The Best Korean Bulgogi Recipe With Ground Beef (다진소불고기) From a Korean Mama

I’m so excited to present this simple and delicious Korean Bulgogi recipe with ground beef. It’s a fast dish, made in one wok or large pan. And just for the record, I am Korean. You know when you see a “Korean” recipe that has siracha sauce in it, it’s made by someone who doesn’t know WTF he or she is talking about. Siracha is Thai, okay? We are different! The sauce is made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, and gochugaru (고추가루). If you don’t live near an Asian grocery store, then get it on Amazon.

What I Love About This Korean Bulgogi Recipe With Ground Beef Recipe

The gochugaru lasts forever, and when I say forever, I mean I’ve had the same exact bag for like three years. And I’m Korean, and I eat Korean food all the damn time. You can stick it in the freezer and then throw it in whatever sauce you are making that day.

Ground beef in Korean is 다진소고기 (da jin so go gi) and 불고기 (bulgogi) is a dish prepared usually over “fire.”  The 불 (bul) part of bulgogi means fire, and 고기 (gogi) means meat. I often serve this with Brussels sprouts and mung bean sprouts.

This recipe combines the sweet-spicy of Korean red pepper powder (the aforementioned gochugaru) with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and some brown sugar. Since it’s made from ground beef, it’s fairly cheap. You can add any vegetable directly to the sauce and then throw it atop some rice. As if all the yumminess wasn’t enough, I usually crack four eggs directly in the sauce to poach in all the loveliness.

You can use up that siracha sauce, if you want to. Siracha tastes good in this, too. But it ain’t Korean. Just sayin’.

Here’s some more information about siracha, which comes from a place called Si Racha in Thailand.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Wok
• Measuring cup
• Rice cooker
• Whisk

What’s Bulgogi Anyway?

Bulgogi a popular dish you might find at Korean BBQ places, where it’s cooked right at your table. Fun, right? It’s a super fun experience! Bulgogi is a hallmark of Korean cuisine, translating to “fire meat” in English. It is made from thin slices of beef, such as sirloin or ribeye, known for their tenderness, making them ideal for this dish. The meat undergoes a marination process in a savory-sweet sauce that commonly includes soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and garlic, along with other ingredients like onions, chives, and sometimes fruits like kiwi or pear to tenderize the meat further. The marination not only imbues the meat with a rich flavor profile but also enhances its tenderness​.

Pairing Suggestions

Pretty much any kind of vegetable will do, along with a bowl of plain rice and lettuce leaves (to make a delish Korean lettuce “boat”):

• Super Duper Korean Mung Bean Sprouts Salad Banchan Recipe (숙주나물 무침)
• How To Make Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs
• Air Fryer Green Beans Recipe
• Carrot Fries Air Fryer Recipe

For something to drink:

• How about some Thai Iced Coffee? OMG. So good.
• Hazelnut Mocha Coffee Recipe
• Moroccan Mint Green Tea
• Or if you want something a little adult … The Decadent Brandy Alexander Recipe With Vanilla Ice Cream

FAQs

1. What is the main difference between traditional beef bulgogi and ground beef bulgogi? Traditional beef bulgogi is prepared with marinated slices of beef that are then grilled, offering a distinctive chewy texture and a smoky flavor profile. Ground beef bulgogi, however, utilizes minced beef which leads to a quicker preparation time, a softer texture, and a versatile serving potential, such as in wraps or as a topping for rice.
2. How should I serve ground beef bulgogi? Serving ground beef bulgogi atop a bed of warm rice, alongside cauliflower rice, or with quinoa is a fantastic choice. Sprinkling sesame seeds and slicing green onions for garnish not only elevates the dish’s flavor but also its appearance, making it a versatile meal option.
3. Is this recipe suitable for special diets, such as gluten-free? For a gluten-free adaptation, swap out regular soy sauce with tamari or another gluten-free soy sauce variant. This simple change keeps the recipe inclusive for those avoiding gluten, ensuring no compromise in flavor.
4. Can I make this recipe dairy-free? Given that the bulgogi recipe is inherently dairy-free, no alterations are necessary to accommodate a dairy-free diet, offering a straightforward choice for individuals avoiding dairy.
5. What are some recommended vegetable pairings for a balanced meal? For a nutritious and balanced meal, accompanying the bulgogi with steamed vegetables like spinach, carrots, and broccoli is advisable. These vegetables contribute valuable nutrients and complement the savory flavors of the bulgogi, enhancing the meal’s overall appeal.
6. How long can leftovers be stored, and how should they be stored? Store any leftovers in a sealed container within the refrigerator, where they’ll keep for up to five days. If you need to store them longer, freezing is an option, with leftovers lasting up to three months, ensuring the dish remains delicious for future consumption.
7. Are there any recommended substitutions for a leaner version of this recipe? Opting for lean ground beef or ground turkey can help decrease the dish’s fat content while still maintaining its robust flavor, making for a healthier option.
8. Are there any tips for making this dish more kid-friendly? To cater to younger palates, consider serving green onions separately, enabling children to decide if they want to add this ingredient to their servings.
9. Can I use a different type of meat instead of beef? Substituting beef with alternatives like ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meats is possible, allowing the recipe to suit various dietary needs and preferences while introducing a diversity of flavors.
10. How can I make this recipe spicier? For those who prefer a spicier dish, adding additional gochugaru to the marinade is recommended. Doubling the broth portion of the recipe can also provide more sauce for those who enjoy their bulgogi with extra liquid for rice.
11. Is there a way to reduce the sodium content in this recipe? To lessen the sodium content, opt for low-sodium soy sauce or tamari and consider reducing the soy sauce quantity, possibly substituting part of it with water or unsalted broth, which can help maintain flavor while cutting down on sodium.
12. What are some side dishes that pair well with ground beef bulgogi? Pairing the bulgogi with side dishes such as kimchi, pickled radishes, cucumber salad, steamed rice, or lettuce wraps can enhance the meal’s richness and provide a more balanced dietary experience.
13. How can I ensure the ground beef bulgogi is flavorful and not dry? Preventing the bulgogi from becoming dry and ensuring it remains moist and flavorful involves not overcooking the beef and preserving some sauce in the dish. Incorporating sesame oil towards the end of the cooking process can also help seal in moisture and boost flavor.

Photo Steps

The Final: Korean Bulgogi Recipe With Ground Beef Recipe