Korean Beef Bulgogi

Korean Beef Bulgogi is a beloved staple of Korean cuisine, known for its tender slices of beef marinated in a flavorful mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and sweet fruit. Traditionally grilled or pan-fried, this dish is rich, savory, slightly sweet, and incredibly satisfying. Whether served with rice, wrapped in lettuce, or used as a filling in fusion dishes, Bulgogi is both versatile and deeply comforting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Korean flavors that are well-balanced and deeply satisfying

• Thinly sliced beef that cooks quickly and stays tender

• Easy to prepare with simple, everyday ingredients

• Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests

• Delicious on its own or served with rice, noodles, or in wraps

• Adaptable to personal preferences, including spicy or mild versions

• Can be made ahead for busy days

• A great introduction to Korean home cooking

• Pairs well with a variety of side dishes

• Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Thinly sliced beef ribeye or sirloin

• Soy sauce

• Brown sugar

• Asian pear or sweet apple, grated

• Garlic, minced

• Ginger, grated

• Sesame oil

• Green onions, chopped

• Sesame seeds, toasted

• Ground black pepper

• Optional: sliced onions and carrots

Directions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, grated pear, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper to form the marinade.

2. Add the thinly sliced beef and optional vegetables to the marinade, mixing well to coat evenly.

3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to develop.

4. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat and lightly oil it.

5. Cook the marinated beef in batches, 2–3 minutes per side, until browned and caramelized.

6. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)

• Cooking Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes (excluding marinating)

Variations

• Spicy Bulgogi: Add gochujang (Korean chili paste) or red pepper flakes for extra heat

• Chicken Bulgogi: Substitute beef with thinly sliced chicken thighs

• Vegetarian Bulgogi: Use thick-cut mushrooms or tofu as a meat alternative

• Fusion Style: Serve Bulgogi in tacos, sandwiches, or rice bowls

• Extra Veggies: Add sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the marinade

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days

• Freezing: Freeze marinated or cooked Bulgogi in a sealed container for up to 3 months

• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to preserve texture

FAQs

What does “bulgogi” mean?

Bulgogi means “fire meat” in Korean, referring to the traditional method of grilling marinated meat over an open flame.

Can I use regular pear or apple instead of Asian pear?

Yes, a sweet apple or a firm pear like Bosc can be used as a substitute for Asian pear.

Do I have to use ribeye?

Ribeye is recommended for tenderness and flavor, but sirloin, flank steak, or any tender cut of beef will also work.

Can I cook Bulgogi without a grill?

Yes, Bulgogi can be cooked in a pan or skillet on the stovetop with excellent results.

How long should I marinate the beef?

At least 2 hours is recommended, but for best flavor, marinate overnight.

Is Bulgogi spicy?

Traditional Bulgogi is not spicy, but it can be made spicy with chili paste or flakes.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, Bulgogi can be marinated and stored in the fridge a day ahead, making it ideal for meal prep.

What do I serve with Bulgogi?

It pairs well with steamed rice, lettuce leaves, kimchi, pickled vegetables, and other Korean side dishes.

Can I freeze raw marinated Bulgogi?

Yes, freeze it in a sealed bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before cooking.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Not by default due to soy sauce, but you can use a gluten-free soy sauce alternative like tamari.

Conclusion

Korean Beef Bulgogi is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that brings the taste of Korean cuisine into your home. With its rich marinade and tender beef, it’s a crowd-pleasing recipe perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions. Adapt it to your taste, serve it in your favorite way, and enjoy a timeless dish that never goes out of style.