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Flavorful Korean Bulgogi Burger Recipe with Easy Spicy Kimchi Slaw

Korean bulgogi burger - featured image

A delicious Korean-inspired bulgogi burger featuring a sweet and savory marinade paired with a crunchy, spicy kimchi slaw. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for juiciness)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 2 green onions, finely sliced
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup kimchi, chopped
  • 1 cup shredded cabbage (green or napa)
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon gochujang
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)
  • 4 burger buns (soft brioche or potato buns)
  • Butter for toasting buns

Instructions

  1. Make the Bulgogi Marinade: In a large bowl, combine 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and black pepper. Whisk until sugar dissolves and mixture looks glossy (about 2 minutes).
  2. Form the Burger Patties: Add 1 pound ground beef and sliced green onions to the marinade. Gently mix with hands until combined. Divide into 4 equal portions and shape each into a patty about ¾ inch thick (5 minutes).
  3. Prepare the Kimchi Slaw: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon gochujang, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Toss in chopped kimchi and shredded cabbage until coated. Let sit while cooking burgers (5 minutes).
  4. Cook the Burgers: Heat a cast iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil if needed. Cook patties 4–5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through (internal temp 160°F). Avoid flipping more than once (10 minutes).
  5. Toast the Buns: While burgers rest for 5 minutes, butter insides of buns and toast in a clean skillet over medium heat until golden and crispy, about 2 minutes per side.
  6. Assemble the Burgers: Place bulgogi patty on bottom bun, top with a generous scoop of kimchi slaw, then cover with top bun.

Notes

Marinate the meat for at least 10 minutes for best flavor. Use a cast iron skillet for a perfect crust. Avoid overcrowding the pan and pressing patties while cooking to keep them juicy. Adjust gochujang in slaw to control spice level. Rest burgers after cooking to retain juices. Store kimchi slaw separately to prevent buns from getting soggy.

Nutrition

Keywords: bulgogi burger, Korean burger, kimchi slaw, spicy slaw, Korean barbecue, easy burger recipe, weeknight dinner, Korean street food