Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Cooked rice, for serving
For those who prefer a vegetarian option, you can substitute the ground beef with crumbled tofu or a meatless ground alternative. The soy sauce can be swapped for tamari to make this dish gluten-free, without losing any of its rich, savory flavor.
Instructions
- Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sesame oil, allowing it to warm and release its nutty aroma, reminiscent of the rich scents that filled my mum’s kitchen.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring frequently until fragrant, about 1 minute. This is where the magic begins, as the kitchen fills with a familiar warmth that signals something delicious is on its way.
- Increase the heat slightly and add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon — a must-have kitchen tool in my home. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, brown sugar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Pour this mixture over the beef, stirring to coat evenly.
- Let the beef simmer in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully, much like the layers of a well-told story.
- Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the sliced green onions and sesame seeds, giving the dish a fresh, vibrant finish.
- Serve the bulgogi over a bed of warm rice, ready to be savored.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
