This Ground Beef Bulgogi is a tasty twist on the classic Korean dish! It’s made with juicy ground beef marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, packed with flavor.
You won’t believe how quick and easy this is to whip up! Serve it over rice or in lettuce wraps for a fun meal. Trust me, you’ll be coming back for seconds! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish! You can use beef with different fat content, but I prefer 80/20 for more flavor. If you want a lighter option, turkey or chicken can work too.
Soy Sauce: It adds a salty umami flavor to the beef. If you’re watching sodium intake, low-sodium soy sauce is a great substitute. You could also try tamari for a gluten-free option.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness to balance the savory flavors. You can swap it with honey or maple syrup if desired, just remember it might change the flavor slightly!
Gochujang: A key ingredient that gives a spicy kick. If you can’t find it, sriracha or another hot sauce can work, but gochujang has a unique flavor that’s worth seeking out.
Sesame Oil: It contributes a lovely nutty flavor. You could replace it with olive oil in a pinch, but it’ll change the dish’s authentic taste.
How Do I Cook Ground Beef Perfectly?
Cooking ground beef might seem straightforward, but there are a few tips to elevate your dish. Start by breaking the meat apart while cooking to ensure even browning. This prevents clumping and gives you that lovely sear.
- Cook the beef over medium heat to avoid burning while ensuring it browns nicely.
- Use a spatula to break it up into small pieces as it cooks.
- Once it’s browned, drain excess fat for a lighter dish, but keep a little for flavor.
Why Layer the Bowl Ingredients?
Layering the ingredients not only looks beautiful but also enhances the eating experience. Mixing raw veggies with warm beef and rice creates delightful textures and temperatures.
- Place the rice at the bottom for a hearty base.
- Then add the warm beef, which slightly warms the veggies on top.
- This way every bite combines flavors perfectly without wilting the lettuce!
How to Make Ground Beef Bulgogi Bowl?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Bowl:
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup lettuce leaves (butter or romaine)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Kimchi (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time, making it perfect for a delicious meal in just 25 minutes. You’ll have everything prepped and ready to enjoy in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, gochujang, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the sugar is dissolved and the marinade is well mixed. This will add great flavor to your beef!
2. Cook the Beef:
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook it until it’s nicely browned, using a spatula to break it up as it cooks. If there’s any excess fat, feel free to drain it off. This keeps your dish a bit lighter.
3. Add the Marinade:
Once the beef is browned, pour the marinade over it. Stir everything together well so that the beef is coated with that delicious sauce. Let it cook for another 3-4 minutes until the beef is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Assemble the Bowl:
In serving bowls, start by layering the cooked rice as the base. Then, add a generous serving of the seasoned beef on top. Next, layer on the shredded carrots, cucumber slices, and lettuce leaves. The colors will look fantastic!
5. Final Touches:
Sprinkle the chopped green onions and sesame seeds over each bowl for a nice garnish. Don’t forget to serve kimchi on the side for that extra kick of flavor. Enjoy your tasty Ground Beef Bulgogi Bowl!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional for this recipe, you can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly with different meats, so make sure they’re thoroughly cooked before adding the marinade.
How Can I Make This Dish Less Spicy?
If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce or omit the gochujang in the marinade. You can also add a bit more brown sugar to balance the flavors. Alternatively, serve the cooled dishes with more cucumber or lettuce to help temper the heat!
What Should I Do with Leftover Marinade?
It’s best to discard any leftover marinade that has been in contact with raw meat for safety reasons. However, you can prepare extra marinade at the beginning and store the unused portion in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just remember to bring it to a boil if you’re using it with cooked ingredients later!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat the ground beef mixture in the skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Prepare fresh rice or enjoy the leftovers cold in a salad!
