Ground Beef Bulgogi Bowls

Name: Ground Beef Bulgogi Bowls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 teaspoon minced ginger; 1 teaspoon gochujang (Korean chili paste) - optional; 2 green onions, chopped; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds; Cooked rice (white or brown); Sliced carrots; Sliced cucumbers; Extra green onions; Lettuce leaves (for wrapping); Kimchi (optional)

Highlighted under: Authentic Favorites

When I first tried making Ground Beef Bulgogi Bowls at home, I was amazed at how easy it was to recreate the flavors of my favorite Korean dish. The combination of tender beef, sweet and savory marinade, and fresh vegetables truly made my taste buds dance. I love that this recipe allows me to whip up a delicious meal in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s highly customizable, so I can adjust the toppings and ingredients based on what I have on hand. It's a trusty go-to in our household!

Created by

Selene Woodward

Last updated on 2026-02-08T08:27:36.420Z

Making Ground Beef Bulgogi Bowls in my kitchen was a delightful experience, and the outcome reminded me of my favorite Korean restaurant. The marinade, a blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil, really brings the beef to life, allowing it to soak up all those rich flavors. I found that marinating for just 15 minutes is sufficient to infuse the meat without losing that classic taste.

What surprised me was how versatile this dish is. You can adjust the spice level with gochujang or add more vegetables based on what’s in season. The fresh toppings like green onions and sesame seeds don't just add flavor; they also bring a crunch that perfectly complements the tender beef. Serving it over rice ties everything together, creating a satisfying meal that I can’t get enough of!

Why You'll Love These Bowls
Savory beef infused with a sweet and tangy marinade
Quick preparation—perfect for weekday dinners
Customizable with your favorite toppings and sides

Marinade Magic

The marinade is the heart of these Ground Beef Bulgogi Bowls. The combination of soy sauce and brown sugar not only imparts deep flavor but also creates a slightly caramelized exterior when cooked. Make sure to dissolve the brown sugar completely in the marinade to avoid gritty textures in the final dish. The addition of sesame oil provides a rich nutty flavor, which is a signature in Korean cooking. If you decide to use gochujang, just a teaspoon adds a subtle heat that enhances the overall taste without overpowering it.

For optimal flavor, consider marinating the beef for a bit longer than the recommended 15 minutes if time permits. Even an additional 10 minutes can significantly deepen the taste, as the ground beef will absorb more of the marinade. Place it in the refrigerator during this time to help the flavors meld better.

Cooking Technique

When cooking the marinated ground beef, use a skillet over medium-high heat to achieve a nice browning without steaming the meat. This cooking method allows the moisture to evaporate quickly, which is essential for developing rich flavors and a pleasing texture. Break apart the beef as it cooks; if left in larger clumps, it may not cook evenly. Look for the beef to turn a deep brown and lose its pink color, which usually takes around 6 to 8 minutes. This will ensure the meat is both flavorful and safe to eat.

A crucial tip is to not overcrowd your skillet. If you’re making a larger batch, consider cooking in two sessions rather than cramming it all in at once. This ensures that each bite of beef is perfectly caramelized rather than steamed. A well-cooked bulgogi should have a slightly glossy appearance from the marinade and a fragrant aroma, signaling it’s ready for assembly.

Presentation and Serving Suggestions

When assembling your bowls, the visual appeal is as important as the taste. Start with a generous scoop of rice, which acts as a neutral base to balance the stronger flavors of the bulgogi. Layer the bulgogi in the center, then artistically arrange the sliced carrots and cucumbers around it for color contrast. Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top for an aromatic finish. The bowls not only look tempting but offer a delightful variety of textures—crisp veggies alongside tender beef and fluffy rice.

For a fun interactive eating experience, serve with lettuce leaves for wrapping. This not only adds freshness but also allows each person to customize their bites. Additionally, embracing kimchi as a side option introduces a spicy, fermented hit that beautifully complements the sweet and savory notes of the bulgogi. You might also consider topping your bowls with a fried egg for added richness—it brings a unique twist that elevates the dish even further.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make flavorful Ground Beef Bulgogi Bowls.

For the Bulgogi

1 lb ground beef
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon minced ginger
1 teaspoon gochujang (Korean chili paste) - optional
2 green onions, chopped
1 tablespoon sesame seeds

For Serving

Cooked rice (white or brown)
Sliced carrots
Sliced cucumbers
Extra green onions
Lettuce leaves (for wrapping)
Kimchi (optional)

Feel free to adjust the ingredients according to your taste preferences.

Instructions

Let's walk through the steps to create these delicious Ground Beef Bulgogi Bowls.

Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, and gochujang. Stir well until the sugar dissolves completely.

Marinate the Beef

Add the ground beef to the marinade, ensuring it's well coated. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes while you prepare the vegetables.

Cook the Beef

In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the marinated beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it’s browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.

Assemble the Bowls

In serving bowls, place cooked rice as your base. Top with the cooked bulgogi, and add sliced carrots, cucumbers, green onions, and sesame seeds on top.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve the bowls with lettuce leaves and kimchi on the side for added flavor. Enjoy your homemade Ground Beef Bulgogi Bowls!

Enjoy experimenting with different toppings and flavor variations!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try marinating the beef overnight. This allows the flavors to develop even further. You can also swap out the ground beef for ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re looking for ingredient swaps, ground turkey or chicken can work in place of beef, yielding a lighter version of bulgogi. Just be aware that these proteins may require less cooking time, so monitor them closely to prevent drying out. For a vegetarian alternative, consider using crumbled tofu or a plant-based ground meat substitute; marinating these proteins will still impart fantastic flavor.

Should soy sauce be an issue due to dietary restrictions, a low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos can be excellent choices, offering similar flavor profiles with less salt. For those avoiding sugar, a sugar alternative such as stevia or agave syrup can provide the sweetness without the calories.

Storage and Reheating Tips

You can store leftover bulgogi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors tend to deepen as they sit, making the leftovers potentially even more delicious the next day. When reheating, use a skillet over medium heat to maintain the meat's tenderness, adding a splash of water if needed to ensure it doesn’t dry out.

If you want to make a larger batch in advance, bulk cooking and storing can be a game-changer for busy nights. Once cooled, the cooked bulgogi freezes well for up to three months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating, which allows for an effortless meal in less than 10 minutes.

Variations on the Recipe

One way to mix things up is by incorporating different vegetables based on the season or personal preference. Snow peas, bell peppers, or zucchini can add a nice crunch and vibrant color to your bowls. You could also swap out rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice for a different base that offers various nutritional benefits.

If you enjoy heat, experiment with adding some sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the beef while it cooks. For a sweeter version, try adding diced pineapple to your marinade. Each variation can bring new life to this classic recipe while keeping the spirit of bulgogi intact.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground pork, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave before serving.

→ Is this recipe spicy?

The level of spiciness can be adjusted. Omit the gochujang for no spice, or add more for extra heat.

→ Can I use frozen beef?

Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely before marinating for the best results.