Description
This Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi recipe brings the bold, savory flavors of traditional Korean bulgogi to a quick and convenient dish perfect for busy weeknights. Ground beef is combined with a flavorful bulgogi sauce made from soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic, then simmered until tender and infused with the sauce. Served with diced scallions, toasted sesame seeds, and a soft boiled egg on top for an authentic touch, this meal is best enjoyed over steamed rice for a satisfying and delicious Korean-inspired dinner in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Bulgogi Sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar (additional)
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh garlic, minced
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ small yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon scallion, diced
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 4 large soft boiled eggs
- Cooked steamed white rice, for serving (optional but recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare Bulgogi Sauce: In a medium bowl, thoroughly mix together the soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, sesame oil, minced ginger, and minced garlic until the brown sugar is dissolved. Set the sauce aside while you prepare the beef.
- Cook Ground Beef and Onion: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef along with the diced yellow onion. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is mostly browned but may still have a little pink, and the onions are softened.
- Add Bulgogi Sauce and Simmer: Pour the prepared bulgogi sauce over the cooked beef and onions in the skillet. Stir to combine well. Allow the mixture to simmer over medium-low heat for 6 to 10 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce reduces slightly.
- Serve: Divide the bulgogi beef mixture evenly into four serving bowls. Top each bowl with diced scallions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and one soft boiled egg. Serve immediately, ideally over a bed of steamed white rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Soft boiled eggs can be prepared by boiling eggs for 6-7 minutes and then cooling in ice water to achieve a runny yolk.
- Adjust the sweetness of the sauce to taste by adding more or less brown sugar.
- For a spicier version, add some red pepper flakes or gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the sauce.
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a heartier meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
