Description
Succulent Korean Ground Beef Bulgogi brings sizzling flavors straight from Seoul’s bustling streets to your dinner table. Seasoned with sweet soy sauce and aromatic spices, this quick and delicious meal delivers authentic taste that makes weeknight cooking feel like a culinary adventure.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Protein:
- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 4 garlic cloves
- 4 green onions
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Liquid and Sweet Components:
- ¼ cup (60 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Garnish:
- Lettuce leaves
Instructions
- Blend 1 pound lean ground beef with 4 minced garlic cloves, ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, and ½ teaspoon black pepper in a mixing bowl. Massage ingredients thoroughly to ensure beef is completely coated.
- Heat a large skillet to 375°F (190°C) over medium-high flame. Confirm pan is hot before adding meat.
- Transfer marinated beef into skillet, spreading across surface. Cook for 5-7 minutes, vigorously breaking meat into small crumbles using a wooden spatula.
- Continue cooking until beef develops a rich golden-brown color and no pink remains. This indicates complete 160°F (71°C) internal temperature.
- Sprinkle 4 thinly sliced green onions over beef during final 60 seconds of cooking. Gently incorporate to distribute flavors evenly.
- Remove skillet from heat. Let meat rest for 2-3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute and flavors to settle.
- Serve immediately over steamed rice or wrap in crisp lettuce leaves. Garnish with additional green onion slices for extra freshness.
Notes
- Marinate the beef for at least 30 minutes before cooking to enhance the depth of flavor and allow the seasonings to penetrate the meat.
- For a lighter option, swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken, adjusting cooking time to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
- Drain excess fat after cooking to create a cleaner, less greasy texture that lets the bulgogi seasonings shine.
- When serving in lettuce wraps, choose crisp, sturdy lettuce like butter or romaine for the best handheld experience.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Sautéed
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 285 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg