This recipe for Bulgogi Burgers is inspired by the flavors of Korea and features tender marinated bulgogi beef, gochujang red pepper sauce, fresh sliced cucumber and tangy kimchi sandwiched in between burger buns.
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What is bulgogi?
Bulgogi is a Korean thinly sliced marinated meat that is grilled or barbequed.
It literally means "fire meat," where bul means "fire" and gogi refers to "meat."
Beef is typically used and is marinated in a mixture of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil and brown sugar, however pork bulgogi is another variation.
Why you'll love this recipe
A great way to use leftovers: turn leftover Korean beef bulgogi into a delicious sandwich.
Easy to make: just reheat the beef bulgogi, assemble and you've got lunch or dinner made.
Flavorful: the combination of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy gochujang sauce coupled with the tang from the kimchi makes this burger irresistible.
Ingredients you'll need
- Korean beef bulgogi: you can use leftovers, or see the option below to make it with ground beef
- lettuce/mixed greens/leafy greens
- gochujang: Korean red chili pepper sauce
- sesame oil: toasted, for aroma and flavor
- granulated sugar: adds a touch of sweetness to the sauce
- cucumber: sliced
- kimchi: a Korean side vegetable dish of fermented cabbage flavored with gochugaru (red chili powder), green onions, garlic and anchovy/shrimp paste.
- hamburger buns: you can use also use toasted brioche buns, or milk bread buns
You can find these ingredients at your local Korean grocery store or Asian supermarket.
How to make bulgogi burgers
Make the gochujang sauce:
In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoon gochujang with 1 teaspoon sesame oil and 1 teaspoon granulated sugar.
Mix well and set aside.
Warm the bulgogi beef:
In a frying pan over medium heat, add in the Korean beef bulgogi and cook for 1-2 minutes, until heated through.
Assemble:
Lightly toast the hamburger buns.
Build the burger by adding a tablespoon of gochujang to one half of the bun, then add lettuce/mixed greens, bulgogi beef, cucumber and kimchi.
Replace with the top half of the bun and serve immediately.
Alternative method
Instead of thinly sliced beef bulgogi, you can use form burger patties using hamburger meat/ground beef and use a bulgogi marinade to flavor them.
Form into large patties and cook over a griddle.
What to pair bulgogi burgers with
Serve the Korean Bulgogi Burger with extra kimchi, potato chips, fries, pajeon (fritters), tater tots, bean sprout salad, cucumber salad, or crispy tofu.
How to store
Store any assembled Korean bulgogi burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day.
However, it's best to keep the components in separate storage containers and assemble just prior to serving.
Other Korean recipes you may like
Korean Loaded Fries With Bulgogi Beef & Kimchi
Korean Spicy Pork Bulgogi (Jeyuk Bokkeum)
Pillowy Soft Korean Sausage Bread
Korean Seaweed Rice Snacks (Bugak)
Let me know if you try out this recipe -- tag me on Instagram @siftandsimmer or leave me a comment/rating below!
Bulgogi Burgers
For accuracy and precision in baking recipes, use weight (metric) measurements when available.
Ingredients
- 8 oz Korean beef bulgogi
- 3-4 leaves lettuce
- 2 tablespoon gochujang
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- few slices cucumber
- 2 tablespoon kimchi
- 2 hamburger buns
Instructions
Make the gochujang sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoon gochujang with 1 teaspoon sesame oil and 1 teaspoon granulated sugar.
- Mix well and set aside.
Warm the bulgogi beef:
- In a frying pan over medium heat, add in the Korean beef bulgogi and cook for 1-2 minutes, until heated through.
Assemble:
- Lightly toast the hamburger buns.
- Build the burger by adding a tablespoon of gochujang to one half of the bun, then add lettuce/mixed greens, bulgogi beef, cucumber and kimchi.
- Replace with the top half of the bun and serve immediately.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided should be considered as approximate and is not guaranteed. Please use your best judgment to ensure food is safely prepared and/or a good fit for your diet.
David @ Spiced
I've never met a burger I didn't like, and this Bulgogi Burger would certainly be well received here. I love the twist on the flavor profile, and I'm pretty sure I need to see this show up here. I'd love to try the grilled version sometime this summer!
Dawn
These bulgogi burgers look like a must-try!! They sound and look so tasty, and I especially love the kimchi (I could (and have) eaten kimchi straight out of the jar). Perfect way to mix up our next burger night. 🙂
Tasia
This bulgogi burger looks perfect for summer entertaining! Can't wait to try it!
Raymund | angsarap.net
Bulgogi burgers sound absolutely delicious! I love the idea of using the flavorful Korean beef bulgogi as a filling for a sandwich. The combination of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors from the gochujang sauce and the tanginess of kimchi must create an irresistible burger experience.