Name: Korean Beef Bulgogi
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
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; 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; 1/2 each Asian pear or red apple, grated; 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

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Why Make This Recipe

Korean Beef Bulgogi is a delicious and popular Korean dish known for its rich flavors and tender meat. It’s a great recipe to try because it’s quick, easy, and perfect for any occasion. Plus, it’s versatile; you can enjoy it with rice or in lettuce wraps. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just cooking for yourself, this dish will impress everyone with its mouthwatering taste.

How to Make Korean Beef Bulgogi

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

Directions:

Heat a grill pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp of oil.
Add the marinated beef in batches to prevent overcrowding the pan. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until the beef is caramelized.
Just before the beef finishes cooking, drizzle with the honey butter and toss quickly to coat it well.
Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.

How to Serve Korean Beef Bulgogi

To serve, place the cooked beef on a platter with cooked rice on the side. You can also provide lettuce leaves or perilla leaves for wrapping the beef. Garnish with extra sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added flavor and presentation.

How to Store Korean Beef Bulgogi

If you have leftovers, let the beef cool completely. Then, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when you are ready to eat.

Tips to Make Korean Beef Bulgogi

Always slice the beef against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Marinate the beef for at least 30 minutes, but longer is better for a deeper flavor.
Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, to the mix.

Variation

You can switch up the protein by using chicken or pork instead of beef. The marinade works well with other meats too!

FAQs

Q1: Can I prepare the beef bulgogi in advance?
Yes, you can marinate the beef ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just cook it when you’re ready to eat.

Q2: Is Korean Beef Bulgogi spicy?
The dish can be spicy if you add gochujang, which is optional. You can adjust the spice level to your liking.

Q3: What can I serve with Korean Beef Bulgogi?
You can serve it with rice, vegetables, and various sides like kimchi or pickled radishes for a complete meal.