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Korean Beef Bulgogi

Korean Beef Bulgogi: Sweet, Savory Flavor Explosion at Home

Korean Beef Bulgogi is a delicious and easy recipe that brings authentic Korean BBQ flavors right to your kitchen with tender ribeye and a flavorful marinade.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Marinating Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 27 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Korean
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 0.5 cup Soy Sauce Provides the primary salty umami flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar Adds sweetness to balance the savory elements.
  • 2 tablespoons Mirin (Rice Wine) Enhances the depth of flavor; can substitute with white wine.
  • 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil Adds a nutty aroma; use sparingly for a potent flavor.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Cracked Black Pepper Gives a mild heat; adjust to your taste preference.
  • 1 medium Asian Pear Natural tenderizer and adds sweetness to the marinade; Gala apples can be a good replacement.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Cloves Fresh garlic delivers aromatic depth.
  • 1 tablespoon Minced Ginger Provides additional aromatic quality; fresh ginger is preferred.
For the Beef
  • 1 pound Boneless Ribeye Tender and flavorful; the ideal cut for Korean beef bulgogi.
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion Adds flavor and sweetness; use half for the marinade and half cooked.
For Cooking
  • 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil Necessary for even cooking; can substitute with any neutral oil like canola.
For Garnish
  • 2 stalks Green Onion Adds freshness and color; slice generously for best results.
  • 1 tablespoon Toasted Sesame Seeds Enhances presentation and adds a lovely nutty crunch.

Equipment

  • Blender
  • Skillet
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by thinly slicing the boneless ribeye against the grain, ideally about 1/8 inch thick. Place the sliced beef in a mixing bowl along with half of the yellow onion, which should also be thinly sliced. Toss these ingredients gently to combine.
  2. In a blender, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, mirin, sesame oil, cracked black pepper, Asian pear, garlic, and minced ginger. Blend these ingredients until smooth, creating a luscious marinade. Pour the marinade over the beef mixture and stir gently until all pieces are thoroughly coated.
  3. Cover the beef and marinade mixture with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate for a minimum of 6 hours, or preferably, overnight for maximum flavor penetration.
  4. After marinating, heat half the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add half of the marinated beef to the skillet and spread it out evenly. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is cooked through.
  5. In the same skillet, add the remaining vegetable oil along with the rest of the marinated beef. Spread it out and cook for another 4 to 6 minutes, stirring frequently. Combine the cooked beef from both batches in the skillet.
  6. Transfer the cooked beef to a serving platter and top generously with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Slice the ribeye against the grain for maximum tenderness and always use fresh garlic and ginger for optimal flavor. Marinate for at least 6 hours for best results.

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