Bulgogi Recipe with Ground Beef
Make a quick and flavorful ground beef bulgogi recipe in just 20 minutes! This easy Korean-inspired dish brings together savory, sweet, and umami flavors, perfect for busy weeknights.
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
Bulgogi Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80-90% lean)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger optional
- 2 stalks green onions, finely chopped reserve some for garnish
- 1 tsp gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) optional, for heat
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds toasted, for garnish
In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar (or honey), sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger (if using), and gochugaru (if using).
Add the ground beef to the marinade and mix well. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes for better flavor.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula.
Let the beef cook undisturbed for 1-2 minutes to develop caramelization, then stir and continue cooking for about 5-7 minutes until fully cooked.
Sprinkle with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Serve hot with steamed rice, lettuce wraps, or as a topping for tacos or noodles.
✅ 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 gochugaru.
✅ Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for later use. Keyword Bulgogi, Ground Beef, Quick Meals