Description
The Bulgogi Kimchi Burger is a vibrant fusion recipe that combines the sweet and savory marinated beef reminiscent of Korean bulgogi with spicy, tangy kimchi and fresh crisp toppings, all served in a soft, toasted bun. This burger offers a delightful balance of bold Korean flavors and textures, perfect for an easy-to-make, flavorful meal that’s customizable to your taste and dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Meat and Marinade
- 1 lb ground beef or pork (80/20 blend)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Asian pear
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Pinch of black pepper
Main Fillings
- 1 cup kimchi, chopped
- 4 soft burger buns (brioche or potato preferred)
- 4 tbsp mayonnaise or spicy mayo
- 2 cups fresh lettuce leaves
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Bulgogi Marinade and Meat: Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated Asian pear, sesame oil, and a pinch of black pepper to create the bulgogi marinade. Mix thoroughly with the ground meat and marinate for at least 30 minutes to infuse the flavors deeply.
- Form and Cook Patties: Divide the marinated meat into 4 to 5-ounce even patties. Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat and cook patties for 3-4 minutes per side until caramelized and cooked through, ensuring juicy, flavorful results.
- Prepare Kimchi and Toppings: While patties cook, chop kimchi into manageable pieces. Wash and slice lettuce and cucumber to prepare crisp and fresh toppings.
- Toast Buns and Assemble: Lightly toast burger buns until golden brown. Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise or spicy mayo on the bottom bun, place the bulgogi patty on top, add a generous amount of kimchi, fresh vegetables, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, and cover with the top bun to finish.
Notes
- Marinate meat overnight for a deeper, richer flavor.
- Handle the meat gently when forming patties to keep them tender and juicy.
- Use fresh, lightly fermented kimchi for the perfect crunch and spice balance.
- Toast buns well to prevent sogginess when assembled with juicy patties.
- Balance bold kimchi flavors with fresh mild vegetables to avoid overpowering the burger.
- Store leftover patties and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Freeze patties individually on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag to maintain shape and prevent sticking.
- Reheat patties gently in a skillet or oven to retain juiciness and add fresh kimchi and buns when serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg