Korean Ground Beef Recipe
Introduction
Korean Ground Beef, often called “Bulgogi Ground Beef,” offers a quick and convenient way to enjoy the beloved flavors of Korean BBQ. This dish, inspired by the traditional Bulgogi (thinly sliced marinated beef), uses readily available ground beef, making it a weeknight staple for many. Its sweet, savory, and slightly garlicky profile has made it a popular choice worldwide.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef (lean or regular) 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred) 2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark) 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon minced garlic 1 teaspoon grated ginger 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste, optional, for heat) 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional, for brightness) Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish Chopped green onions, for garnish Possible Substitutions: Coconut aminos can replace soy sauce for a gluten-free option. Honey or maple syrup can substitute for brown sugar. Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) can be used in place of gochujang.
Preparation Steps
Before cooking, ensure all ingredients are readily available and measured. Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, gochujang (if using), and rice vinegar (if using) in a bowl. This is the marinade. Divide the ground beef into smaller portions to ensure even cooking and prevent clumping. No marinating is required, allowing for a quick cooking process. This is a quick recipe, so prepare your side dishes while the beef is cooking for maximum efficiency.
Cooking Instructions
1. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. 2. Add the ground beef to the hot skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. 3. Cook the ground beef, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and no longer pink. This typically takes 5-7 minutes. 4. Drain any excess grease from the skillet. 5. Pour the prepared marinade over the cooked ground beef. 6. Reduce the heat to medium. 7. Simmer, stirring frequently, until the sauce has thickened and is coating the beef evenly. This usually takes 3-5 minutes. Avoid overcooking, which can dry out the beef. The sauce should be glossy and reduced.
Serving Suggestions
Korean Ground Beef is incredibly versatile. Serve it over rice (white or brown) for a classic presentation. It’s also delicious in lettuce wraps with kimchi and sriracha. Consider topping it with a fried egg for extra richness. Traditional accompaniments include kimchi, pickled vegetables (such as cucumbers or radishes), and a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or spinach. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.
Tips and Common Mistakes
Tip: Do not overcrowd the pan. Cooking in batches ensures the beef browns properly. Tip: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more brown sugar for sweetness, soy sauce for saltiness, or gochujang for heat. Mistake: Overcooking the beef leads to dryness. Cook only until the sauce thickens. Mistake: Using too much soy sauce makes the dish overly salty. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce. Mistake: Not draining the excess grease results in a greasy final product. * Ground beef continues to cook even after being removed from heat, so be sure not to cook the beef for too long or at too high of a temperature.
Explore More Cooking Guides
Learning this Korean Ground Beef recipe unlocks a world of flavor and convenience. Its sweet, savory, and adaptable nature makes it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Experiment with different variations to personalize the dish to individual preferences. It can be used as a base for tacos, sliders, or even loaded fries. Try this quick and easy weeknight meal and discover its appeal! Explore more delectable and simple-to-follow cooking guides at foodrecipestory.com.
