Best Ground Beef Bulgogi Recipe
Learn how to make the best ground beef bulgogi—a quick, flavorful, and budget-friendly version of the classic Korean dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe delivers bold, umami-packed flavors in just 20 minutes!
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Marinating Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Korean
Large Skillet
Mixing Bowl
Spatula
Ground Beef Bulgogi
- 1 lb ground beef (80-90% lean)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or mirin
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste) optional, for a spicy twist
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
In a medium-sized bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar (or honey), sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, black pepper, and gochujang (if using).
Add ground beef to the marinade and mix thoroughly. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil if using lean ground beef.
Add the marinated ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
Let the beef cook undisturbed for 1-2 minutes to develop caramelization. Stir occasionally to cook evenly.
Continue cooking for about 5-7 minutes until the beef is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened.
Sprinkle with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Serve hot with steamed rice, lettuce wraps, or as a topping for noodles or tacos.
✅ For extra caramelization, let the beef sit undisturbed in the pan for a few seconds before stirring.
✅ Adjust sweetness and spice to your preference by adding more brown sugar or gochujang.
✅ Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for later use. Keyword Bulgogi, Ground Beef, Quick Meals