If you’re looking for a show-stopping burger that goes above and beyond the usual backyard fare, let me introduce you to Beef Bulgogi Burgers. This recipe takes the rich, savory-sweet flavors of classic Korean bulgogi and layers them with juicy beef, spicy mayo, and crunchy kimchi, all tucked into a fluffy bun. Each bite is bursting with personality — think smoky, tangy, spicy, and umami, all at once. It’s comfort food with a twist, and every element comes together to create a burger you’ll crave again and again.

Beef Bulgogi Burgers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these Beef Bulgogi Burgers is how each ingredient plays an important role in shaping their incredible depth and balance. Simplicity rules here, but every spoonful and sprinkle is essential to the flavor symphony you’ll experience.

Ground Beef: Choose 80/20 for juicy, tender patties that pack in all those bulgogi flavors.
Soy Sauce: Saltiness and umami come together to give the beef its signature depth.
Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness that balances the soy and brings out the caramel notes when grilling.
Sesame Oil: Just a splash gives a deep, nutty aroma that screams Korean cuisine.
Garlic (minced): Freshness and savory kick in every bite.
Fresh Ginger (grated): Bright, zesty heat that awakens the whole burger.
Green Onions (finely chopped): Mild oniony crunch with a pop of color and freshness.
Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and rounds the other flavors.
Burger Buns: Soft and study enough to hold all the burger magic.
Cheddar Cheese (optional): Melts luxuriously over the hot patty for a Western twist.
Kimchi: Tangy, spicy, crunchy — this Korean staple brings layers of flavor and excitement.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base for the burger’s spicy mayo sauce.
Gochujang (Korean chili paste): Complex, deep heat with a little sweetness.
Rice Vinegar: Cuts through richness and helps the spicy mayo pop.
Lettuce Leaves: Crisp freshness and a touch of green for crunch and color.
Sliced Cucumber: Cool, juicy, and refreshing alongside all the umami spice.

How to Make Beef Bulgogi Burgers

Step 1: Mix Up the Bulgogi Beef

Start by adding the ground beef, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, green onions, and black pepper into a large bowl. Gently use your hands or a fork to combine everything until it’s just mixed; be careful not to overwork the beef, as this creates a tender texture and helps lock in all the aromatics and marinade ingredients. You want every bite to hum with sweet, savory, and nutty flavors reminiscent of bulgogi!

Step 2: Form and Shape the Patties

Divide the seasoned beef mixture into four equal portions. Shape each portion into patties about the size of your burger buns, pressing a subtle indent in the center with your thumb to promote even cooking — trust me, this little trick prevents your patties from puffing up in the middle. Set your patties aside while you get your grill or skillet hot.

Step 3: Grill or Pan-Fry to Juicy Perfection

Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat and give it a light coating of oil to prevent sticking. Cook your patties for around 4 to 5 minutes on each side, flipping just once for the best sear and juiciness. If you want cheesy Beef Bulgogi Burgers, add cheddar slices during the last minute of cooking and cover to melt.

Step 4: Whip Up Spicy Gochujang Mayo

In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise, gochujang, and rice vinegar until smooth. This spicy mayo is magical—creamy, punchy, and with just the right kick to complement the sweet-savory bulgogi beef.

Step 5: Toast and Assemble Your Burger Stack

Quickly toast the burger buns on the grill or in a hot, dry skillet. To assemble, spread a generous layer of spicy mayo on each bun. Start with crisp lettuce, add your bulgogi patty, crown it with a tangle of tangy kimchi, and finish with cool cucumber slices. Top with the other bun and serve immediately for a burger you’ll want to shout about!

How to Serve Beef Bulgogi Burgers

Garnishes

When it comes to garnishing Beef Bulgogi Burgers, simplicity speaks volumes. A sprinkle of extra chopped green onions or a scattering of toasted sesame seeds can add a pop of color and a hint of crunch. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, thinly sliced radishes or a drizzle of toasted sesame oil can give an added Korean flair.

Side Dishes

Balance the bold flavors of the burgers with equally exciting sides. Sweet potato fries with a sprinkling of sea salt or even classic Korean pickles (like oi muchim — spicy cucumber salad) play beautifully with the punchy, sweet-savory notes of the dish. A crisp, simple Asian slaw tossed with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and scallions is another winning companion.

Creative Ways to Present

Unleash your creativity by serving your Beef Bulgogi Burgers slider-style on mini buns for parties, or deconstruct them in a bowl with rice and all the classic toppings for a fun bulgogi burger bowl. You could even wrap the patty and toppings in large lettuce leaves for a low-carb, Korean-style “ssam” experience. No matter your approach, these burgers shine every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Beef Bulgogi Burgers, simply let the patties cool to room temperature, then wrap them tightly or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to three days, ready for another meal or a midnight snack.

Freezing

You can freeze uncooked bulgogi beef patties for up to three months — just layer wax paper between each patty to prevent sticking, then tuck them into a freezer bag or container. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge before cooking as usual, for a delicious meal in minutes.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the patties gently in a skillet over medium heat (they reheat beautifully on low so they don’t dry out) or microwave them in short bursts, covered with a damp paper towel. Add fresh toppings and toasted buns to recapture all the excitement of your first taste.

FAQs

Can I use a different meat for Beef Bulgogi Burgers?

Absolutely! You can swap in ground pork or chicken for beef if you want to change things up. Each option will bring its own flavor profile, but thanks to the bulgogi marinade, they’ll still pack a huge punch of flavor.

Is the spicy mayo really spicy?

The gochujang mayo offers a gentle heat that most people find pleasant, not overpowering. Feel free to adjust the amount of gochujang to better suit your own spice preference — you’re in the driver’s seat!

What if I don’t have kimchi?

If you’re all out of kimchi or prefer a milder option, try topping your burger with pickled cucumbers, slaw, or even quick-pickled onions for that tangy, crunchy bite.

How do I make these burgers dairy-free?

Simply leave out the cheese or use your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative. All the main flavors of Beef Bulgogi Burgers will still come through deliciously without it.

Can the patties be cooked ahead of time for a party?

Definitely! You can cook the patties in advance, then gently reheat them before assembling the burgers. This trick lets you serve a crowd quickly while keeping every Beef Bulgogi Burger juicy and satisfying.

Final Thoughts

Bringing together bold Korean flavors and comfort-food classics, Beef Bulgogi Burgers are an unforgettable treat for burger lovers and adventurous eaters alike. Try them out at your next cookout or weeknight dinner — you might just find yourself with a new favorite!

Beef Bulgogi Burgers Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 11 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 burgers 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Beef Bulgogi Burgers are a fusion twist on a classic burger, featuring Korean flavors like soy sauce, sesame oil, and gochujang. The juicy beef patties are topped with spicy mayo, kimchi, and fresh cucumber slices for a deliciously unique taste experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Patties:

1 pound ground beef
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
2 green onions, finely chopped
1 teaspoon black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

4 burger buns
4 slices cheddar cheese (optional)
1 cup kimchi
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Lettuce leaves
Sliced cucumber

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Instructions

Prepare Beef Patties: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, green onions, and black pepper. Form into 4 patties.
Cook Patties: Cook the patties on a grill or skillet for 4-5 minutes per side. Top with cheddar cheese if desired.
Make Spicy Mayo: Mix mayonnaise, gochujang, and rice vinegar in a bowl.
Assemble Burgers: Spread spicy mayo on buns, add lettuce, place patty, kimchi, and cucumber. Top with the bun.