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Korean Beef Bulgogi

Korean Beef Bulgogi
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Korean Beef Bulgogi is a traditional Korean BBQ dish featuring tender, thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin marinated in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, and a touch of sweetness. Perfectly balancing savory and sweet notes, this recipe is quick to prepare and versatile, ideal for serving with rice, wraps, or salads. Whether you’re new to cooking or experienced, this recipe brings authentic Korean flavors right to your kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Marinade

  • 1 lb thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin beef
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp sugar or honey
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup grated pear or apple (optional, for tenderizing)

Vegetables (Optional)

  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced carrots or onions

For Garnish

  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Additional chopped green onions
  • Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, sugar or honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, chopped green onions, black pepper, and grated pear or apple. Mix well to create a flavorful base that will tenderize and season the beef.
  2. Slice the Beef Thinly: Partially freeze ribeye or sirloin beef for about 30 minutes to make slicing easier. Then, slice the beef as thinly as possible to ensure even cooking and better absorption of the marinade.
  3. Marinate the Beef: Massage the marinade thoroughly into the sliced beef, making sure each piece is well coated. Allow the beef to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, preferably a few hours or overnight for deeper flavor and tenderness.
  4. Cook the Bulgogi: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated beef in batches without overcrowding the pan to ensure a nice caramelized sear. Cook until the beef is lightly browned and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per batch.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, garnish the bulgogi with toasted sesame seeds and additional chopped green onions. Optionally, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Thin slices of beef cook faster and absorb marinade better, enhancing flavor and tenderness.
  • Marinate the beef longer, ideally overnight, for more intense flavor and softer texture.
  • Do not overcrowd the cooking pan to avoid steaming; cook in small batches instead.
  • Using grated pear or apple helps tenderize the meat naturally and adds a subtle sweetness.
  • Drizzle a little sesame oil after cooking for extra nutty aroma and depth of flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean Beef Bulgogi, bulgogi recipe, Korean BBQ, marinated beef, Korean cuisine, easy Korean recipes, beef stir-fry, bulgogi marinade

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/korean-beef-bulgogi/