Indulge in the flavors of our beef bulgogi recipe.
Perfect for meal prep, weeknight dinners, and special occasions. This dish is so simple to make and is packed full of flavor.
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Discover the magic of Korean cuisine with our beef bulgogi recipe.
Thin slices of beef are marinated in a savory-sweet mixture of soy sauce, sugar, garlic, sesame oil, and pear or apple puree, then cooked to perfection.
The result is tender, flavorful beef with a caramelized crust that is simply irresistible.
Perfect for meal prep, this dish can be enjoyed over rice, in a wrap, or as part of a larger Korean feast.
Ideal for weeknight dinners and special occasions, beef bulgogi is a crowd-pleaser that brings a taste of Korea to your table.
What is Bulgogi?
Bulgogi is a classic Korean dish consisting of thinly sliced beef marinated in a savory-sweet sauce and then grilled or stir-fried.
The marinade typically includes soy sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil, sometimes with added fruit puree for extra tenderness.
The result is tender, flavorful beef with a caramelized exterior. Bulgogi is often served with steamed rice, vegetables, and sometimes wrapped in lettuce leaves for a flavorful, satisfying meal.
What Kind of Meat to Use
For bulgogi, the ideal cuts of meat are tender and well-marbled, like ribeye, sirloin, or tenderloin.
These cuts strike a perfect balance between flavor and tenderness, allowing them to absorb the marinade effectively and cook quickly.
Slicing the meat thinly ensures even cooking and better infusion of the marinade’s rich, savory flavors, resulting in a juicy and delicious final dish.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Beef Bulgogi Recipe creates tender, flavorful beef with minimal effort.
- Perfect for marinating and grilling or stir-frying.
- Ideal for quick weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Great for meal prep, as it stores well and tastes even better the next day.
- Versatile for a variety of dishes and sides.
Ingredients
Please note that below is a guide for some of the ingredients we used in the recipe. The printable recipe further down the page has the complete list of ingredients, including quantities and step-by-step instructions.
- Light Soy Sauce
- Red Pepper Flakes (Chili Flakes): Optional.
- Ginger: Minced.
- Garlic: Minced.
- Sesame Oil
- Brown Sugar
- Rice Wine (Mirin)
- Pepper
- Pear: Or red apple, finely grated.
- Sesame Seeds: Lightly toasted.
- Beef: Thinly sliced. Use a cut of beef like sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin. Avoid using a stew cut of meat like chuck or round.
- Neutral Flavored Oil: Such as vegetable oil.
- Brown Onion: Finely chopped.
Instructions
This recipe for beef bulgogi serves 4. The ingredient quantities can easily be adjusted to suit how many serves you need to make.
Step One: In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, red pepper flakes (if using), ginger, garlic, sesame oil, sugar, rice wine (mirin), salt and pepper.
Step Two: Fold through the pear and sesame seeds. Mix until just combined.
Step Three: Add the beef pieces, coat well. Cover, place in fridge, and marinate beef for at least 20 minutes (overnight for best flavor).
Step Four: Heat oil in a frying pan. Once hot, add the chopped onion and carrots, and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes.
Step Five: Add the beef pieces (including the marinade). Cook for about 3 - 5 minutes or until the beef is cooked through and browned. Stir occasionally. Turn off heat.
Step Six: Serve with rice, and a sprinkling of extra sesame seeds.
Cost To Make
Estimated cost = $15.75 or $3.93
Substitutions / Variations
Here are some variations for this recipe for beef bulgogi:
- Spicy Bulgogi: Add extra chili paste or pepper flakes for heat.
- Sweet Bulgogi: Increase the sugar or add honey for extra sweetness.
- Miso Bulgogi: Mix in a spoonful of miso paste for a unique twist.
- Garlic Bulgogi: Add extra minced garlic for a bolder flavor.
- Vegetable Bulgogi: Incorporate thinly sliced vegetables into the marinade.
- Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some ways you might like to serve this bulgogi beef recipe:
- Serve over a bed of steamed rice.
- Use as a filling for wraps or sandwiches.
- Top with vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Add to salads for extra protein and flavor.
- Pair with kimchi or pickled vegetables.
- Include in a Korean BBQ spread with various side dishes.
Storage
Store beef bulgogi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
FAQ
Bulgogi sauce is made from soy sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and often fruit puree like pear or apple.
These ingredients combine to create a rich, sweet, and savory marinade that tenderizes and flavors the meat.
The ideal cuts for bulgogi are ribeye, sirloin, or tenderloin.
These cuts are tender, well-marbled, and cook quickly, allowing them to absorb the marinade’s flavors and remain juicy and flavorful after grilling or stir-frying.
Serve beef bulgogi with steamed rice, pickled vegetables, and a side of kimchi.
For a complete meal, add fresh lettuce leaves for wrapping, or pair with a simple vegetable salad and miso soup to balance the rich flavors.
No, bulgogi sauce and BBQ sauce are different. Bulgogi sauce is Korean and features a blend of soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and sesame oil.
BBQ sauce, typically American, is tomato-based with varying levels of sweetness, tanginess, and spice.
Made this recipe? Let us know how it went in the comments below! We'd love to hear how it turned out.
Recipe
Beef Bulgogi Recipe
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup (83 ml/grams, 2.90 ounces) light soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes chili flakes, optional
- 1 teaspoon ginger minced
- 1 teaspoon (1-2 cloves) garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon (10 grams, 0.35 ounces) brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice wine mirin
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ large pear (50 grams, 1.76 ounces) (or red apple), finely grated
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds lightly toasted
- 750 grams (1.50 pounds) thinly sliced beef such as sirloin, ribeye, tenderloin
- 2 tablespoons neutral flavored oil or as needed
- 1 Small 90 grams, 3.17 ounces brown onion finely chopped
- ½ cup (60 grams, 2.20 ounces) carrot, diced
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, red pepper flakes (if using), ginger, garlic, sesame oil, sugar, rice wine (mirin), salt and pepper.
- Fold through the pear and sesame seeds. Mix until just combined.
- Add the beef pieces, coat well. Cover, place in fridge, and marinate beef for at least 20 minutes (overnight for best flavor).
- Heat oil in a frying pan. Once hot, add the chopped onion and carrots, and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the beef pieces (including the marinade). Cook for about 3 - 5 minutes or until the beef is cooked through and browned. Stir occasionally. Turn off heat.
- Serve with rice, and a sprinkling of extra sesame seeds.
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