Description
A quick and flavorful Ground Beef Bulgogi recipe featuring tender ground beef cooked with aromatic ginger, garlic, and a savory-sweet soy sauce marinade, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal served over brown rice or noodles with fresh vegetable toppings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1-inch piece ginger, finely minced
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 pound lean ground beef
Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Toppings and Garnish
- 3 green onions, diced
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- Optional – shredded carrot
- Optional – sliced cucumber
- Optional – sliced radishes
Serving Suggestion
- Cooked brown rice or noodles
Instructions
- Heat Oil and Sauté Onions: Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onions and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until they become lightly browned, which develops their sweetness and flavor.
- Add Ginger and Garlic: Stir in the finely minced ginger and garlic, cooking for about 30 seconds while stirring frequently to avoid burning and to release their aromatic oils.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with the back of a large spoon. Cook for approximately 5 minutes until the beef is fully browned with no pink remaining and has a crumbly texture.
- Prepare Sauce: While the beef cooks, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl to create the bulgogi marinade.
- Add Sauce to Beef: Pour the sauce mixture over the cooked ground beef and stir thoroughly to coat the meat evenly. Let it cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Turn off the heat and let the mixture sit for 1 to 2 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly.
- Assemble and Serve: Serve the ground beef bulgogi over cooked brown rice or noodles. Garnish with diced green onions, sesame seeds, and optional fresh vegetables such as shredded carrot, sliced cucumber, and radishes for added texture and freshness.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and keep the dish light.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Letting the sauce sit off heat allows it to thicken for better coating on the beef.
- Serve with brown rice for a wholesome, fiber-rich meal, or noodles for a heartier option.
- Optional fresh vegetables add color, crunch, and nutritional balance.
