’ll get a meal that’s full and satisfying.
A great choice is a spicy Korean cucumber salad. It’s cool and crunchy, with a kick from gochujang and sweetness from rice vinegar. Add julienned carrots or thinly sliced onions for extra texture.
- Quick-pickled radishes, carrots, or cabbage
- Fragrant, spicy-sweet kimchi
- A simple green salad with an Asian-inspired dressing
- Crispy, golden-brown tofu cubes
These sides offer a nice mix of flavors and textures. They also make your Korean beef bowls look great. The savory beef, fluffy rice, and colorful sides make for a delicious meal.
Don’t be afraid to try out these side dish ideas. They’ll enhance your Ground Beef Bulgogi Bowls. With a bit of creativity, your Korean beef bowl will look and taste amazing.
Useful Tools for This Recipe
Preparing this tasty Ground Beef Bulgogi doesn’t require special korean cooking tools. But, having some key kitchen items can make cooking easier and faster. Let’s look at some essential korean cooking equipment that can improve your bulgogi cooking.
- A large skillet or wok is key for quick sautéing and browning the ground beef.
- Precise measuring cups and measuring spoons ensure the sauce ingredients are right, for a balanced flavor.
- Glass meal prep containers are great for storing leftovers or packing lunch.
With these basic kitchen tools for bulgogi, making this easy Korean dish is a snap. Get your korean cooking tools ready and explore the tasty world of Ground Beef Bulgogi!
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large Skillet or Wok | Sautéing aromatics and browning the ground beef |
| Measuring Cups and Spoons | Accurately measuring sauce ingredients |
| Glass Meal Prep Containers | Storing leftovers and packing individual portions |
Conclusion
This easy Korean ground beef recipe is a great way to enjoy quick bulgogi flavors. It’s simple and family-friendly. The marinade makes the ground beef taste sweet, savory, and umami.
Served with fluffy white rice and tasty sides, it’s a satisfying meal. This Korean-inspired dish is sure to please everyone.
Looking for a quick and delicious dinner? This Ground Beef Bulgogi is perfect. It’s easy to make and packed with authentic Korean flavors. Try it and enjoy the mix of textures and rich taste.
This Ground Beef Bulgogi is a must-try for your meals. It’s easy to make and loved by all. It’s a great way to add Korean flair to your weeknights.