Ground Beef Bulgogi: The Best Korean Beef Bowl Recipe
Imagine walking into a lively Korean market. The smell of sizzling beef fills the air. It’s more than food; it’s a journey to culture and memories. This ground beef bulgogi recipe brings Korea to your kitchen.
With every bite of this beef bulgogi, you’ll enjoy a mix of flavors. It’s perfect for any day, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special occasion. Let’s see how you can make this delicious Korean beef bowl for your loved ones.
Table of Contents
What is Bulgogi?
Bulgogi comes from Korean words ‘Bul’ meaning fire and ‘Gogi’ meaning meat. It’s a tasty dish made with marinated beef, grilled or stir-fried. The marinade has soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and sesame oil, giving it sweet and savory flavors.
Traditionally, bulgogi uses thin cuts like ribeye or sirloin. But, ground beef is also used, making it quicker to cook and offering a different texture.
The marinating time for bulgogi varies. A quick 5-minute marinating can work, but up to 2 hours is even better for flavor. When cooking, sear the beef for 1-2 minutes to keep it tender and juicy.
A serving of bulgogi has about 150 calories and 20g of protein. It’s a filling choice.
In the past, bulgogi was a favorite of nobility in the Goguryeo era. Beef was rare then. But, as cattle farming grew in the Joseon dynasty, bulgogi became more common. Ground beef bulgogi is a modern take on this classic dish, inviting you to try it at home.
Why Choose Ground Beef for Bulgogi?
Choosing ground beef for bulgogi offers many benefits. It makes the dish quick and flavorful. You can cook a tasty meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for those in a hurry.
Ground beef cooks fast, needing only 4-6 minutes to almost cook through. This means you can enjoy your meal almost right away.
The texture of ground beef adds a special touch to traditional bulgogi. Marinating it in soy sauce, brown sugar, and spices makes it taste rich and authentic. This recipe is easy and quick, great for busy nights.
Using 90% lean ground beef makes your meal healthier without losing flavor. Each serving is packed with protein and goes well with jasmine rice and veggies. Ground beef lets you enjoy a delicious bulgogi meal quickly and easily.
Key Ingredients for Ground Beef Bulgogi
Making a tasty ground beef bulgogi begins with picking the right ingredients. Use lean ground beef, with 80% lean to 20% fat, for the best taste. This mix is flavorful and healthier.
The recipe calls for soy sauce for a deep umami flavor and sesame oil for a nutty taste. Ginger and garlic add a rich aroma. Gochujang, a spicy chili paste, adds heat. Rice vinegar, brown sugar, and green onions round out the flavors.
Adding red pepper flakes can make the dish spicier. Each ingredient is crucial for the dish’s classic, savory taste.
Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi Recipe
This easy ground beef bulgogi recipe is great for busy weeknights. It’s quick and delicious, ready in just 25 minutes. You can also add your own touches with fresh ingredients.
Preparation Time and Cooking Time
The beef bulgogi cooking time is about 10 minutes. Prep time is around 15 minutes. For the best flavor, marinate the beef for at least two hours, or overnight.
Ingredients List
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef (80-20 blend) | 1 lb |
| Soy sauce | 6 tablespoons |
| Brown sugar | 3 tablespoons |
| Rice wine vinegar | 2 tablespoons |
| Sesame oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Fresh ginger | 1 ½ tablespoons |
| Sweet chili sauce | 3 tablespoons |
| Optional garnishes (sesame seeds, lettuce, scallions) | As desired |
How to Make Your Ground Beef Bulgogi
Making ground beef bulgogi is easy and rewarding. This dish combines savory flavors and is simple to prepare. Follow these steps to enjoy every bite.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Start by mixing the marinade. Use ¼ cup of low sodium soy sauce, 3 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, and optional ingredients like minced ginger or sesame oil. Mix well.
- In another bowl, put 1 lb of ground beef. Choose a lean mix, like 85% lean to 15% fat. Pour the marinade over it and marinate for at least 1 hour.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated ground beef, spreading it evenly.
- Cook the beef for about 4 minutes until it’s fully browned. Stir often to cook evenly.
- After browning, lower the heat and stir in any leftover marinade. Simmer for 3 more minutes.
- Remove from heat and let it rest briefly. Serve over rice, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Tips for Perfectly Cooked Beef
- For better flavor, don’t overcrowd the pan. This helps it caramelize well.
- Watch the cooking time closely. Aim for 2-3 minutes per side for a nice brown.
- Adjust sweetness and saltiness by changing the sugar and soy sauce in the marinade.
- Letting the beef rest after cooking makes it moist and flavorful.
Building Your Bulgogi Bowl
Start by making a base with quinoa rice or white rice. Use about 2 cups to make a hearty base. This will be the foundation of your Korean beef bowl.
Then, add the cooked ground beef mixture. It’s flavored well from the marinade. Add colorful veggies like red bell pepper and broccoli for a pop of color.
Make your bowl your own by adding cucumber or cucumber pear salsa. These add a nice crunch. Let everyone add their favorite toppings.
Scallions and sesame seeds can be a great finish. You can also add more sauces like gochujang for extra flavor. This way, everyone gets to enjoy their meal just the way they like it.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
Adding meal prep bulgogi to your routine can make weeknights easier. Store leftovers in airtight containers to keep them fresh. This way, your meal prep bulgogi stays good for up to four days in the fridge.
If you want to keep it longer, freeze your leftovers. Freezing extends their life a lot.
- Label containers with dates to keep track of freshness.
- Reheat servings in the microwave or a skillet to maintain flavors.
- Consider pre-picking veggies to accompany your meal prep bulgogi for quick assembly.
- Prepare sauces in advance. This streamlines your easy meal prep, allowing for faster cooking later on.
With good storage and prep, you can enjoy meal prep bulgogi all week. It’s easy and quick.
Health Benefits of Ground Beef Bulgogi
Ground beef bulgogi is packed with health benefits that make it a great choice for meals. It’s full of protein, which is key for building and repairing muscles. This is especially good for athletes and those who work out a lot. Each serving has about 37 grams of protein, helping to keep your diet balanced.
Iron in ground beef is crucial for carrying oxygen in your blood. A serving of this dish gives you about 4 milligrams of iron. This boosts your health and energy. Plus, ingredients like sesame oil and garlic add flavor and have antioxidants, which are good for you.
This dish is low in carbs, with only about 9 grams per serving. It’s perfect for those watching their carb intake. It’s also full of vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious meal that’s satisfying and supports your health goals.
Ground beef bulgogi is also very flexible. You can serve it with rice, lettuce, or noodles, fitting different diets. It’s a tasty dish that’s good for you, whether you eat it after working out or as part of your meal prep.
Conclusion
Ground beef bulgogi is a great choice for any meal. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor and nutrients. It’s perfect for busy nights or meal prep.
It’s quick to prepare, taking about 25 minutes. This makes it a great option for a tasty, healthy meal. The tender beef in a savory marinade is a hit with everyone.
Feel free to add your own twist to the recipe. Try it with rice for a full meal. Making ground beef bulgogi a regular dish can bring joy to your kitchen. It’s a wonderful way to share delicious meals with family and friends.