Ground Beef Bulgogi Recipe
Introduction
Ground Beef Bulgogi is a quick and flavorful Korean-inspired dish perfect for busy weeknights. Savory, sweet, and slightly spicy, this recipe combines tender ground beef with aromatic garlic and ginger for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 5 cloves Garlic
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger
- 2 teaspoons Sesame Oil
- 1/2 cup Gluten-Free Reduced Sodium Tamari Soy Sauce
- 1/3 cup Brown Sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 bunch Scallion
- White Rice, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
- Step 2: Reduce heat to medium. Add the minced garlic, fresh ginger, and sesame oil to the skillet. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in the tamari soy sauce, brown sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered until the sauce reduces and thickens, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in the chopped scallions.
- Step 4: Serve immediately over cooked white rice. Garnish with your favorite toppings like sesame seeds or extra scallions if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For a milder flavor, reduce the crushed red pepper flakes or omit them altogether.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Add thinly sliced vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra color and nutrition.
- Use regular soy sauce if gluten is not a concern.
Storage
Store leftover bulgogi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Rice can be stored separately and reheated similarly.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bulgogi in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat before serving and cook rice fresh or reheat separately.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe has a mild to moderate spiciness from the crushed red pepper flakes. You can adjust or omit them to suit your heat preference.
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Ground Beef Bulgogi Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Ground Beef Bulgogi is a flavorful Korean-inspired dish featuring tender ground beef cooked with garlic, fresh ginger, and a savory-sweet sauce made from tamari soy sauce and brown sugar. This easy skillet recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 5 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger, grated
- 2 teaspoons Sesame Oil
- 1/2 cup Gluten-Free Reduced Sodium Tamari Soy Sauce
- 1/3 cup Brown Sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 bunch Scallion, sliced
- White Rice, to taste, for serving
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until browned, then drain off any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming oily.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, and sesame oil to the skillet. Stir and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, releasing the flavors into the beef.
- Add the Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the gluten-free reduced sodium tamari soy sauce, brown sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for another 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and reduce. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
- Incorporate Scallions: Mix in the sliced scallions just before serving to add freshness and a mild onion flavor.
- Serve: Serve the bulgogi hot over cooked white rice. Garnish with additional scallions or preferred toppings like sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- For a gluten-free dish, ensure your tamari soy sauce is certified gluten-free as labeled.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in a skillet or microwave.
- Adding vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms during the sauté step can increase the nutritional value and flavor diversity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
Keywords: Ground Beef Bulgogi, Korean Beef Recipe, Gluten-Free Korean Food, Easy Bulgogi, Ground Beef Korean Stir Fry

