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; White rice, cooked (for serving)

Bymia larkspur March 25, 2026March 25, 2026

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Introduction

Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi is a quick twist on the classic Korean dish, perfect for busy weeknights. This savory and slightly sweet recipe combines tender ground beef with a flavorful homemade sauce, served over steamed rice and topped with a soft-boiled egg.

The image shows a white bowl filled with three main layers: on the left side, there is cooked ground beef mixed with small pieces of cooked onions, topped with white sesame seeds and small green onion slices. On the right side of the bowl, there is a portion of white rice with small bits of green onion sprinkled on top. In the bottom right corner of the bowl, two halves of a soft-boiled egg with bright yellow, slightly runny yolks are placed, adding a rich contrast to the dish. The bowl is placed on a folded gray cloth, all on a white marbled texture surface, with a silver fork nearby. 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
White rice, cooked, for serving

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: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned but still slightly pink, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Pour the bulgogi sauce over the browned beef and onion. Stir to combine, then let the mixture simmer for 6 to 10 minutes until the beef is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Step 4: Meanwhile, prepare your cooked white rice and soft boiled eggs if not already done.
Step 5: To serve, divide the cooked rice into four bowls. Evenly distribute the bulgogi beef mixture over the rice. Top each serving with diced scallions, sesame seeds, and a soft boiled egg.
Step 6: Serve warm and enjoy this flavorful and comforting meal.

Tips & Variations

For extra depth, marinate the ground beef in the bulgogi sauce for 15 minutes before cooking.
Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of gochujang for some heat.
Serve with steamed vegetables like bok choy or spinach for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover bulgogi beef and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Soft boiled eggs are best consumed fresh but can be refrigerated unpeeled for up to 2 days.

How to Serve

A white bowl on a white marbled surface holds three main parts: on the left, a big pile of brown cooked ground beef mixed with small pieces of onion, sprinkled with white sesame seeds and chopped green onions; on the right, a portion of white steamed rice with a few bits of green onion on top; and near the bottom right side of the rice, two halves of a soft-boiled egg with white outer layer and bright yellow yolk slightly oozing out. The bowl is placed on a grey cloth, and a silver fork is set to the right side of the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular vinegar instead of rice wine vinegar?

While rice wine vinegar adds a mild, slightly sweet flavor, you can substitute with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar in a pinch, though the taste may be a bit sharper.

How do I make perfect soft boiled eggs?

Bring water to a gentle boil, add eggs carefully, and cook for 6 to 7 minutes. Immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking, then peel gently for soft, slightly runny yolks.