There’s nothing like a warm, homemade meal after a long day. Growing up, dinner was a time to bond with family. We’d share stories and laugh over delicious food. Now, quick meals like ground beef bulgogi are essential in our busy lives. This recipe makes Korean flavors easy to enjoy on any weeknight.
Imagine it’s a Wednesday evening, and you’re tired but need to cook. In just 20 minutes, you can make a tasty dish for four. For simplicity, we’ve used ground beef instead of beef tenderloin, keeping the flavors rich and loved.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- This ground beef bulgogi recipe serves up to 4 people.
- Total cooking time is approximately 20 minutes.
- This easy bulgogi recipe is perfect for quick dinner ideas.
- The bulgogi sauce is a blend of soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and brown sugar.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, noodles, or lettuce cups.
Let’s explore the world of ground beef bulgogi together. It’s a mix of convenience and tradition, perfect for busy nights. Whether it’s for family or friends, this recipe brings joy and people together. Let’s start cooking!
Introduction to Ground Beef Bulgogi
Ground beef bulgogi is a tasty twist on the classic Korean dish. It uses ground beef instead of strips, making it quicker to cook. The marinade is a mix of soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar, keeping the flavors true to bulgogi.
This recipe is great for busy weeknights. It only takes 5 minutes to prepare and 17 minutes to cook. You can enjoy a delicious Korean meal in under half an hour.
The dish serves four and is full of flavor and nutrients. Each serving has 762.5 calories, 30.8 grams of protein, and 103.2 grams of carbohydrates. Using ground beef makes the dish easier to prepare and ensures the sauce coats the meat evenly.
Ground beef bulgogi is perfect for those new to Korean cooking or looking for a quick recipe. It offers a sweet, salty, and umami taste that’s loved by many.
The sauce is a mix of soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. When mixed with ground beef, it creates a juicy, flavorful dish that’s simple to make.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 762.5 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 103.2 g |
| Protein | 30.8 g |
| Fat | 23.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8.9 g |
| Cholesterol | 80.5 mg |
| Sodium | 2419.9 mg |
| Potassium | 504 mg |
| Fiber | 4.2 g |
| Sugar | 6.2 g |
| Vitamin A | 62.3 IU |
| Vitamin C | 2.9 mg |
| Calcium | 50.8 mg |
| Iron | 8.1 mg |
Ingredients Needed for Ground Beef Bulgogi
To make a tasty ground beef bulgogi marinade, you need the right ingredients. Let’s explore what you’ll need to make this dish.
Main Ingredients
Here are the main ingredients for your ground beef bulgogi:
- Ground Beef: 2 lbs. of 85% lean ground beef for flavor and texture.
- Yellow Onion: 1/2 small yellow onion for a deep, aromatic flavor.
Bulgogi Sauce Ingredients
The bulgogi sauce is key for its Korean taste. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:
- Soy Sauce: 1/2 cup (about 127.5 ml) for a savory base.
- Rice Wine Vinegar: 1 tablespoon for a tangy touch.
- Brown Sugar: 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons for sweetness.
- Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon for a nutty aroma.
- Fresh Ginger: 1 teaspoon, finely minced, for warmth and depth.
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced, for a bold flavor.
These ingredients will help you make a delicious ground beef bulgogi marinade. It’s perfect for a quick and tasty dinner.
With the right mix of main and bulgogi sauce ingredients, you’re ready to make a tasty ground beef bulgogi.
How to Prepare the Bulgogi Sauce
Making a tasty bulgogi sauce is key to a great homemade bulgogi. It’s about mixing simple ingredients to make a sauce that highlights your ground beef bulgogi.
Mixing the Ingredients
In a bowl, mix:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp minced ginger
- 2 minced garlic cloves
Stir until the brown sugar dissolves and the mix is smooth. This blend adds depth and richness to your sauce.
Setting the Sauce Aside
After making your sauce, let it sit for at least 10 minutes. This step lets the flavors blend, making the taste more intense. While the sauce rests, you can get ready the beef. This way, your homemade bulgogi will have a rich and authentic flavor.
Cooking the Ground Beef
To make the best bulgogi, start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of avocado oil, which is great for high-heat cooking. Once hot, add 1 pound of 85% lean ground beef to the skillet.
Browning the Beef and Onions
Add one medium chopped onion to the skillet with the beef. Stir both until they are well-browned. This step is key for a rich, flavorful dish.
Browning the onions and beef separately helps create a deep flavor. It takes about 3-4 minutes to do this. This step is crucial for a savory, caramelized taste.
Adding the Sauce
After browning, add the bulgogi sauce to the skillet. Pour it over the beef and onions, making sure they’re coated. Lower the heat to medium and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
This lets the beef soak up the sauce’s flavors. Stir occasionally to cook evenly. By following these steps, you’ll learn how to cook ground beef for bulgogi perfectly.
Serving Suggestions for Ground Beef Bulgogi
Ground beef bulgogi is a versatile and satisfying meal. It can be adapted to fit your taste and dietary needs. Whether you like a traditional bulgogi bowl or want to try something new, this dish is perfect for any meal.
Over Rice
Serving ground beef over steamed rice is a popular choice. This classic combo is both hearty and flavorful. You can use white basmati, jasmine, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Top the bowl with shredded cabbage, cucumbers, red peppers, and carrots. These add texture and nutrition. A fried egg on top boosts protein and adds richness.
With Noodles or in Lettuce Cups
For a lighter meal, try serving it in lettuce cups. This is crisp and great for a low-carb option. Butter lettuce or romaine leaves work well.
Or, pair it with noodles for a different twist. Soba, udon, or zucchini noodles complement the bulgogi sauce nicely.
Whichever way you serve it, these ideas make for a balanced and tasty meal. It’s quick to prepare, taking about 25 minutes.
Alternative Ways to Enjoy Ground Beef Bulgogi
Ground beef bulgogi isn’t just for rice or noodles. Try new ways to enjoy it for a fresh twist on familiar dishes.
Ground beef bulgogi works great in tacos or quesadillas. It mixes well with Mexican flavors, creating a tasty fusion. It’s also a great topping for nachos, adding an Asian flair.
Use it in stir-fries for another idea. Mix it with bell peppers, onions, and broccoli. This makes a balanced, filling meal that’s quick and tasty.
- Bulgogi Stuffed Peppers: Fill bell peppers with seasoned ground beef bulgogi and bake. It’s a flavorful, healthy dish.
- Bulgogi Pizza: Put bulgogi on a pizza crust with mozzarella and veggies. It’s a tasty fusion pizza.
These ideas make ground beef bulgogi more than just a Korean dish. They add excitement to your meals, making dinner time more fun and tasty.
Preparing Soft-Boiled Eggs as a Topping
To make your ground beef bulgogi even better, try adding soft-boiled eggs on top. These eggs bring a creamy texture that pairs well with the savory bulgogi. We’ll show you how to boil and peel them perfectly.
Boiling the Eggs
Getting the soft-boiled eggs for bulgogi just right is all about timing. Start by heating a pot of water until it’s gently boiling. Then, carefully place four large eggs into the boiling water.
Set a timer for six minutes. This will make the whites creamy and the yolks silky and slightly runny.
After the timer goes off, move the eggs to an ice bath. This stops the cooking and makes peeling easier. Let them chill for at least five minutes.
Peeling Tips
To make your soft-boiled eggs look great on your bulgogi, follow these peeling tips. First, gently tap the egg on a hard surface to crack it all over. Start peeling from the wider end, where there’s usually an air pocket.
If the eggs are fresh, peeling will be a bit harder. But, it’s worth it for a smooth, clean look. Now you know how to top bulgogi with eggs, making your dish both beautiful and delicious.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Ground Beef Bulgogi
Storing homemade bulgogi right is key to keeping its taste fresh and safe. Start by putting your ground beef bulgogi in a tight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days for the best flavor. If you need to store it longer, freeze it for up to 3 months. Use a freezer-safe bag or container to avoid freezer burn and keep it tasting great.
Reheating ground beef bulgogi is easy and fast. For the microwave, put the amount you want in a safe dish, cover it lightly, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway. Make sure it’s hot all the way through. Or, you can reheat it on the stovetop. Just put it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring now and then, until it’s hot, about 5 minutes. This way, you keep the dish’s texture and taste just right.
Whether it’s in the fridge or freezer, make sure your bulgogi is hot before you eat it. By following these tips, you can enjoy your bulgogi, whether it’s just made or stored for later. Remember, the right storage and reheating are crucial to enjoying every bite of your homemade bulgogi!
FAQ
What is Ground Beef Bulgogi?
What ingredients do I need for Ground Beef Bulgogi?
How do I prepare the bulgogi sauce?
How do I cook the ground beef for bulgogi?
Can I serve Ground Beef Bulgogi over rice?
Are there any alternative ways to enjoy Ground Beef Bulgogi?
How can I prepare soft-boiled eggs as a topping?
Do you have any peeling tips for soft-boiled eggs?
How should I store leftover Ground Beef Bulgogi?
What is the best way to reheat Ground Beef Bulgogi?
Source Links
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- https://iamhomesteader.com/beef-bulgogi/ – Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi
- https://www.beyondkimchee.com/ground-beef-bulgogi/ – Ground Beef Bulgogi (Easy Korean Beef Bowl) | Beyond Kimchee
- https://www.drkarenslee.com/korean-bulgogi-with-frozen-ground-beef/ – Korean Ground Beef Bulgogi Instant Pot Recipe – With Frozen Beef
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- https://www.bitesofberi.com/ground-beef-bulgogi/ – Ground Beef Bulgogi
- https://gypsyplate.com/ground-beef-bulgogi/ – Ground Beef Bulgogi (Korean Ground Beef)
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- https://recipesbyclare.com/recipes/ground-beef-bulgogi – 25-Minute Ground Beef Bulgogi Bowl Recipe – Recipes by Clare
- https://zestfulkitchen.com/ground-beef-bulgogi-recipe/ – Ground Beef Bulgogi