Authentic Beef Bulgogi (Korea) Recipe – Korean BBQ Beef

Beef Bulgogi (Korea) – Beef Bulgogi (Korea) is one of the most beloved dishes in Korean cuisine, known for its tender slices of beef marinated in a sweet, savory, and slightly smoky sauce. The term bulgogi literally translates to “fire meat,” reflecting its traditional method of being grilled over open flames. Today, it’s just as delicious when cooked in a pan or on a grill at home.

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This flavorful dish features thinly sliced beef sirloin or ribeye soaked in a marinade made from soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, garlic, and pear or apple for natural sweetness and tenderness. The result is melt-in-your-mouth meat with rich umami flavor.

Recipe Overview

• Cuisine: Korean

• Course: Main Course

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Active Time: 15 minutes

• Resting Time: 1 hour (marinating)

• Servings: 4

• Calories: 420 kcal per serving

• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Equipment

• Mixing bowls

• Whisk or spoon for stirring

• Sharp knife

• Cutting board

• Large skillet or grill pan

• Tongs

• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

For the Bulgogi Marinade:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 2 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tbsp honey

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• 2 tbsp mirin (or rice wine)

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small Asian pear (or apple), grated

• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated

• 2 tbsp green onions, finely chopped

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (optional)

For the Beef:

• 1 pound (450g) beef sirloin or ribeye, thinly sliced across the grain

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)

• Additional sesame seeds and green onions for garnish

Optional for Serving:

• Steamed white rice

• Kimchi

• Lettuce leaves for wraps

• Pickled radish or cucumber slices

Nutrition Facts

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, sesame oil, mirin, minced garlic, grated pear, ginger, and green onions. Whisk the mixture until the sugar dissolves and all ingredients are well incorporated. This marinade forms the base of your bulgogi’s signature sweet and savory flavor.

Step 2: Slice the Beef Thinly
For authentic texture, use partially frozen beef—it’s easier to slice thinly this way. Cut the meat into paper-thin strips against the grain. This ensures tenderness and helps the marinade absorb evenly.

Step 3: Marinate the Beef
Place the sliced beef into a large bowl or resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the meat and mix well to ensure all slices are coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to let the flavors fully penetrate the beef.

Step 4: Heat the Pan or Grill
Heat a large skillet, grill pan, or BBQ grill over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of vegetable oil if using a skillet. The pan should be hot enough to create a nice sear on the meat.

Step 5: Cook the Bulgogi
Working in batches, spread the marinated beef in a single layer on the pan. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until caramelized and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming. Continue until all beef is cooked.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the cooked beef to a serving platter. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and additional chopped green onions for a touch of freshness.

Step 7: Serve Korean-Style
Serve your Beef Bulgogi (Korea) hot with steamed rice, kimchi, and fresh lettuce leaves. To eat it Korean-style, place a small portion of bulgogi in a lettuce leaf, top with rice and a dab of ssamjang (Korean chili paste), wrap it up, and enjoy in one bite!

Tips for the Perfect Bulgogi

1. Choose the Right Cut of Beef:
   Ribeye or sirloin are the most common choices due to their tenderness and flavor. If using a tougher cut, marinate longer.

2. Add Fruit for Tenderness:
   The grated Asian pear or apple in the marinade naturally tenderizes the meat while adding mild sweetness.

3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:
   Cook in small batches to allow each slice of beef to caramelize rather than steam.

4. Adjust Sweetness:
   Depending on your preference, you can adjust the sugar or honey levels in the marinade.

5. Charcoal Grill for Smokiness:
   For the most authentic flavor, grill the bulgogi over charcoal. It adds a smoky depth that’s hard to replicate indoors

Why You’ll Love This Dish

• Bursting with umami flavor and slight sweetness.

• Easy to prepare with minimal ingredients.

• Perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

• Versatile—works great in rice bowls, wraps, or BBQ spreads.

Conclusion

Beef Bulgogi (Korea) is a true representation of the harmony and balance in Korean cooking—sweet, savory, tender, and full of depth. It’s an experience that brings people together around the table, whether grilled at a Korean BBQ or made simply in your kitchen