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Easy Bulgogi Ground Beef Recipe

Easy Bulgogi Ground Beef Recipe

A quick and simple Easy Bulgogi Ground Beef Recipe that transforms ground beef into a flavorful Korean-inspired dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, it combines savory, sweet, and umami flavors using simple pantry ingredients and requires under 30 minutes of preparation and cooking time.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 3 green onions, chopped
  • Optional: 1/4 cup grated Asian pear or apple

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper. Mix until the sugar dissolves, creating a smooth and fragrant sauce.
  2. Marinate the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the marinade, tossing gently to coat evenly. Stir in grated Asian pear or apple if using. Let rest for 10-15 minutes if time allows to tenderize and enhance flavor.
  3. Cook the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated ground beef (in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding). Stir frequently to break up the meat. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.
  4. Finish with Green Onions: Turn off heat and stir in chopped green onions. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more soy sauce or sugar if desired. Serve immediately or store for later use.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic and ginger for best flavor.
  • Even a short marinating period improves tenderness and flavor.
  • Cook over medium-high heat to get slight caramelization without drying the beef.
  • Stir frequently to achieve authentic bulgogi texture by breaking the meat into small pieces.
  • Adjust the amount of sugar to balance sweetness and savoriness to your liking.

Nutrition

Keywords: bulgogi, ground beef, Korean recipe, quick dinner, meal prep, easy weeknight meal