Description
Ground Beef Bulgogi is a quick and flavorful Korean-inspired dish featuring lean ground beef marinated in a savory and slightly sweet sauce, then sautéed to perfection. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe combines simple ingredients to create a deliciously tender and aromatic meal that can be enjoyed over rice or in lettuce wraps.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Marinade
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 1 small pear (optional), grated
Garnish
- 3 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, and sesame oil until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Marinate the Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the marinade and use a spoon or your hands to mix thoroughly, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Allow the beef to marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Cook: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated ground beef. Sauté the beef for about 8 to 10 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it is browned and cooked through.
- Finish: Stir in the chopped green onions during the final few minutes of cooking to soften and release their aroma. Serve the hot beef bulgogi over steamed rice or use it as a filling for fresh lettuce wraps for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Grating a small pear into the marinade adds natural sweetness and helps tenderize the beef, but it is optional.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and keep the dish healthier.
- Letting the beef marinate longer, up to 1 hour, can deepen the flavor.
- Serve with steamed rice or fresh lettuce leaves for traditional Korean-style wraps.
