Ground Beef Bulgogi
Ground Beef Bulgogi is a fast, budget-friendly twist on classic Korean bulgogi flavors. Made in one pan with ground beef, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and sesame oil, this easy recipe delivers sweet, savory, garlicky flavor in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or quick rice bowls, ground beef bulgogi is simple, satisfying, and packed with bold taste.
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef 80/20 or 85/15 recommended
- 4 green onions thinly sliced (whites and greens separated)
- 3 cloves garlic finely minced
- Seasonings & Flavor Base
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon gochujang optional, for heat
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated (optional)
- Pantry Staples
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil vegetable or avocado oil
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Sesame seeds optional garnish
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and gochujang (if using).
- Heat neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned and fully cooked.
- Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add sauce mixture and green onion whites to the skillet.
- Reduce heat to medium and simmer 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef.
- Remove from heat and stir in green onion tops.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Notes
- Draining excess fat keeps the sauce glossy, not greasy.
- If the sauce reduces too much, add a splash of water to loosen it.
- This recipe doubles easily for meal prep or larger families.