Korean bulgogi
Korean bulgogi made with ground meat is a quick, flavorful twist on the classic dish, where finely minced beef or pork is marinated in a sweet and savory blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and often pear or apple for tenderness. It's a popular home-style variation in Korean cuisine, prized for its speed and ability to absorb the rich marinade. This version is commonly used in rice bowls, lettuce wraps, or as a filling for dumplings.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in protein from the ground meat and moderate in fat, depending on the meat's leanness, with carbohydrates coming mainly from the marinade's sweeteners and any added vegetables. It provides key nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins, with a typical serving (about 1 cup) ranging from 300 to 400 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbs | 15 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 10 g |
| Sodium | 850 mg |
| Iron | 4.5 mg |
| Zinc | 7.0 mg |
| Potassium | 480 mg |
| Phosphorus | 280 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 3.5 mcg |
| Niacin (B3) | 8.0 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.6 mg |
| Selenium | 30 mcg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, this ground meat adaptation reflects the practicality of Korean home cooking, making a traditionally sliced meat dish more accessible for everyday meals. Nutritionally, using ground meat can make the protein more evenly distributed and easier to digest, while the marinade's enzymes from fruits like pear help tenderize the meat naturally.
