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Easy Korean Ground Beef Bulgogi Bowls

Close-up of Korean Ground Beef Bulgogi Bowls featuring savory ground beef over white rice, topped with green onions and sesame seeds.

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Make flavorful Korean Bulgogi using ground beef for a quick weeknight meal served over rice.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 4 cups cooked white or brown rice
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup sliced green onions, for garnish
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and black pepper. This is your Bulgogi sauce.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch into the 1/4 cup of water until smooth to create a slurry. Set aside.
  3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  4. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until it is browned completely. Drain off any excess grease.
  5. Pour the prepared Bulgogi sauce over the cooked ground beef. Stir well to coat the meat.
  6. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the skillet. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute. Remove from heat.
  8. To assemble the bowls, divide the cooked rice among four bowls.
  9. Spoon the ground beef Bulgogi mixture over the rice in each bowl.
  10. Top each bowl with shredded carrots, sliced green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, you can marinate the ground beef in half of the sauce mixture for 15 minutes before cooking, though this is optional for ground meat.
  • Use thinly sliced onions or mushrooms when browning the beef for added texture.
  • Serve with a side of kimchi or quick-pickled cucumbers.

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