Bulgogi Ground Beef Stir Fry
Bulgogi Ground Beef Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful Korean-inspired meal.Ground beef is cooked with a sweet, savory, and aromatic bulgogi-style sauce.Garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil create a rich depth of flavor.Brown sugar adds sweetness and helps create a delicious caramelized finish.The recipe is easy to customize with vegetables, rice, or noodles.It is perfect for busy weeknight dinners and convenient meal preparation.
Ingredients
For the Ground Beef
- 1½ pounds (680 g) lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil, if needed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
For the Bulgogi Sauce
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey, optional
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon gochujang, optional for gentle heat
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Garnishing
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- Cooked white or brown rice
- Kimchi, optional
- Cucumber slices, optional
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
- Finely chop the onion and scallions.Mince the garlic and grate the fresh ginger.If adding vegetables, wash and cut them before beginning the cooking process.
Make the Bulgogi Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, optional honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, optional gochujang, and black pepper.Whisk until the sugar is mostly dissolved.Set the sauce aside.
Heat the Skillet
- Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.Add a small amount of oil if using very lean ground beef.
Cook the Ground Beef
- Add the ground beef to the hot skillet.Break it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula.Cook for approximately 5–7 minutes until browned.
Drain Excess Fat
- If the beef releases a large amount of fat, carefully drain the excess.Leave a small amount behind to maintain flavor and moisture.
Add the Aromatics
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet.Cook for approximately 2–3 minutes until softened.Add the garlic and ginger.Cook for another 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
Add the Bulgogi Sauce
- Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked ground beef.Stir thoroughly so the beef is evenly coated.
Taste and Adjust
- Taste the stir fry.Add a little more soy sauce for saltiness, brown sugar for sweetness, or gochujang for extra heat if desired.
Finish with Sesame Oil
- If you prefer a stronger sesame aroma, drizzle a small additional amount of sesame oil over the finished beef.Stir briefly.
Prepare the Serving Bowls
- Spoon warm cooked rice into individual serving bowls.
Garnish
- Top with sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds.Add kimchi or fresh cucumber slices on the side if desired.
Serve
- Serve immediately while warm and enjoy your delicious Korean-inspired meal.
Notes
- Ground beef: Lean ground beef works well, but slightly higher-fat beef can provide additional richness.
- Soy sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer greater control over the saltiness.
- Sweetness: Adjust the brown sugar or honey according to your taste.
- Gochujang: This ingredient is optional but adds a delicious mild spicy depth.
- Vegetables: The recipe is easy to customize with your favorite vegetables.
- Rice vinegar: It adds gentle acidity that balances the sweet and savory sauce.
- Sauce texture: Allow the sauce to reduce slightly for a richer, more concentrated flavor.
- Meal preparation: This dish works particularly well for preparing meals in advance.