Name: Korean Beef Bulgogi
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs ribeye or sirloin steak, thinly sliced against the grain; 6 tbsp soy sauce; 3 tbsp brown sugar; 2 tbsp sesame oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated; 1/2 Asian pear or red apple, grated; 2 tbsp mirin (optional); 1 tbsp gochujang (optional, for spice); 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp finely chopped green onions; 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds; 1 tbsp neutral oil (for cooking); 1 small onion, thinly sliced; 1 carrot, julienned; 1 cup mushrooms (shiitake or white button), sliced; 2 tbsp honey butter (1 tbsp melted butter + 1 tbsp honey, mixed); Cooked rice, for serving; Lettuce leaves or perilla leaves, for wrapping; Extra sesame seeds and sliced green onions, for garnish

Jump to Recipe

Korean Beef Bulgogi is a beloved dish that bursts with flavor and tenderness, making it a quintessential part of Korean cuisine. When I first tried my hand at making this dish, I discovered not just a meal, but an experience rooted in culinary tradition. The secret? It’s all about marinating thinly sliced beef to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture, infused with the rich taste of soy sauce, a hint of sweetness from brown sugar, and a touch of umami from sesame oil. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, Bulgogi never fails to impress, transporting you straight to Korea with every savory bite.

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

What sets this Korean Beef Bulgogi recipe apart is its incredible speed and simplicity. You can whip up a satisfying meal in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Not only is it budget-friendly, but it’s also a sure hit with both kids and adults alike, thanks to its sweet and savory profile. The flexibility of the dish allows you to customize it with your favorite vegetables or even adjust the spice level to your liking.

“The flavors were incredible! It felt like I was dining at my favorite Korean restaurant right at home. The beef was tender, and the honey butter drizzle took it to the next level!” — A satisfied home chef.

How to Prepare This Recipe

Getting ready to cook Korean Beef Bulgogi is straightforward and rewarding. You’ll start by marinating the beef to develop those exquisite flavors, then quickly cook it in a hot pan for that perfect caramelization. Here’s the flow: marinate the beef, sauté the vegetables, cook the beef, and enjoy! This efficient process ensures that every step is simple, making it ideal for cooks of all skill levels.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this recipe shine, gather these essentials:

1.5 lbs ribeye or sirloin steak, thinly sliced against the grain
6 tbsp soy sauce
3 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp sesame oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
1/2 Asian pear or red apple, grated
2 tbsp mirin (optional)
1 tbsp gochujang (optional, for spice)
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp finely chopped green onions
1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
1 tbsp neutral oil (for cooking)
1 small onion, thinly sliced
1 carrot, julienned
1 cup mushrooms (shiitake or white button), sliced
2 tbsp honey butter (1 tbsp melted butter + 1 tbsp honey, mixed)
Cooked rice, for serving
Lettuce leaves or perilla leaves, for wrapping
Extra sesame seeds and sliced green onions, for garnish

Feel free to substitute ingredients as needed. For instance, if you can’t find Asian pear, a regular pear or even a red apple will add a nice sweetness.

Step-by-Step Directions

Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, grated Asian pear or apple, mirin, gochujang, and black pepper. Mix well, then add the beef slices. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours for deeper flavor.
Prepare the Pan: Heat a grill pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp of neutral oil.
Cook the Beef: Add the marinated beef in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, allowing it to caramelize beautifully.
Sauté the Veggies: Toss in the sliced onions, julienned carrots, and mushrooms in between beef batches until they’re tender.
Finish with Honey Butter: Just before taking the beef off the heat, drizzle with the prepared honey butter and toss quickly to coat.
Serve: Remove from the heat and garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds.

Best Way to Serve

Korean Beef Bulgogi is best enjoyed hot, alongside a bowl of steaming rice. For an authentic experience, use lettuce or perilla leaves to wrap the beef with some sautéed veggies and a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top. You can serve it with traditional Korean banchan (side dishes), like kimchi or pickled radish, to balance the meal. It’s also delightful with a side of steamed broccoli or a refreshing cucumber salad.

Storage Tips

To store any leftovers, allow the Bulgogi to cool completely, then place it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked beef for up to two months. When reheating, ensure it’s heated thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.

Expert Advice

For the best results, it’s crucial to slice the beef against the grain; this yields a more tender bite. Also, marinating the beef for longer enhances the depth of flavor. If you’re short on time, even a 30-minute marinade can significantly improve taste! Lastly, don’t skip the honey butter drizzle; it adds a wonderful sweetness and glossy finish that elevates the dish tremendously.

Creative Twists

Feel free to experiment with flavors! You can add some extra heat by tossing in sliced jalapeños or using spicy gochujang. For a vegetarian twist, mimic the flavors with tofu or portobello mushrooms marinated in the same sauce. You can also try different fruits in the marinade—pineapple can add a delicious zing!

FAQ

Q: How long does it take to prepare?
A: The preparation time is approximately 10 minutes, with an additional 30 minutes for marinating.

Q: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A: Yes, while ribeye or sirloin is recommended for tenderness, flank steak also works well.

Q: Is it possible to make this dish spicy?
A: Absolutely! Add more gochujang or some red pepper flakes to increase the heat as desired.

Enjoy this vibrant and flavorful dish that invites everyone to join around the table, savoring a taste of Korean tradition!