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A bowl of ground beef bulgogi garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, served with steamed rice and lettuce wraps on a rustic wooden table.
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5 from 2 votes

Ground Beef Bulgogi Recipe You’ll Fall In Love With

Discover the easiest ground beef bulgogi recipe! Packed with savory-sweet Korean flavors, it's perfect for quick dinners your family will love.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: main dish
Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
Keyword: Ground beef bulgogi, quick dinner recipe
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 320kcal
Author: emily

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce – For that signature salty and umami flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the saltiness.
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil – A must for authentic Korean taste.
  • 2 cloves garlic minced – Fresh garlic gives the marinade its depth.
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger – Adds a subtle warm spice.
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes optional – For a slight kick of heat.

For the Bulgogi:

  • 1 pound ground beef – The star of the recipe; choose lean for a healthier option or regular for extra flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil – Helps achieve that perfect caramelization.
  • 2 green onions chopped – For garnish and a fresh pop of color.
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds – Adds a nutty crunch and visual appeal.

Optional Additions:

  • Sliced mushrooms or shredded carrots – For extra texture and nutrition.
  • Cooked rice or lettuce leaves – Perfect for serving and soaking up the delicious flavors.

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade

  • In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together:
  • Soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chili flakes (if using).
  • Set aside to let the flavors meld while you prepare the beef.

Cook the Ground Beef

  • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  • Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through (about 5–7 minutes).

Add the Marinade

  • Pour the prepared marinade over the cooked beef.
  • Stir well to coat the beef evenly and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the beef absorbs the flavors.

Garnish and Serve

  • Remove the skillet from heat.
  • Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the beef.
  • Serve hot over steamed rice, in lettuce wraps, or with noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sodium: 900mg