Dinner

Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi Recipe

Name: Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: ¼ cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon brown sugar, plus 2 teaspoons; 2 teaspoons sesame oil; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh garlic, minced; 1 pound ground beef; ½ small yellow onion, diced; 1 tablespoon scallion, diced; 1 teaspoon sesame seeds; 4 large soft boiled eggs

ByJeannette Jaeger January 11, 2026January 11, 2026

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Introduction

Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi is a flavorful and comforting Korean-inspired dish that comes together quickly on the stovetop. Packed with savory, sweet, and aromatic notes, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

A white bowl holds three main parts: on the left, a large portion of cooked ground beef mixed with small bits of cooked onion, dark brown with a slightly glossy texture; to the right, a fluffy mound of white rice with scattered green onion pieces; in front, two halves of a soft-boiled egg with firm white edges and bright, runny golden yolks sprinkled with black pepper. The bowl sits on a folded gray cloth on a white marbled surface, with part of a silver spoon visible at the right edge and a small container of light-colored sauce blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

¼ cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar, plus 2 teaspoons
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
1 teaspoon fresh garlic, minced
1 pound ground beef
½ small yellow onion, diced
1 tablespoon scallion, diced
1 teaspoon sesame seeds
4 large soft boiled eggs

Instructions

Step 1: Make the bulgogi sauce by mixing the soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, sesame oil, minced ginger, and minced garlic in a medium bowl. Stir well to combine and set aside.
Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned but still slightly pink, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Add the bulgogi sauce to the skillet with the ground beef. Stir to mix well and let it simmer for 6 to 10 minutes to allow flavors to develop. Remove from heat once done.
Step 4: Divide the bulgogi mixture evenly among four bowls. Top each bowl with diced scallions, sesame seeds, and a soft boiled egg.
Step 5: Serve immediately, ideally over steamed rice for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

For extra depth, add a pinch of chili flakes or a little gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the sauce for mild heat.
Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to beef.
Soft boil eggs ahead by placing them in boiling water for 6-7 minutes, then cool in ice water to stop cooking.

Storage

Store leftover ground beef bulgogi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. For best texture, add fresh scallions and a soft boiled egg after reheating.

How to Serve

In a white bowl on a white marbled surface, there is a dish with three parts: on the left side, there is a large portion of dark brown cooked ground meat mixed with small pieces of onions, sprinkled with green chopped herbs and white sesame seeds; on the right side, there is a scoop of steamed white rice with a few green herb bits; placed next to the rice are two halves of a soft-boiled egg with firm white outer layers and bright yellow-orange runny yolks. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken work well as substitutes if you prefer a leaner option. Adjust cooking times as needed until fully cooked.

How do I make the soft boiled eggs?

Place eggs in boiling water for 6 to 7 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath to cool and stop cooking. This results in a slightly runny yolk perfect for bulgogi bowls.