Ground beef bulgogi is a tasty twist on the classic Korean dish. It’s made with tender, marinated ground beef cooked quickly with a mix of sweet and spicy flavors that makes your mouth water!
What I love is how easy this dish is to whip up on busy nights. Just throw everything in a pan and cook! Serve it over rice, and you’ve got a meal that everyone will enjoy. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Ground beef is the star of this dish, but you can use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative. I’ve found that grass-fed beef offers a richer flavor, so it’s worth trying if you can.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce adds depth, but if you’re avoiding gluten, opt for tamari. You can also use coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative; it’s slightly sweeter, so adjust sugar accordingly.
Gochujang: This Korean chili paste provides a kick! If you can’t find it, mix red pepper flakes with a bit of miso paste for a homemade version. Just remember to adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance!
Vegetable Oil: While vegetable oil is great for cooking, I often use sesame oil for stir-frying to enhance nutty flavors. Just be careful not to use too much as it has a strong taste.
Rice: White rice is classic, but brown rice offers more fiber and a nutty flavor. Quinoa could work too for a fun twist and added protein!
How Do I Cook the Ground Beef Perfectly?
Cooking the ground beef just right is crucial to avoid dryness. First, make sure your skillet is hot before adding the beef. This helps create a nice sear. Here’s how:
- Heat the oil in the skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated beef in a single layer. Let it sit undisturbed for a couple of minutes to form a crust.
- Once browned, break it up with a spatula and continue to cook until no longer pink.
This should take about 5-7 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally but not too often; the more you move it, the less texture you get!
How to Make Ground Beef Bulgogi Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bulgogi:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
For the Bowl:
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1-2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Lettuce leaves (for serving)
- Kimchi (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 25 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 15 minutes preparing and marinating the ingredients, and another 10 minutes cooking the beef and assembling the bowls. It’s quick and delicious, perfect for a weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Beef:
Start by mixing together the soy sauce, gochujang, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and minced ginger in a bowl. Once combined, add the ground beef and mix everything well. Let the beef marinate for at least 15 minutes to soak up all that yummy flavor.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated ground beef mixture to the skillet. Use a spatula to break up the meat as it cooks. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the beef is browned and cooked through. Make sure to keep stirring to prevent any clumping!
3. Prepare the Rice and Assemble the Bowls:
If you haven’t cooked the rice yet, now is a good time to follow the package instructions to get it ready. Once the beef and rice are done, grab your serving bowls. Place a nice scoop of rice at the bottom of each bowl, then top it with a generous helping of the cooked ground beef.
4. Add Fresh Veggies:
Now, it’s time to make your bowl colorful! Arrange the sliced cucumber, shredded carrots, and chopped green onions around the cooked beef in each bowl. This not only makes it look pretty, but adds great crunch and flavor too!
5. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle sesame seeds on top of each bowl for a delightful finishing touch. Serve with fresh lettuce leaves and kimchi on the side, if you like. The lettuce is perfect for wrapping up the beef and veggies for a tasty bite!
6. Enjoy!
Now dig in and enjoy your delicious Ground Beef Bulgogi Bowl! Wrapping the ingredients in the lettuce leaves makes it even more fun to eat!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even pork. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so ensure that the meat is fully cooked to the proper temperature before serving.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if it seems dry.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Of course! To increase the heat, simply add more gochujang or incorporate some sliced fresh chilies when cooking the beef. You can also serve extra chili flakes or hot sauce on the side for those who like it fiery!
What Can I Use Instead of Gochujang?
If you don’t have gochujang, you can mix together miso paste with a bit of chili powder or Sriracha. Keep in mind that it may alter the flavor slightly, but it can still provide a nice kick to the dish!
