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Korean Bulgogi Ground Beef Recipe

Busy? Try This Quick & Easy Korean Bulgogi Ground Beef Recipe for Dinner Tonight

Are you looking for a delicious, satisfying dinner that comes together in 15 minutes? This Korean Bulgogi Ground Beef Recipe is the answer! It’s savory, slightly spicy, and packed with Asian BBQ flavors, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Plus, it’s versatile—serve it over rice in a bowl, wrap it in lettuce for a light meal, or enjoy it with traditional Korean cooking sides.

As a food lover and busy home cook, I always look for meals that are easy, flavorful, and family-friendly. This dish has been my go-to for years, especially on nights when I don’t have time for complex recipes. The first time I made this, I was amazed at how such simple ingredients could create such bold flavors. Now, I’m sharing my version of the best Korean bulgogi ground beef recipe with you!

This post may contain affiliate links at no extra cost to you. Please read our full disclosure here to find out more.

Busy? Try This Quick & Easy Korean Bulgogi Ground Beef Recipe for Dinner Tonight

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy

This recipe takes just 15 minutes from start to finish—perfect for busy schedules.

Bold, Sweet, and Spicy Flavors

The homemade bulgogi sauce balances sweetness, saltiness, and a touch of heat.

Versatile & Customizable

Serve it as a bowl, with rice, in lettuce wraps, or as a filling for tacos!

Budget-Friendly

Uses ground beef instead of steak while still delivering that signature Korean BBQ taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this easy Korean bulgogi ground beef recipe, you need:

  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean for the best texture)

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)

  • 1 tbsp brown sugar

  • 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste) – for that signature spicy kick!

  • 2 tsp sesame oil

  • 1 tsp minced garlic

  • 1 tsp minced ginger

  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar

  • 1 tbsp honey

  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)

  • 2 tbsp chopped green onions

  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds

  • 1 cup cooked jasmine rice (for serving)

  • Butter lettuce leaves (for lettuce wraps, optional)

    • Step-by-Step Instructions

    1. Cook the Ground Beef

    Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula (about 5-6 minutes). Drain any excess grease.

    2. Make the Bulgogi Sauce

    In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, gochujang, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, honey, and red pepper flakes.

    3. Combine & Simmer

    Pour the sauce over the cooked beef, stirring well. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the sauce to slightly thicken.

    4. Garnish & Serve

    Remove from heat and stir in green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over rice in a bowl or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.

    Must-Have Kitchen Tools for This Recipe

    1. Best Rice Cooker for Perfect Rice

    Making perfect rice is effortless with the Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker. It automatically adjusts cooking time and temperature, so your rice is always fluffy and delicious. I’ve used mine for years, and it’s a game-changer for Asian-inspired meals!

    Get yours here: Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker on Amazon

    2. Korean Gochujang Paste for Authentic Spice

    If you want the best flavor for this dish, I highly recommend Chung Jung One Gochujang. It’s made with fermented red chili and glutinous rice, giving your bulgogi a perfect balance of heat and umami.

    Grab it here: Chung Jung One Gochujang on Amazon

    3. Non-Stick Skillet for Even Cooking

    A high-quality non-stick pan ensures your ground beef cooks evenly and prevents sticking. I love using the Caraway Non-Stick Ceramic Frying Pan because it's safe, toxin-free, and easy to clean.

    Upgrade your kitchen: Caraway Frying Pan on Amazon

    How to Serve Your Bulgogi Ground Beef

    Bulgogi Rice Bowl

    Spoon the beef over steamed jasmine rice, and drizzle with extra sauce. Add a fried egg on top for extra richness.

    Lettuce Wraps

    For a lighter meal, use butter lettuce leaves as wraps. Fill them with bulgogi beef, a spoonful of rice, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

    Korean BBQ Style

    Pair it with classic Korean cooking sides like kimchi, pickled radishes, and steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

    Pro Tips for the Best Bulgogi Ground Beef

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger enhance the flavors better than powdered versions.

  • Control the Heat: Add more gochujang or red pepper flakes if you love it extra spicy.

  • Double the Sauce: If you love extra sauce, make a bigger batch to drizzle over rice.

  • Make It Ahead: This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days—perfect for meal prep!

    • Busy? Try This Quick & Easy Korean Bulgogi Ground Beef Recipe for Dinner Tonight

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    Can I Use a Different Meat?

    Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work well.

    What’s the Best Rice for a Bulgogi Bowl?

    I recommend jasmine or short-grain rice for the best texture.

    How Can I Make It Less Spicy?

    Reduce the gochujang and omit the red pepper flakes for a milder version.

    Final Thoughts

    This quick and easy Korean Bulgogi Ground Beef Recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves bold flavors but doesn’t have time for complex meals. It’s fast, delicious, and incredibly versatile—perfect for rice bowls, lettuce wraps, or as a Korean BBQ-inspired dish.

    So, why not give it a try tonight? Let me know how it turns out in the comments below! And if you love it, don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family!

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