Description
This Ground Beef Bulgogi recipe brings authentic Korean BBQ flavors to your kitchen in just 25 minutes. Using lean ground beef cooked with a savory and slightly sweet sauce made from soy, garlic, ginger, and gochujang, it offers a perfect balance of umami and spice. This versatile dish is delicious served over steamed rice, in lettuce wraps, or even stuffed inside buns for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. avocado or sesame oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 2 lbs. lean ground beef (85% lean)
- 2 carrots, grated (optional)
- 1/3 cup sliced green onion
- 2 tsp. sesame seeds
Sauce
- 2 tsp. minced ginger
- 1 Tbsp. minced garlic
- 1/3 cup packed coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 1/2 cup reduced sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tsp. sesame oil
- 2 Tbsp. gochujang (add more for spicier flavor)
- 2 Tbsp. mirin (can substitute with cooking wine or sherry)
- 1 Tbsp. rice wine vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a medium-sized bowl, combine minced ginger, garlic, coconut sugar, reduced sodium soy sauce or tamari, sesame oil, gochujang, mirin, and rice wine vinegar. Whisk thoroughly until the sauce is well blended. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Sauté vegetables: Heat avocado or sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once warm, add the diced red pepper and onion. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until they begin to sear and soften slightly.
- Cook the beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Brown the ground beef by breaking it into small pieces with a spatula as it cooks to ensure even cooking.
- Add carrots and sauce: When the beef is fully browned, stir in the grated carrots if using. Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet and mix well. Let it cook together for another 2 to 3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the beef evenly.
- Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the sliced green onions gently and sprinkle the sesame seeds on top. Serve hot over freshly steamed rice, cauliflower rice, in tacos with kimchee, wrapped in lettuce cups, or in fluffy buns according to your preference.
Notes
- You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less gochujang depending on your taste preference.
- If you prefer, substitute mirin with a dry cooking wine or sherry for a similar flavor profile.
- Grated carrots are optional but add a nice crunch and sweetness to balance the savory beef.
- Use tamari for a gluten-free version of soy sauce.
- To make this recipe dairy-free, ensure no butter is used and rely on oils like avocado or sesame.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
