Bulgogi beef is a tasty Korean dish with marinated beef that’s grilled to perfection. The sweet and savory flavors will make your taste buds dance!
Making bulgogi is fun! You just mix soy sauce, sugar, and garlic for the marinade, then grill it up. I love serving it with rice and a side of veggies—it’s a delicious meal everyone enjoys!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Ribeye or sirloin are great choices for tenderness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, flank steak can work too. Just make sure to slice it thinly against the grain for the best texture!
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce adds umami depth, but you can use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake. Tamari is a good gluten-free alternative!
Sugar: Brown sugar adds a bit of richness, but white sugar works just fine too. For a healthier option, consider using coconut sugar or maple syrup.
Asian Pear/Apple: This ingredient is optional but fantastic for tenderizing the beef. If unavailable, a regular pear or even a bit of pineapple juice can work as a substitute! It adds a touch of sweetness too.
Gochugaru: These Korean chili flakes give bulgogi its signature heat. If you can’t find them, red pepper flakes can do in a pinch, but adjust to taste!
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from My Marinade?
Marinating is key to building flavor in bulgogi. Make sure to mix all your marinade ingredients well, so everything is properly combined. Don’t skip on the marinating time—ideally, let the beef sit for at least an hour, but if you can leave it for up to 4 hours, the flavor deepens significantly.
- Use a Ziplock bag for easy mixing and ensuring every piece of beef is covered.
- Consider adding more garlic or ginger if you love those flavors. Feel free to experiment!
What’s the Best Cooking Method for Bulgogi?
Cooking bulgogi is straightforward, but here are some tips for the best results:
- Preheat your skillet or grill pan to medium-high heat before cooking.
- If cooking in batches, keep the uncooked beef in the marinade until it’s your turn to cook it to keep the flavors intact.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lead to steaming rather than browning. Cook in small batches!
These tips and insights will help you create delicious and tender bulgogi beef that everyone will enjoy! Happy cooking!
Bulgogi Beef (Korean-Style Barbecue)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Beef:
- 1 lb (450 g) beef ribeye or sirloin, thinly sliced
For The Marinade:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp honey or corn syrup
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
- 1/4 cup grated Asian pear or apple (optional, for tenderizing)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes) or more to taste (optional, for mild heat)
For Cooking:
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)
- Steamed rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish takes about 15 minutes of prep time to mix the marinade and slice the beef, plus at least 30 minutes to marinate (up to 4 hours for better flavor). Cooking the beef will take another 10-15 minutes. In total, you can expect this recipe to take about 1 hour, depending on your marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Marinade:
Start by gathering all your marinade ingredients. In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, sugar, honey (or corn syrup), sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, grated Asian pear (if you’re using it), chopped green onions, sesame seeds, black pepper, and gochugaru (for some heat if you like!). Stir everything together until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
2. Marinating the Beef:
Take your thinly sliced beef and place it in a shallow dish or a Ziplock bag. Pour your delicious marinade over the beef, making sure all the slices are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and pop it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. For best results, let it sit for up to 4 hours so the flavors really soak in!
3. Cooking the Beef:
When you’re ready to cook, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Take the beef out of the marinade, letting any excess drip off—this will help it brown nicely. Cook the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, so it cooks evenly. Sear each side for about 2-3 minutes or until nicely browned and cooked through.
4. Serving the Bulgogi:
Once all the beef is cooked, transfer it to a serving plate. Garnish with extra chopped green onions and, if you like, sprinkle some more sesame seeds or chili flakes on top for an added kick. Serve your flavorful bulgogi beef hot over a bed of steamed rice for a delicious meal!
Enjoy your homemade Korean-style bulgogi beef! It’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While ribeye and sirloin are ideal for their tenderness, you can also use flank steak or tenderloin if those are available. Just make sure to slice the meat thinly against the grain for the best texture.
How Long Can I Marinate the Beef?
You can marinate the beef for a minimum of 30 minutes, but for deeper flavor, it’s best to marinate it for up to 4 hours. If you’re short on time, even a shorter marination can still yield tasty results!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade and marinate the beef ahead of time! Marinated beef can be refrigerated for up to 1 day before cooking. Just make sure to keep it well-sealed in the fridge to maintain freshness.
What Should I Serve With Bulgogi?
Bulgogi is typically served over steamed rice, but you can also serve it with lettuce leaves for wrapping, kimchi, or stir-fried vegetables on the side. For a low-carb option, pair it with cauliflower rice or a fresh salad!