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Irresistible Korean Bulgogi Beef Recipe

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A quick and easy homemade Korean bulgogi beef recipe that delivers sweet, savory, and smoky flavors with tender, thinly sliced meat. Perfect for a 30-minute dinner that’s both authentic and accessible.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin beef
  • ½ medium Asian pear, grated (about ½ cup or 120 ml)
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
  • 2 tbsp (25 g) brown sugar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) freshly grated ginger
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) toasted sesame oil
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • ½ medium onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ tsp (1 g) freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: 1 tsp sesame seeds for garnish
  • Optional: 1 tbsp (15 g) gochujang (Korean chili paste) for spice

Instructions

  1. Thinly slice 1 lb (450 g) ribeye or sirloin against the grain to about 1/8-inch (3 mm) thickness. If beef is too thick, freeze for 15 minutes to firm up before slicing.
  2. Grate half a medium Asian pear using a fine grater or microplane (about ½ cup or 120 ml). Substitute with a sweet apple or 1 tbsp pineapple juice if needed.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine grated pear, ¼ cup (60 ml) soy sauce, 2 tbsp (25 g) brown sugar, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp (5 ml) grated ginger, 1 tbsp (15 ml) toasted sesame oil, ½ tsp (1 g) black pepper, and optional 1 tbsp (15 g) gochujang. Stir until sugar dissolves.
  4. Thinly slice ½ medium onion and 2 green onion stalks; mix into the marinade.
  5. Add sliced beef to the marinade and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and marinate at least 15 minutes at room temperature or up to 1 hour in the refrigerator.
  6. Heat a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Add a small drizzle of sesame oil or neutral oil to prevent sticking.
  7. Add marinated beef and onions in a single layer (cook in batches if needed). Cook 2-3 minutes per side until caramelized and cooked through but still tender. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
  8. Transfer cooked bulgogi to a serving plate. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and additional sliced green onions if desired. Serve immediately with steamed rice and side dishes like kimchi or pickled vegetables.

Notes

Marinate beef at least 15 minutes for tenderness; up to 1 hour in fridge for deeper flavor. Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure caramelization. Substitute Asian pear with apple or pineapple juice if unavailable. Adjust sweetness or saltiness of marinade to taste. For smokier flavor, finish with a quick char on grill or broiler. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently in skillet with splash of water or broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean bulgogi, bulgogi beef recipe, easy Korean dinner, Korean marinade, quick beef recipe, Korean BBQ, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/irresistible-korean-bulgogi-beef-recipe-easy-homemade-30-minute-dinner-guide/