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Top view of a skillet full of ground beef bulgogi with scallions garnishing. A wooden spoon scoops out some of the dish.
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Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi

Bulgogi doesn't get any easier than this! Browned ground beef is simmered in a richly flavored sauce and tastes just like a Korean BBQ restaurant dish - for a fraction of the price.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 461kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds lean ground beef
  • ½ cup soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 5 cloves minced garlic
  • ½ cup chopped green onions plus more for garnish
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Instructions

  • Prepare the bulgogi sauce by whisking together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and black pepper. Combine the cornstarch with water to make a slurry, then whisk that into the sauce. Last, stir in the green onions and garlic.
  • In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium high heat, about 7-10 minutes. Break up with a spatula as you cook.
  • Once cooked through, drain any excess liquid or fat from the ground beef, then return to the stovetop.
    Pour the bulgogi sauce over the meat and stir to coat. Allow the sauce to simmer for 1-2 minutes or until thickened.
  • Remove from heat and garnish with additional green onions, and sesame seeds. Serve over rice, in a lettuce wrap, or over cabbage bowl style.

Notes

Substitutions: 
  • Soy sauce: Tamari can be substituted. I recommend tasting the sauce and adding a pinch or two of salt if needed (Tamari is much less salty than soy sauce).
How to Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. 
How to Freeze: This Ground Beef Bulgogi recipe freezes well. It can be frozen before or after cooking. See “how to freeze” section in the original post for full instructions.
How to Reheat: This can be reheated in the microwave in 30 second increments, stir in between heating, or cover with tin foil and place into the oven to reheat. 
How to Scale: This recipe can easily be doubled if you are feeding a crowd or halved for smaller portions. 

Nutrition

Calories: 461kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 52g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 141mg | Sodium: 1776mg | Potassium: 921mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 127IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 70mg | Iron: 7mg