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Ground Beef Bulgogi quickly became my family's weeknight favorite. By using ground beef instead of traditional sliced meat, I can get those incredible Korean flavors on the table in just 20 minutes. The combination of sweet, savory sauce and perfectly runny egg yolk makes every bite satisfying.
Simple Yet Special
This simplified version captures all those classic bulgogi flavors while being incredibly quick to prepare. The rich sauce coats every bite of beef and when that soft egg yolk mixes in it creates the most amazing sauce for the rice.
What You'll Need
- Ground Beef: 1 pound of fresh, lean ground beef, at room temperature for even cooking.
- Bulgogi Sauce: A mix of soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic for a balance of sweetness and umami.
- Scallions: Finely chopped, for garnish and added freshness.
- Sesame Seeds: Toasted, for a nutty crunch.
- Eggs: Soft-boiled, cooled, and carefully peeled for a silky texture and rich flavor.
- Rice: Cooked and warm, to serve as the base for the dish.
Let's Cook
- Start with the Sauce
- Mix up that sauce until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Cook Your Beef
- Brown the meat breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
- Add Flavor
- Pour in that flavorful sauce and let everything simmer together.
- Perfect Those Eggs
- Get your eggs just right with that runny golden center.
- Build Your Bowl
- Layer everything over hot rice and watch that egg yolk create magic.
Egg Perfection
The key to those perfect eggs is timing and temperature. I always use slightly older eggs they peel so much easier. That ice bath right after cooking is crucial for keeping that yolk just right.
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Keep It Fresh
This bulgogi reheats beautifully for quick lunches throughout the week. Just store it separately from the rice and eggs. When you're ready to eat warm it gently to keep the meat tender.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make the sauce ahead?
Yes, the bulgogi sauce can be made up to a week ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Shake well before using.
- → How do I get perfectly soft boiled eggs?
Boil exactly 6 minutes, then immediately transfer to ice water bath. This ensures runny yolks and fully set whites.
- → What can I serve with this?
Serve over white rice with kimchi, pickled vegetables, or steamed vegetables on the side for a complete meal.
- → Can I use ground turkey?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted. The sauce adds plenty of flavor to any ground meat.
- → Is this very spicy?
This version is not spicy. Add gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) or sriracha if you want heat.
Conclusion
A quick and delicious Korean-inspired beef bowl that transforms traditional bulgogi into an easy weeknight meal. Ground beef is simmered in a sweet and savory sauce, creating a flavorful dish that can be prepared in just 25 minutes.