Easy Bulgogi
Bulgogi is a flavorful and tender Korean dish made from thinly sliced beef marinated in a sweet, savory, and smoky sauce. This easy-to-make recipe comes together in just a few minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it with rice, lettuce wraps, and a touch of chile paste for a delicious Korean meal at home.
Equipment
- Wok, BBQ Grill, or Large Skillet
- Ceramic or Glass Bowl
- Sharp Knife or Kitchen Shears for slicing
- Plastic Wrap (for marinating)
Ingredients
- Beef Selection:
- 1½ pounds boneless beef ribeye, skirt, or steak
- Slice thinly using kitchen shears or a sharp knife for best texture.
- Marinade Base:
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2½ teaspoons matsool or mirin
- Balance these flavors for a sweet salty, and savory profile.
- Aromatics and Vegetables:
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger minced
- 1 medium yellow onion thinly sliced
- 2 green onions chopped (white and green parts)
- 1 handful chives optional
- Oils and Fats:
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil avocado, canola, or peanut oil
- Seeds and Garnish:
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds for topping
- Heat and Spice:
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper coarsely ground
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for extra heat
- Sides and Serving:
- Hot cooked rice essential for serving
- Sautéed or roasted veggies optional but recommended
- Final Touches:
- 1 teaspoon honey or to taste
- A pinch of salt to adjust flavor at the end
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
- In a ceramic bowl or glass dish, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and a pinch of black pepper.
- Whisk until smooth and fully blended.
- Step 2: Slice and Marinate the Meat
- Thinly slice your ribeye or steak using kitchen shears for ease.
- Place the sliced beef into the marinade, along with the onion and green onions.
- Thoroughly mix by hand to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 12 hours for a more intense flavor.
- Step 3: Prepare the Bulgogi
- Heat a wok, BBQ grill, or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add a small amount of neutral cooking oil and let it shimmer.
- Cook the marinated beef in small batches, laying the slices flat in the pan.
- Cook each side for 2-3 minutes until caramelized, or stir continuously for 4-5 minutes.
- If desired, drizzle in a little extra marinade for additional flavor, but be cautious to prevent burning.
- Remove the cooked beef to a plate and repeat with the remaining portions.
- Step 4: Serve Your Bulgogi
- Serve the bulgogi over hot cooked rice and garnish with green onions, chives, a drizzle of sesame oil, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
- You can also serve it in bibimbap or enjoy it wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves.
- Step 5: Storing and Meal Prep
- Store leftover bulgogi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Alternatively, freeze it for up to 1 week.
- Reheat in small batches for a quick and juicy meal anytime.
Notes
- Tip 1: If you prefer a sweeter marinade, increase the amount of brown sugar or honey.
- Tip 2: For a more authentic flavor, try adding a crushed pear or a splash of Coca-Cola to the marinade.
- Tip 3: Ensure that the beef is sliced as thin as possible to get the best texture and quick cooking time.