Ingredients
Bulgogi Ground Beef
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 3 cloves fresh garlic (grated using a microplane)
- 2 tsp fresh ginger (grated using a microplane)
- 1 tbsp yellow onion (grated using a microplane)
- 1/2 small red apple (grated using a microplane)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 tsp mirin
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (finely ground)
Gochujang Ramen Sauce & Toppings
- 9 oz ramen noodles
- 2-3 tbsp gochujang (depending on heat preference)
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 3 tbsp mirin
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 garlic cloves (grated using a microplane)
- 3 green onions (sliced thin)
- white sesame seeds (toasted)
- fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Bulgogi Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, grated apple, grated onion, mirin, garlic, ginger, toasted sesame oil, and black pepper until well combined. Set aside.
- Cook Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add avocado oil. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula into small pieces. Cook until fully browned, about 6-8 minutes, draining any excess fat if necessary.
- Simmer Beef with Sauce: Pour the bulgogi sauce over the cooked ground beef in the skillet. Stir well and allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes so the sauce mostly evaporates and the beef slightly caramelizes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make Gochujang Sauce: In another small bowl, whisk together gochujang, toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, mirin, grated garlic, and brown sugar. Set aside.
- Cook Ramen Noodles: Prepare ramen noodles according to the package instructions, usually boiling for 3-4 minutes until tender. Drain thoroughly.
- Toss Noodles with Sauce: Transfer the drained noodles to a large bowl and toss with the prepared gochujang sauce until noodles are evenly coated.
- Assemble and Garnish: Top the sauced noodles with the bulgogi ground beef. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions, toasted white sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro leaves. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of gochujang to make the ramen milder or spicier to your taste.
- Grating the apple and onion with a microplane adds subtle sweetness and moisture to the beef, enhancing its flavor.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and ramen noodles.
- For extra texture, consider adding steamed or sautéed vegetables like bok choy or spinach as a topping.
- The bulgogi beef can be cooked ahead of time and gently reheated before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean