Name: Korean Beef Bulgogi Recipe
Prep time: 2 h 45 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds boneless rib eye steak; ½ small pear, peeled and coarsely grated; ¼ cup reduced sodium soy sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger; 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean red pepper paste); 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided; 2 green onions, thinly sliced; 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

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If you are craving a dish that combines the perfect mix of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors with tender, juicy beef cooked in minutes, then this Korean Beef Bulgogi Recipe is an absolute must-try. It captures the essence of Korean BBQ right at home with a marinade that’s so flavorful and aromatic, your kitchen will smell heavenly. The thinly sliced rib eye steak soaks up the marinade beautifully, resulting in a dish that’s quick to cook but big on taste—a delightful centerpiece for any meal or gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two raw steaks with marbled fat placed on a white plate at the top right. Below the plate, a wooden cutting board holds thin yellow slices of ginger and a cut Asian pear, showing its light flesh and seeds. Around the cutting board are whole and chopped green onions, with some pieces scattered near a small knife with a dark handle on the white marbled surface. Small glass bowls contain different ingredients: light brown sugar, golden sesame seeds, red sauce, minced garlic, dark soy sauce, and a clear amber liquid. A metallic grater with a wooden handle is on the left side of the cutting board. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Korean Beef Bulgogi Recipe starts with a handful of simple ingredients that work together to create deep, vibrant flavors and a perfectly balanced texture. Each item is thoughtfully selected to enhance the meat’s natural richness while adding unmistakable Korean flair.

Boneless rib eye steak (1 ½ pounds): Offers a tender, juicy base crucial for authentic bulgogi texture.
Small pear (½, peeled and grated): Acts as a natural tenderizer and adds subtly sweet notes.
Reduced sodium soy sauce (¼ cup): Provides that essential salty umami foundation.
Brown sugar (2 tablespoons): Balances savory with rich sweetness for perfect caramelization.
Toasted sesame oil (2 tablespoons): Imparts a fragrant nutty aroma that is signature to Korean cooking.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds pungent depth and a lovely kick of flavor.
Freshly grated ginger (1 tablespoon): Lends warmth and freshness to brighten the marinade.
Gochujang, Korean red pepper paste (1 tablespoon): Brings a subtle heat and complexity unique to Korean cuisine.
Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons, divided): Needed to cook the beef evenly and achieve a good sear.
Green onions (2, thinly sliced): A fresh, mild onion flavor and vibrant color garnish.
Toasted sesame seeds (1 teaspoon): Provide a delightful crunch and toasted flavor on top.

How to Make Korean Beef Bulgogi Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Slice the Steak

Begin by wrapping your boneless rib eye steak tightly in plastic wrap and popping it into the freezer for about 30 minutes. This chilling step firms up the meat, which makes slicing it into thin, ¼-inch strips so much easier and ensures the perfect texture once cooked.

Step 2: Mix the Marinade

In a medium bowl, combine the grated pear, soy sauce, brown sugar, toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, and gochujang. This blend is your bulgogi’s flavor powerhouse—each ingredient playing its part to create a marinade that’s sweet, savory, fragrant, and just the right amount of spicy.

Step 3: Marinate the Beef

Transfer the sliced steak into a large gallon-size Ziploc bag, then pour in the marinade mixture. Seal the bag and work the marinade into the meat by gently massaging the contents. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours, though overnight is ideal to maximize flavor absorption. Remember to turn the bag occasionally to coat the steak evenly.

Step 4: Cook the Bulgogi

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a cast iron grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange a batch of marinated beef slices in a single layer—avoid crowding to ensure proper searing. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until the beef is caramelized and cooked through. Repeat with remaining oil and beef. The result is tender, charred edges with juicy interiors.

How to Serve Korean Beef Bulgogi Recipe

The dish shows a white plate with three main layers: at the bottom is a bed of fluffy white rice, on top of that there are several pieces of grilled dark brown meat sprinkled with light tan sesame seeds and some bright green sliced scallions, arranged in the center. On one side of the rice, there is a small pile of vibrant orange-red kimchi, and on the other side, fresh green perilla leaves and light green cucumber sticks are placed. Next to the plate, a pair of wooden chopsticks rest diagonally across the bottom left edge of the plate. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface, with additional bowls of sesame seeds and kimchi and a glass of light amber drink in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshness and texture are key to bringing the dish alive! Sprinkle thinly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the cooked bulgogi just before serving. These simple garnishes add a lovely crunch and hint of sharpness that contrast beautifully with the rich beef.

Side Dishes

This Korean Beef Bulgogi Recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice or sticky jasmine rice that soaks up all the amazing juices. Add a side of kimchi or lightly sautéed vegetables like spinach or bean sprouts for traditional Korean balance. Pickled radishes or a crisp cucumber salad provide a refreshing counterpoint to the savory meat.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress? Serve your bulgogi wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves with a dollop of ssamjang (a savory Korean dipping sauce) for a DIY taco-style bite. Alternatively, pile it over a bowl of warm noodles or use it as the star protein in a bibimbap bowl with colorful vegetables and a fried egg on top—guaranteed to wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your leftover bulgogi cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be safely refrigerated for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for quick meals later in the week without losing its wonderful flavor.

Freezing

For longer storage, place the cooked bulgogi in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. When you want a tasty meal fast, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat using your preferred method.

Reheating

The best way to reheat bulgogi is gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or a bit of oil to keep it moist. Stir frequently until heated through to avoid drying out this tender meat. You can also reheat in the microwave using short bursts, stirring in between to maintain juiciness.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this Korean Beef Bulgogi Recipe?

Absolutely! While rib eye is preferred for its tenderness and flavor, sirloin or flank steak are great alternatives. Just be sure to slice the meat thinly against the grain to maintain tenderness.

Is it necessary to marinate the beef overnight?

Marinating for at least 2 hours is enough to infuse the flavors, but refrigerating overnight deepens the taste and tenderizes the meat further, giving you the most flavorful bulgogi experience.

What can I substitute for gochujang if I can’t find it?

You can mix a bit of chili paste with some miso or soy sauce to mimic gochujang’s sweet-heat complexity. However, authentic gochujang gives the dish its characteristic flavor, so it’s worth seeking out at an Asian grocery store.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to keep the dish gluten-free without sacrificing the classic savory notes essential to this Korean Beef Bulgogi Recipe.

How do I serve this dish for a Korean BBQ style meal?

Set up a spread with various banchan (Korean side dishes), steamed rice, lettuce wraps, and dipping sauces alongside your bulgogi. This encourages everyone to assemble their own flavorful bites and enjoy the interactive meal experience.

Final Thoughts

If you want a dinner that feels genuinely special yet is surprisingly easy to pull off, this Korean Beef Bulgogi Recipe has got you covered. It’s a delicious gateway to Korean flavors, quick to make once marinated, and endlessly versatile. So grab your ingredients, marinate that beef, and get ready to impress your friends and family with this unforgettable dish!

Korean Beef Bulgogi Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need