why make this recipe
Korean Beef Bulgogi is a sweet and savory dish that is sure to please anyone’s palate. This dish is full of flavors, combining tenderness of spiced beef with a hint of sweetness from the marinade. It’s quick to prepare and cooks in just minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Plus, it is easy to customize depending on your taste. Enjoy it with rice, noodles, or wrapped in lettuce for a delicious meal!
how to make Easy Korean Beef Bulgogi
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ribeye steak (sliced thinly)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (can substitute with tamari for gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil (or olive oil for milder taste)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (minced)
- 1 medium Asian pear (or apple, grated)
- 2 tablespoons mirin (or rice vinegar)
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (or sriracha)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 stalks green onions (sliced, for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (toasted, for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons honey butter (regular butter can substitute)
Directions:
- In a large bowl, mix together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, ginger, grated Asian pear, mirin, gochujang, and black pepper. This will be your marinade.
- Add the thinly sliced ribeye steak to the marinade, making sure each piece is well-coated. Cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
- Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated beef in a single layer, cooking in batches if necessary. Stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes or until the beef is fully cooked and caramelized.
- Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
- Drizzle honey butter over the top for an extra touch of sweetness.
how to serve Easy Korean Beef Bulgogi
Serve your Beef Bulgogi with steamed rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps. You can also pair it with kimchi and pickled vegetables for a complete meal. Adding a side of fresh veggies can make your dish even more colorful and appetizing!
how to store Easy Korean Beef Bulgogi
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 3-4 days for the best taste. You can also freeze the cooked beef for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw and reheat.
tips to make Easy Korean Beef Bulgogi
- Slice the beef against the grain. This helps make the meat more tender.
- Use a mandoline for grating the pear to ensure it’s finely shredded.
- Adjust the level of sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar according to your taste.
- Letting the beef marinate for longer will enhance the flavors even more.
variation
You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, to the stir-fry. For a spicier version, increase the amount of gochujang or add fresh chilies. For a vegetarian option, use tofu and the same marinade.
FAQs
What type of beef is best for bulgogi?
Ribeye steak is recommended because it is tender and flavorful. However, you can also use sirloin or flank steak.
Can I use a different sweetener?
Yes! You can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar or even honey if you prefer a different sweetness.
Is bulgogi spicy?
Bulgogi has a mild spice level due to the gochujang. If you want it spicier, you can add more gochujang or some fresh chili peppers.
Enjoy making your delicious Korean Beef Bulgogi!
Print
Easy Korean Beef Bulgogi
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A sweet and savory Korean dish featuring tender beef marinated in flavorful spices, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ribeye steak (sliced thinly)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil (or olive oil)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (minced)
- 1 medium Asian pear (or apple, grated)
- 2 tablespoons mirin (or rice vinegar)
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (or sriracha)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 stalks green onions (sliced, for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (toasted, for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons honey butter (or regular butter)
Instructions
- Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, grated pear, mirin, gochujang, and black pepper together to create the marinade.
- Add the ribeye steak to the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat and add the marinated beef in a single layer, cooking in batches if necessary.
- Stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes or until fully cooked and caramelized.
- Remove from heat and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Drizzle honey butter over the top before serving.
Notes
Slice the beef against the grain for tenderness. Use a mandoline for finely shredding the pear. Adjust sweetness by modifying sugar amounts. Marinate longer for deeper flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg




