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Easy Korean Ground Beef Bulgogi Noodle Bowl Recipe with Sesame Cucumber

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A quick and flavorful Korean-inspired noodle bowl featuring savory ground beef bulgogi and a refreshing sesame cucumber salad. Perfect for busy weeknights and packed with bold, comforting flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium optional)
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 8 oz (225 g) dry noodles (spaghetti or ramen-style wheat noodles)
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • Optional: sesame seeds for garnish
  • 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced (English cucumber preferred)
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions

  1. Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz (225 g) noodles and cook according to package instructions (7-9 minutes). Drain and toss with 1 tbsp vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the sesame cucumber salad: Thinly slice 1 large cucumber. In a bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tsp toasted sesame oil, and 1/4 tsp salt until sugar dissolves. Toss cucumbers in dressing, sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, and add a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Set aside to marinate.
  3. Make the bulgogi sauce and cook beef: In a small bowl, combine 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp grated ginger, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional). Heat skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 lb ground beef, and cook until browned (5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed. Pour bulgogi sauce over beef, stir to coat, and cook 2-3 more minutes until sauce thickens and beef is aromatic.
  4. Assemble the bowls: Divide noodles among bowls. Top with bulgogi ground beef and a generous spoonful of sesame cucumber salad. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Notes

If sauce is too salty, add a splash of water or a pinch of sugar to balance. Use fresh garlic and ginger for best aroma. Browning beef in batches prevents steaming and improves flavor. Keep cucumber salad separate when storing leftovers to maintain crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean, bulgogi, ground beef, noodle bowl, sesame cucumber, quick dinner, easy recipe, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://sparklechew.com/easy-korean-ground-beef-bulgogi-noodle-bowl-recipe-with-sesame-cucumber/