Description
Korean Beef Bulgogi is a classic Korean dish featuring tender, thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin marinated in a savory and sweet blend of soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, and Asian pear. Quick to cook and bursting with umami flavors, this versatile dish can be enjoyed over rice, in wraps, or salads, making it perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb thinly sliced beef (ribeye or sirloin)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Asian pear or apple
- Optional: 1 tablespoon gochujang or 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated Asian pear, sesame oil, sliced green onions, and ground black pepper in a mixing bowl. Whisk everything together until the sugar dissolves and the marinade is well blended.
- Marinate the Beef: Add the thinly sliced beef to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes; marinating overnight will deepen the flavors.
- Cook the Beef: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef in an even layer, cooking until nicely browned and caramelized around the edges, about 3-5 minutes. Avoid overcrowding the pan for perfect browning.
- Finishing Touches: Once cooked, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and additional chopped green onions on top for extra flavor and presentation. Serve hot alongside your favorite sides.
Notes
- Freeze the beef slightly for easier thin slicing.
- Don’t skip the Asian pear—it tenderizes the meat naturally and adds subtle sweetness.
- Use a hot pan to sear the beef quickly, locking in juices and flavor.
- Marinate longer for best results; overnight is ideal, but 30 minutes works well too.
- Serve immediately for optimal tenderness and juiciness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: Korean Beef Bulgogi, Korean BBQ, Bulgogi, Korean recipe, marinated beef, quick Korean dish, Korean cuisine
