Name: Korean Beef Bulgogi Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: PT-490527H44M7S
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1 pound rib-eye steak, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon grated ginger; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 2 green onions, chopped; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional); 1/2 small onion, thinly sliced

Why You’ll Love Korean Beef Bulgogi Recipe Recipe

Bulgogi delivers bold, umami-rich flavor with a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes. The marinade tenderizes the beef, resulting in succulent strips that are quick to cook yet deeply satisfying. This recipe gives you restaurant-quality results at home with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
soy sauce
brown sugar
sesame oil
garlic
fresh ginger
grated Asian pear or apple
mirin (optional)
gochujang (optional for heat)
black pepper
green onions
sesame seeds
thinly sliced beef (ribeye or sirloin preferred)
neutral oil for cooking
onion (thinly sliced)
carrot (julienned)
mushrooms (optional)

Directions

Prepare the Beef: If your beef isn’t pre-sliced, place it in the freezer for about 30 minutes to firm up. Then use a sharp knife to cut the beef into thin strips against the grain.
Make the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, grated Asian pear or apple, mirin (if using), gochujang (if using), and black pepper. Stir in chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Marinate the Beef: Add the sliced beef to the marinade and coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor.
Cook the Bulgogi: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a little neutral oil and cook the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until caramelized and cooked through.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, sauté the onion, carrot, and mushrooms (if using) until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
Serve: Arrange the cooked beef and vegetables on a plate. Serve with steamed rice or lettuce leaves. Garnish with extra sesame seeds and green onions.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4 people
Marination time: at least 1 hour
Cook time: 10–15 minutes
Total time: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

– Spicy Bulgogi: Add extra gochujang or red pepper flakes to the marinade for added heat.
– Pork or Chicken Bulgogi: Substitute beef with thinly sliced pork or chicken thighs and adjust cooking time accordingly.
– Vegetable Bulgogi: Use mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for a vegetarian version.
– Lettuce Wraps: Serve with ssamjang and leafy greens for a traditional Korean wrap-style meal.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freeze cooked bulgogi for up to 3 months.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

What cut of beef is best for bulgogi?

Ribeye or sirloin are ideal due to their tenderness and marbling, but flank or skirt steak can also work if sliced thinly.

Can I skip the pear or apple in the marinade?

Yes. While the fruit adds natural sweetness and helps tenderize the beef, you can substitute with a little extra sugar if needed.

How long should I marinate the beef?

At least 1 hour is recommended, but marinating overnight will enhance the flavor and texture even more.

Is bulgogi spicy?

Traditional bulgogi is not spicy. You can add gochujang or red pepper flakes if you prefer some heat.

Can I grill bulgogi instead of pan-frying?

Yes. Grilling gives it a smoky depth of flavor and works perfectly for this dish.

What can I serve with bulgogi?

Steamed rice, kimchi, sautéed vegetables, and lettuce wraps are all great accompaniments.

Can I make bulgogi ahead of time?

Yes. You can marinate the beef the night before and cook it the next day. Cooked bulgogi also stores well for meal prep.

How do I reheat leftover bulgogi?

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals until heated through.

Can I use sugar substitutes in the marinade?

Yes. Honey or maple syrup are good alternatives to brown sugar.

Is bulgogi gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) to make this dish gluten-free.

Conclusion

Korean Beef Bulgogi is a mouthwatering, easy-to-make dish that delivers authentic Korean flavors in every bite. With its perfect balance of sweet and savory, this recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Try it once, and it will likely become a staple in your kitchen.