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Quick Korean Ground Beef Bulgogi Bowls Recipe Easy Weeknight Dinner Idea

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A quick and easy Korean-inspired ground beef bulgogi bowl recipe perfect for busy weeknights, featuring bold flavors and simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
  • 2 tbsp (25 g) brown sugar
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) grated ginger
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 4 cups (about 800 g) cooked white or brown rice (jasmine or short grain recommended)
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
  • Vegetables for topping (optional): quick pickled cucumbers, shredded carrots, steamed broccoli

Instructions

  1. Cook the rice: Rinse 2 cups (400 g) of rice under cold water until it runs clear. Add to rice cooker or pot with 4 cups (960 ml) water. Cook according to package instructions (about 15-20 minutes). Fluff with a fork once done and keep warm.
  2. Mix the bulgogi sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, toasted sesame oil, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes if using. Taste and adjust sweetness or salt as needed.
  3. Cook the ground beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Add the sauce: Pour the bulgogi sauce over the beef and stir to combine. Reduce heat to medium and cook for another 3-4 minutes, letting the sauce thicken and coat the meat.
  5. Prepare toppings: Slice green onions thinly. Optionally prepare quick pickled cucumbers by tossing thin cucumber slices in rice vinegar and a pinch of sugar for 10 minutes.
  6. Assemble the bowls: Divide cooked rice among 4 bowls. Top with bulgogi beef, sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds, and add any optional veggies or pickles.
  7. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it. Avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking beef to get a nice sear. Use fresh garlic and ginger for best flavor. Drain excess fat from beef to prevent greasiness. Adjust seasoning after cooking to taste. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari. Ground turkey or chicken can be used as alternatives. For a vegan version, use crumbled tofu or tempeh.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean, bulgogi, ground beef, quick dinner, weeknight meal, easy recipe, bulgogi bowls, sesame oil, soy sauce

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/quick-korean-ground-beef-bulgogi-bowls-recipe-easy-weeknight-dinner-idea/