Welcome back to Chelsea's K-Food Recipes! Today, we’re cooking a true classic—Bulgogi (불고기, Bulgogi), a delicious and savory Korean marinated beef dish. Thinly sliced beef, marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, is grilled or stir-fried to perfection, making it tender, flavorful, and irresistible. Bulgogi is a favorite at Korean BBQs and family dinners, and it’s surprisingly easy to make at home!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450g) thinly sliced beef ribeye or sirloin
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 carrot, julienned (optional)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (for garnish)
Marinade:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp honey (optional)
- 2 tbsp mirin (or rice wine)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 1/4 small pear (or apple), grated (for tenderness)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef
- If your beef isn’t pre-sliced, place it in the freezer for about 30 minutes to make it easier to slice thinly.
- Cut the beef into thin, bite-sized pieces. The thinner the slices, the better the texture!
2. Make the Marinade
- In a large bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients: soy sauce, sugar, honey, mirin, sesame oil, minced garlic, ginger, grated pear, and black pepper. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- The pear or apple helps tenderize the meat, giving bulgogi its signature soft texture.
3. Marinate the Beef
- Add the thinly sliced beef to the marinade, making sure each piece is fully coated.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, let it marinate for 2-4 hours (or overnight).
4. Cook the Bulgogi
For Grilling:
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill surface.
- Grill the marinated beef, onions, and carrots (if using) for 2-3 minutes per side, until the meat is cooked through and slightly caramelized.
For Stir-Frying:
- Heat a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add a little oil and stir-fry the marinated beef and vegetables in batches for about 3-4 minutes until the beef is cooked and the sauce thickens.
5. Garnish and Serve
- Once the beef is done, garnish it with sesame seeds and a drizzle of sesame oil for extra flavor.
- Serve the bulgogi with steamed white rice (흰쌀밥, Heen Ssal Bap) and enjoy with your favorite side dishes like kimchi or pickled vegetables!
Tips for Perfect Bulgogi:
- For the best results, use high-quality cuts of beef like ribeye or sirloin.
- Don’t skip the pear or apple in the marinade—it’s the key to that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture!
- If you like your bulgogi a bit sweeter, add a little more honey or sugar to taste.
Bulgogi is one of Korea’s most beloved dishes for a reason. Its sweet, savory, and slightly smoky flavor makes it perfect for both casual meals and special occasions. Pair it with a bowl of fluffy White Rice and enjoy an authentic taste of Korean BBQ right at home!
Thanks for reading Chelsea's K-Food Recipes—more Korean favorites are coming your way soon!