Ground Beef Bulgogi Bowls

These Korean-inspired rice bowls feature ground beef seasoned with the savory, sweet flavors of bulgogi. Ground beef bulgogi is a quick-cooking stovetop meal for busy weeknights, and one of my family's all-time favorites!

Course Main Course

Cuisine Korean, Korean American

Keyword Beef and Rice Bowls, Beef Bulgogi, Ground Beef, Ground Beef Bulgogi, Korean Recipes, Korean Rice Bowl

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 20

Total Time 25

Servings servings

Calories 262kcal

Author Cara Harbstreet

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef
1/2 yellow onion diced, about 1 cup
4 cloves garlic minced, about 1 1/2 tbsp
2-4 medium green onions sliced, whites and greens separated
steamed white rice for serving

Bulgogi-Inspired Sauce

1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
3 tbsp brown sugar
1 1/2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp minced ginger or ginger paste
1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
1/4 tsp MSG (monosidum glutamate) optional
1/8 to 1/4 tsp pepper of your choice (black pepper, white pepper, or gochugaru) optional

Instructions

Cook the white rice according to package directions using your preferred method (stovetop, rice cooker, etc).
Start with fresh or thawed ground beef. Measure the sauce ingredients and whisk them together in a small jar or measuring cup until the brown sugar is dissolved.
Dice the yellow onion and slice the green onions. Separate the white ends from the green stalks, as you'll reserve those for a garnish later.
Heat a large skillet over medium to medium high heat. Add a small amount of cooking oil of your choice (if needed), then sauté the onions. After 3-4 minutes, the onions should appear translucent. Add the garlic and whites of the green onions and cook for another 30 seconds. Stir frequently to avoid scorching.
Add the ground beef and brown for 8-9 minutes, or until no pink remains and the beef is fully cooked.
Pour in the sauce and reduce the heat slightly. The sauce should come to a low simmer and thicken as the sugar starts to caramelize. Stir to ensure all of the ground beef mixture is well-coated and seasoned.
After 2-3 minutes, remove from heat, transfer to a serving bowl, and enjoy on top of cooked white rice along with other side dishes or toppings of your choice.

Nutrition