Name: Korean Beef Bulgogi
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin beef; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1/2 Korean pear (or Bosc pear), grated; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ginger, grated; 1/2 small onion, grated; 2 scallions, chopped; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)

Savory, tender, and packed with umami, Korean Beef Bulgogi is a dish I always turn to when I want something quick yet full of rich flavor. Marinated in a blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and grated pear, the beef becomes incredibly flavorful and caramelizes beautifully in the pan. Whether I serve it over steamed rice or tuck it into lettuce wraps, this dish never disappoints.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb (450g) thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin beef

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1/2 Korean pear (or Bosc pear), grated

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon ginger, grated

1/2 small onion, grated

2 scallions, chopped

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)

Directions

I start by whisking together the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, sesame oil, grated pear, garlic, ginger, onion, black pepper, and half the scallions in a large bowl.

Then, I add the thinly sliced beef, tossing it well to ensure every piece is coated. I cover and refrigerate the bowl, letting it marinate for at least 30 minutes—though a few hours or even overnight makes it even better.

When it’s time to cook, I heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.

I cook the beef in batches, searing it for about 2-3 minutes per side until it’s caramelized and cooked through.

Once it’s done, I transfer the beef to a serving plate and sprinkle it with the remaining scallions and toasted sesame seeds.

I like to serve it hot, either with rice, kimchi, or lettuce leaves for wrapping.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories per Serving: 310 kcal

Variations

I sometimes swap the beef for chicken or tofu when I want a different protein. If I’m avoiding sugar, I reduce or omit the honey and brown sugar and lean on the pear’s natural sweetness. For a spicy kick, I stir in some gochujang or red pepper flakes. It’s also fun to add thinly sliced mushrooms or carrots to the marinade for extra texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. I avoid microwaving it too long, as it can dry out the beef. It also freezes well—just let it cool completely before storing in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

FAQs

How thin should I slice the beef for bulgogi?

I slice the beef as thin as possible—around 1/8 inch is ideal. Sometimes I freeze it for about 30 minutes beforehand to make slicing easier.

Can I use a different cut of meat?

Yes, I sometimes use flank steak or even tenderloin if ribeye or sirloin isn’t available. The key is to keep the slices thin and marinate them well.

What can I use instead of Korean pear?

When I don’t have Korean pear, I use a Bosc pear or even a Fuji apple. They both provide the sweetness and tenderizing effect needed for the marinade.

Can I grill the bulgogi instead of pan-frying?

Absolutely. I grill it over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes per side. It adds a nice smoky flavor, especially when I’m doing a Korean BBQ-style meal.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, I use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce. I always double-check the labels on other sauces just to be safe.

Conclusion

Korean Beef Bulgogi is a fast, flavorful, and satisfying dish that I can always count on. With just a handful of ingredients and a short cooking time, I get restaurant-quality results right at home. Whether I’m making it for a quick dinner or sharing it at a gathering, it’s always a hit. Try it once, and I’m sure it’ll find a permanent place in your meal rotation.

📖 Recipe:

Korean Beef Bulgogi

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Author: Sophia
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Halal

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Description

Savory and tender Korean Beef Bulgogi marinated in a flavorful mix of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and pear. This quick and delicious dish is perfect served over rice or in lettuce wraps.