Description
Skip the takeout and whip up this Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi—a quick and flavorful Korean-inspired dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With savory-sweet sauce, juicy ground beef, and rich umami flavors, it’s ideal for rice bowls, lettuce wraps, or meal prep. Great as a quick dinner, easy lunch, or part of your weekly meal prep plan, this easy recipe delivers bold flavor in under 30 minutes. If you’re searching for fast dinner ideas, healthy food ideas, or a budget-friendly recipe, this dish checks every box.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef (85% lean recommended)
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1/2 small onion, diced
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
2 cups cooked white rice (for serving)
2 soft-boiled eggs (optional, for topping)
Instructions
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and no longer pink, about 5–6 minutes.
3. Stir in the diced onion and cook for another 3 minutes until softened.
4. Reduce the heat to medium and pour the sauce into the skillet. Stir to coat the beef evenly. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Spoon the cooked rice into bowls. Top with the bulgogi beef and a halved soft-boiled egg, if using.
6. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
To make it spicier, increase the red pepper flakes or add gochujang.
This dish is great for meal prep—store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
Keywords: easy ground beef recipe, Korean beef, bulgogi bowl, quick dinner, meal prep, rice bowl, food ideas