Black Garlic Bulgogi Burgers

Bulgogi, which translates to “fire meat,” is a centuries-old Korean tradition. It takes thinly-sliced beef or pork that is marinated and cooked using traditional grilling techniques to sear and caramelize the meat. The complex marinade balances five key flavors – salty, sweet, spicy, sour, and bitter – and is made with a rich combination of ingredients. Bulgogi is typically wrapped in fresh, crisp lettuce leaves and served with steamed rice and gochujang.

We’ve imparted the flavors of this Korean tradition into our Black Garlic Bulgogi Burgers. Made with the Curious Spoon Black Garlic Bulgogi Seasoning – a custom blend of two types of sugars, soy sauce, sesame seeds, scallions, and black garlic – this recipe packs the sweet umami flavor typical of Korean barbeque into mouth-watering grilled burgers. For even more bulgogi-inspired flavor, we recommend topping the burgers with kimchi!

Curious Spoon Culinary Team
Difficulty:
Easy
Prep Time:
3 hours 5 minutes
Cook Time:
10 minutes
Total Time:
2 minutes

Ingredients

Yield 4

• 1 lb. ground Chunk
• 4 tbsp. Curious Spoon Black Garlic Bulgogi, divided
• 1 tbsp. Vegetable Oil
• 1-1/2 tsp. Kosher Salt
• 1/2 tsp. ground White Pepper
• 4 Hamburger Buns

Optional Garnishes
• 1 cup Kimchi

From the Kitchen

  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Gar or charcoal grill

Notes from the Chef:

For more flavorful burgers, let the ground chuck sit overnight to better incorporate the seasoning!

Make it a meal:
Serve with Black Garlic Bulgogi seasoned fries or chips for more umami flavor!
Pairs well with:
Pairs well with a crisp and refreshing beer, such as a lager
Directions:
  1. 1

    Prep all ingredients.

  2. 2

    Combine ground chuck and 3 tbsp. of Curious Spoon Black Garlic Bulgogi Seasoning in bowl and mix well. Place in refrigerator for at least 3 hours.

  3. 3

    Form bulgogi black garlic seasoned ground chuck into 4 thick patties. Season burgers on both sides with salt and pepper.

  4. 4

    Preheat charcoal or gas grill to medium heat. Brush vegetable oil over grill grates to prevent burgers from sticking. Grill patties to preferred doneness, about 10 minutes for medium rare.

  5. 5

    Remove from heat and sprinkle remaining 1 tbsp. of Curious Spoon Black Garlic Bulgogi Seasoning over burgers.

  6. 6

    Serve burgers on toasted hamburger buns and top with Kimchi or your favorite condiments.