This Bulgogi recipe brings the rich, savory, and slightly sweet flavors of Korean barbecue into your home kitchen. Thinly sliced beef is marinated in a delightful blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and sugar, then grilled or pan-fried to perfection. Bulgogi is a versatile dish, perfect for serving over rice, wrapped in lettuce leaves, or alongside traditional Korean sides like kimchi.
Appliances and Special Utensils
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef ribeye or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp mirin (optional)
- 1/2 pear, grated (Asian pear preferred)
- 1/4 onion, grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)
Instructions
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Prepare Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, mirin (if using), grated pear, grated onion, minced garlic, minced ginger, chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and black pepper. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the ingredients are well mixed.
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Marinate Beef: Add the thinly sliced beef to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
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Preheat Grill or Pan: If using a grill pan, preheat it to medium-high heat. If using a stovetop pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
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Cook Beef: Remove the beef from the marinade and cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Grill or pan-fry the beef slices for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and slightly caramelized.
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Serve: Serve the bulgogi hot, over steamed rice, or wrapped in lettuce leaves. Garnish with additional sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. Enjoy the delicious, homemade taste of Korean Bulgogi!