Ground Beef Bulgogi is a tasty and quick dish that’s all about great flavors! With savory beef marinated in a mix of soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of sweetness, it’s perfect over rice or noodles.
Who knew ground beef could be so exciting? It cooks up fast and makes dinner feel special without a ton of work! I love serving it with some crunchy veggies on the side for extra yumminess.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I suggest using 80% lean for a good balance of flavor and lean meat. If you want a healthier option, try ground turkey or chicken, which work well too.
Soy Sauce: This is key for that umami flavor. Low-sodium soy sauce is a great alternative if you’re watching your salt intake.
Gochujang: This Korean chili paste adds a unique heat and depth. If you can’t find it, a mix of miso paste and a little chili powder can mimic the flavor, though it won’t be quite the same.
Sesame Oil: This oil is crucial for its nutty flavor. If you’re out, you can use any neutral oil, but the taste will be different.
Vegetables (Cucumber & Carrot): You can swap in other crunchy veggies like bell peppers or radishes. They add nice texture, just be sure to slice them thin!
How Do You Ensure Your Ground Beef is Flavorful and Well-Cooked?
Cooking ground beef right is important for flavor and texture. Here’s how to get it perfect:
- Always let the beef marinate properly. A minimum of 30 minutes is good, but overnight gives even better flavor.
- When cooking, use a spatula to break it apart to ensure even browning. Don’t rush the cooking; let it brown nicely for about 7-10 minutes.
- Stir occasionally, but not too much, to allow it to develop a nice crust.
Adding chopped green onions at the end will give a fresh finish to your dish. Enjoy your meal!
How to Make Ground Beef Bulgogi Bowl?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Marinade:
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80% lean)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 green onion, chopped (plus more for garnish)
For Serving:
- Cooked jasmine rice
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, grated
- Lettuce leaves
- Sesame seeds
- Kimchi (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 7-10 minutes to cook. It’s best to marinate the beef for at least 30 minutes, although letting it sit overnight in the fridge will really enhance the flavors. Overall, you can expect to spend about 40 minutes or more depending on marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, black pepper, and gochujang. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and the sugar has dissolved. This delicious marinade will give your beef lots of flavor!
2. Marinate the Beef:
Add the ground beef to the bowl with the marinade. Mix the beef with the marinade using your hands or a spoon, ensuring the beef is well-coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes—if you have time, cover the bowl and pop it in the refrigerator overnight for the best results.
3. Cook the Beef:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula or spoon to break the beef apart as it cooks. Keep stirring occasionally, cooking until the beef is nicely browned and fully cooked, which should take about 7-10 minutes.
4. Assemble Your Bowls:
Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the heat and stir in the chopped green onions. To make the bowls, take a serving of cooked jasmine rice and place it at the bottom of each bowl. Top it with a generous amount of the ground beef bulgogi, then add shredded carrots, cucumber slices, and some lettuce leaves.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle sesame seeds and extra chopped green onions on top for a finishing touch. Serve the bulgogi bowls with kimchi on the side, if you like. Enjoy every tasty bite!
Can I Substitute the Ground Beef with Another Protein?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, ground chicken, or even tofu for a plant-based option. If using turkey or chicken, just note that the cooking time may be slightly less, as they tend to cook faster than beef. For tofu, crumble it before marinating and increase the cooking time slightly to ensure it gets a nice browning.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level of This Dish?
If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of gochujang or omit it entirely. You can also add a bit of honey or additional brown sugar to balance flavors. For more spice, consider adding extra gochujang or some sliced fresh chili peppers when cooking.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can add a splash of water or broth to keep the beef moist during reheating.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version by substituting ground beef with textured vegetable protein (TVP) or finely chopped mushrooms. Adjust the marinade to your taste, and ensure to cook the mixture until it’s heated through and well combined with the flavors.
