Korean Beef Bulgogi Recipe

Andrea Riddle
6 Dec, 2022

Korean Beef Bulgogi Recipe

The first time I prepared Korean Beef Bulgogi was a memorable experience. I was excited to recreate this beloved Korean dish and share it with my family. I remember carefully slicing the beef into thin strips, ensuring each piece would absorb the marinade’s flavors fully. Mixing the marinade was a sensory delight—the aroma of garlic, ginger, and sesame oil mingled perfectly, promising a delicious outcome.

As I marinated the beef, the anticipation grew. When it came time to cook, I heated up my skillet and added the marinated beef. The sizzling sound as it hit the pan was music to my ears, and the kitchen soon filled with an irresistible aroma. The caramelization of the beef was perfect, creating a beautiful golden-brown crust.

When I finally served the Bulgogi, the flavors were as incredible as I had hoped. The beef was tender, flavorful, and beautifully balanced with the sweetness and savory notes of the marinade. Sharing this dish with my family and seeing their enjoyment was incredibly rewarding. That first attempt not only confirmed the dish’s deliciousness but also cemented Korean Beef Bulgogi as a staple in my cooking repertoire. 

Jang: The Soul of Korean Cooking (More than 60 Recipes Featuring Gochujang, Doenjang, and Ganjang) 


About Korean Beef Bulgogi

Korean Beef Bulgogi is a celebrated dish in Korean cuisine, known for its tender beef and delectable balance of savory and sweet flavors. The term “Bulgogi” translates to “fire meat,” referencing the traditional grilling method used to cook the beef. This recipe features thinly sliced rib-eye steak that is marinated in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and sesame oil. Often, ingredients like Asian pear or apple are added to enhance the marinade’s sweetness and tenderize the meat further.

The marinade is the heart of this dish, providing a perfect harmony of tastes. Once marinated, the beef is quickly cooked on high heat, resulting in a delicious caramelization that adds to the dish’s depth of flavor. The quick cooking process ensures that the beef remains juicy and tender, making it a go-to option for a fast yet impressive meal.

Korean Beef Bulgogi is incredibly versatile. It can be served as part of a Korean barbecue spread, with steamed rice, or even used as a filling for sandwiches. Its rich flavor profile and tender texture make it a favorite among both seasoned cooks and those new to Korean cuisine.

Kind of meat you need for bulgogi

Traditionally, bulgogi is made with beef, specifically cuts that are tender and well-suited for slicing thinly. The most common cuts of beef used for bulgogi include:

Korean Beef Bulgogi Recipe
  • Sirloin: Beef sirloin is a popular choice for bulgogi due to its tenderness and flavor.
  • Ribeye: Ribeye steak is another excellent option, known for its marbling and rich taste.
  • Flank Steak: Flank steak is flavorful and works well for bulgogi, especially when sliced thinly against the grain.
  • Brisket: Beef brisket can be used for bulgogi, but it's important to slice it thinly to ensure tenderness.
  • Tenderloin: Beef tenderloin is very tender and can be used for bulgogi, although it's a more expensive option.
The key is to choose cuts of beef that are tender and can be sliced thinly for marinating and cooking. If you're unsure, you can ask your butcher for recommendations or look for pre-sliced beef labeled specifically for bulgogi.

The marinade ingredients


  • Boneless Ribeye – Thinly sliced, this cut is ideal for its tenderness and flavor.
  • Soy Sauce – Adds a deep, savory base to the marinade.
  • Sesame Oil – Infuses the dish with a nutty, rich aroma.
  • Garlic – Enhances the marinade with a pungent, aromatic flavor.
  • Brown Sugar – Balances the savory with a touch of sweetness.
  • Asian Pear – A traditional ingredient used to tenderize the meat and add a hint of sweetness.
  • Mirin – Provides a mild sweetness and helps round out the marinade.
  • Green Onion – Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor.
  • Ginger – Gives the dish a subtle spice and warmth.
  • Sesame Seeds – Adds a crunchy texture and nuttiness.
  • Onion (Sliced and Chopped) – Provides additional layers of flavor and texture.
  • Pepper – For seasoning and slight heat.
  • Oil – For cooking the beef to a perfect sear.

    • Korean Beef Bulgogi Recipe


    This Korean Beef Bulgogi Recipe is a simple and delicious dish that brings the flavors of Korea straight to your kitchen.

    Prep Time15minutes 
    Cook Time15 
    Servings: 2
     


    Ingredients


    • 1.9 lbs thinly sliced bulgogi beef rib-eye
    • ⅓ cup Korean soy sauce
    • 3 Tbsp sugar
    • ⅛ tsp black pepper
    • 1½ Tbsp sesame oil

    Ingredients to blend:


    • 2 Tbsp mirin
    • ¼ small onion
    • ¼ Korean pear
    • 6 garlic cloves
    • 2-3 Tbsp water

    Garnish


    • 1 Tbsp honey
    • ½ tsp sesame seeds
    • 1 stalk green onion chop

    optional


    • ¾ small onion sliced

    Instructions


    • Soak meat in cold water for about 3mins. Swoosh gently and set on strainer for 5mins.
    • Combine blending ingredients, then blend until smooth. Add to it, soy sauce, sugar and black pepper. Stir well and taste. Pour sesame oil and do a final stir.
    • Into a gallon size zip lock bag, add meat then the marinade. Seal and gently message the meat for one minute. Set aside in fridge for 10-15mins.
    • Heat a non-stick skillet on high heat. Using a tongue, drop a small batch of bulgogi into the pan. Enough to cover one layer. Cook for 4-5mins or until golden brown on both sides. Cut meat if needed. Cook the rest of the meat in small batches. (optional: add sliced onion)
    • Serve on a plate. Drizzle with honey, sesame seeds and chopped green onion. Enjoy with rice and vegetables!
    Pro tip: For extra sauce with your bulgogi, cook it in one batch over high heat until just done. Skip caramelizing for plenty of sauce to enjoy with your rice.

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