Savory Ground Beef Bulgogi – Korean Flavors in Every Bite!

Ground Beef Bulgogi is a quick and versatile take on the traditional Korean classic. This recipe transforms minced beef into a sweet, savory, and umami-packed dish perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. With its caramelized soy-based marinade and nutty sesame garnish, this dish pairs beautifully with rice, fresh vegetables, or even as a topping for noodles, bread, or pizza. Whether you're a fan of bibimbap or looking for a filling for kimbap, this recipe is a must-try!

Bulgogi, meaning “fire meat,” has been a Korean favorite for centuries, originally cooked over open flames. While traditional bulgogi often uses thinly sliced beef, this ground beef version is just as flavorful and even easier to prepare. The soy sauce-based marinade, enhanced with garlic, sesame oil, and rice syrup, infuses every bite with bold, sweet, and savory flavors. Plus, using minced beef makes it affordable and perfect for a variety of dishes—from classic rice bowls to creative fusion options like bulgogi spaghetti or even tacos. Pair it with a sunny-side-up egg and some seaweed for a comforting and well-rounded meal.

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Recipe Details

Serving Size

Serves 4

 

Ingredients

• Main Ingredients:
• 600g (1.3 lbs) minced beef
• 1 onion, finely diced (about 150g / 5 oz)
• 3–5 spring onions, finely chopped
• Marinade:
• 5 tbsp soy sauce
• 3 tbsp rice syrup (or substitute with honey or corn syrup)
• 1½ tbsp minced garlic
• 2 tbsp mirin
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Garnish:
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds
• Serving Suggestions:
• Steamed rice
• Fresh cucumber slices
• Sunny-side-up eggs
• Optional: roasted seaweed (nori)

 

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade:
• In a large bowl, mix soy sauce, rice syrup, minced garlic, mirin, sugar, sesame oil, and black pepper. Whisk until sugar dissolves.
2. Marinate the Beef:
• Add the minced beef to the marinade. Mix thoroughly to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 12 hours for more flavor).
3. Cook the Bulgogi:
• Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until it softens slightly.
• Add the marinated beef to the pan and cook, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned and the liquid has mostly evaporated, about 6–8 minutes.
4. Finish with Spring Onions:
• Once the beef is fully cooked, stir in the chopped spring onions. Cook for an additional 1 minute to release their aroma.
5. Garnish and Serve:
• Sprinkle sesame seeds over the cooked bulgogi. Serve hot with steamed rice, cucumber slices, a sunny-side-up egg, and optional roasted seaweed.

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Tips for the Dish

1. Flavor Enhancement:
• Cooking the onions first ensures they caramelize slightly, adding a deeper flavor to the dish.
2. Timing for Spring Onions:
• Adding spring onions at the end keeps their texture fresh and vibrant, giving the dish a nice crunch and aroma.
3. Optional Veggies:
• Toss in thinly sliced carrots or zucchini with the onions for added vegetables.
4. Ingredient Substitutions:

• Replace beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.

      5.  Meal Prep:

• Double the recipe and freeze half for later. Thaw and reheat in a skillet for a quick meal.

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Wrap-Up

Ground Beef Bulgogi brings the essence of Korean cuisine to your table in a quick and approachable way. Its versatility means you can enjoy it with rice one day and as a pizza topping the next! I’d love to hear how you make this dish your own. Share your creations in the comments below, and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @CookWithJuyea for a chance to be featured!

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Keywords: ground beef bulgogi recipe, Korean minced beef, easy bulgogi recipe, Korean rice bowl 
키워드: 간단한 불고기, 불고기 레시피, 다진소고기 불고기, 한식 레시피, 불고기 덮밥

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