Beef Bulgogi Burgers

A delightful fusion of Korean and American culinary traditions, these Beef Bulgogi Burgers capture the savory flavors of bulgogi in a tender burger format, perfect for gatherings.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 10

Total Time 30

Servings: 5 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Korean

Calories: 425

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

For the Burger Patties

1.5 pounds 85% lean ground beef Juicy and flavorful, the star of our burger.
1 slice white or whole wheat sandwich bread Acts as a binder for creating a tender patty.
0.25 cup chopped scallions Adds fresh, green crunch and mild onion flavor.

For the Marinade

3 tablespoons soy sauce Adds depth of flavor to the beef.
1 tablespoon Asian/toasted sesame oil Enhances the burger's richness with nutty fragrance.
1.5 tablespoons dark brown sugar Provides a hint of sweetness.
0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes Adds a subtle heat.
0.25 teaspoon ground ginger Introduces warmth and earthiness.
2 cloves garlic, minced Infuses the mixture with fragrant punch.

For the Sauce

0.75 cup mayonnaise (best quality) Creamy base for our spicy sauce.
0.25 cup Asian chili sauce (such as Sambal Oelek) Gives a spicy kick.
0.25 teaspoon granulated sugar Enhances the sauce's flavor.

For Serving

5 pieces hamburger buns Soft and slightly toasted to cradle the burger.
Lettuce leaves for serving (optional) Crisp lettuce adds a refreshing crunch.

Method

Preparation

Preheat your grill to high heat.
In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, dark brown sugar, crushed red pepper flakes, ground ginger, minced garlic, and torn sandwich bread. Stir well and let sit for a few minutes.
Mash the mixture into a paste using a fork, achieving a uniform texture.
Add the ground beef and chopped scallions, mixing together until well combined.
Divide into five equal portions, shaping them into patties about ¾-inch thick.

Cooking

Place the patties on a lightly greased grill and cook until browned on one side, about 2 to 4 minutes. Flip and cook to your desired doneness.
Toast the hamburger buns on the cooler side of the grill if desired.

Assembly

Place a patty on the bottom half of each bun, top with lettuce leaves, and spread a layer of the spicy chili-mayonnaise. Finish with the top half of the bun.

Make the Spicy Sauce

In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, Asian chili sauce, and granulated sugar. Adjust the chili sauce based on your spice preference.

Notes

Experiment with toppings like sliced cucumbers or kimchi for an extra flavor. Taste the patty mixture before cooking to adjust seasoning. Use lean ground beef (85% to 90% lean) for the best results.