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Savory Korean Ground Beef Bulgogi Bowl Recipe with Easy Kimchi Pickles

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A quick and easy Korean-inspired ground beef bulgogi bowl topped with tangy quick kimchi and crunchy pickles, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80% lean preferred)
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups Napa cabbage, chopped
  • 2 tbsp Korean chili flakes (gochugaru) or mild chili flakes
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce or soy sauce (vegetarian option)
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (for kimchi)
  • 1 tsp grated ginger (for kimchi)
  • 1/2 cup scallions, chopped
  • 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sugar (for pickles)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional, for pickles)
  • 2 cups cooked white or brown rice (short grain preferred)
  • Sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • Fresh cilantro or extra green onions (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the quick kimchi: In a medium bowl, combine chopped Napa cabbage, Korean chili flakes, fish sauce (or soy sauce), sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and scallions. Toss well and press down to soften slightly. Let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
  2. Make the quick pickles: Thinly slice cucumber and place in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk rice vinegar, sugar, salt, and chili flakes until sugar dissolves. Pour over cucumbers, toss, and marinate for at least 15 minutes. Drain before serving.
  3. Cook the rice: Rinse 2 cups short grain rice under cold water until clear. Cook in rice cooker or simmer with 2 1/2 cups water covered for 15-18 minutes. Fluff and keep warm.
  4. Prepare the bulgogi beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browning, breaking up with spatula (about 5 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
  5. Add sauce ingredients: Add soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to beef. Stir and cook 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens and coats beef.
  6. Adjust seasoning: Taste and add more soy sauce or sugar if needed for balance.
  7. Assemble bowls: Spoon warm rice into bowls, top with bulgogi beef, add quick kimchi and pickles on the side. Garnish with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and cilantro if desired.

Notes

Use tamari instead of soy sauce for gluten-free. Let kimchi and pickles marinate while cooking beef to save time. Avoid overcrowding pan to brown beef properly. Use fresh garlic and ginger for best flavor. Drain excess fat but keep some for flavor. Can substitute ground turkey or tofu for variations.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean ground beef bulgogi, bulgogi bowl, quick kimchi, easy pickles, weeknight dinner, Korean comfort food

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/savory-korean-ground-beef-bulgogi-bowl-recipe-with-easy-kimchi-pickles/