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Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi Bowls

A close-up of a Korean Ground Beef Bulgogi Bowl served over white rice with steamed broccoli and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
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A simple recipe for making flavorful Korean Bulgogi using ground beef, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner served over rice.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup water or beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
  • Cooked white or brown rice, for serving
  • 2 cups chopped broccoli florets or spinach
  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, ginger, minced garlic, and black pepper to create the sauce.
  2. Add the ground beef to the sauce mixture and mix gently with your hands until the beef is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
  3. If using broccoli, steam or blanch the florets until tender-crisp; set aside. If using spinach, you will wilt it in the pan later.
  4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated ground beef mixture to the hot skillet. Break up the meat as it cooks.
  5. Cook the beef until it is browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain off any excess fat if necessary.
  6. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water in a small cup. Pour this slurry into the skillet and stir constantly until the sauce thickens slightly.
  7. If using spinach, add it now and cook until wilted.
  8. To assemble the bowls, divide the cooked rice among serving bowls. Top the rice with the cooked ground beef bulgogi mixture.
  9. Arrange the steamed broccoli or other desired vegetables alongside the beef.
  10. Garnish each bowl with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

  • For a sweeter flavor, increase the brown sugar by 1 teaspoon.
  • If you do not have fresh ginger, use 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger.
  • Serve with kimchi or a fried egg for extra flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://epicureempire.com/korean-ground-beef-bulgogi-bowls/