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Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi Recipe for Beginners

Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi Recipe for Beginners
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This Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi Recipe for Beginners is a quick and flavorful Korean-inspired dish that combines savory, sweet, and mildly spicy flavors using simple pantry staples. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, it transforms ground beef into a juicy, comforting meal that can be served with rice, noodles, or wrapped in lettuce for a fresh bite.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • Ground Beef (1 lb): Choose lean or 80/20 for a juicy, flavorful foundation.
  • Soy Sauce (1/4 cup): The salty umami base that layers in Korean flavor.
  • Brown Sugar (2 tbsp): Adds sweetness to balance salty and spicy notes perfectly.
  • Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Gives a pungent, aromatic punch essential for bulgogi.
  • Ginger (1 tsp, minced): Adds subtle warmth and complexity without overpowering.
  • Green Onions (2, chopped): For freshness, color, and a mild onion taste.
  • Sesame Oil (1 tbsp): Imparts a nutty, fragrant richness key to Korean dishes.
  • Red Pepper Flakes (1 tsp, optional): Adds a gentle heat for those who like some spice.
  • Black Pepper (to taste): Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the marinade is well mixed.
  2. Marinate the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the marinade and mix thoroughly until every bit of meat is coated. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes to absorb all those delicious flavors.
  3. Cook the Beef: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated ground beef and cook, stirring frequently, until browned and fully cooked through—about 6 to 8 minutes.
  4. Add Green Onions and Pepper Flakes: Sprinkle in chopped green onions and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir for another minute to let the flavors meld perfectly together.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Your easy ground beef bulgogi is ready to be enjoyed! Serve it over steamed rice, wrapped in lettuce leaves, or alongside your favorite side dishes.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger make a noticeable difference in flavor intensity.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the beef in batches if needed to ensure proper browning and caramelization.
  • Let it Marinate: Allowing the beef to marinate briefly boosts flavor depth dramatically.
  • Adjust Sweetness and Heat: Taste as you go and tweak brown sugar or chili flakes to suit your preference.
  • Serve Hot: Bulgogi is best enjoyed immediately after cooking when juices and aromas are at their peak.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean ground beef recipe, easy bulgogi, Korean barbecue, bulgogi for beginners, quick Korean recipe

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/easy-ground-beef-bulgogi-recipe-for-beginners/