Description

Ground Beef Bulgogi is a quick and flavorful Korean-inspired dish featuring lean ground beef marinated in a savory-sweet sauce of soy, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil, then sautéed to perfection. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner and can be served over rice or wrapped in lettuce for a fresh, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Beef and Marinade

1 lb lean ground beef
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tbsp brown sugar
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp sesame oil
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
1 small pear (optional), grated

Garnish

3 green onions, chopped

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Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and grated pear (if using) until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Marinate the Beef: Add the ground beef to the marinade bowl and mix thoroughly until all the beef is coated evenly. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
Cook: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated ground beef to the hot skillet and sauté, breaking up the meat with a spatula, for 8 to 10 minutes or until the beef is fully browned and cooked through.
Finish: During the last few minutes of cooking, stir in the chopped green onions to add freshness and a mild onion flavor. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat. Serve the ground beef bulgogi hot over rice or wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves.

Notes

Marinating the beef for at least 30 minutes enhances the depth of flavor, but you can marinate for up to 2 hours for an even richer taste.
The grated pear is optional but adds natural sweetness and helps tenderize the beef.
Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and maintain a healthier dish.
Serve with steamed rice, kimchi, or fresh vegetables for a complete Korean-inspired meal.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet or microwave.