Korean Bulgogi Marinated Beef

⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating) • 🍳 Cook Time: 10 minutes

Bulgogi is a classic Korean dish known for its deliciously sweet, savory, and umami-rich flavor. This marinated meat—typically beef—is perfect for grilling, stir-frying, or even cooking on a skillet, making it a versatile and satisfying meal.

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Bulgogi is a dish that’s beloved for its rich flavors, combining tender beef with a sweet and savory marinade of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and brown sugar. The marinated meat soaks up all the flavors, resulting in a juicy and flavorful dish. Whether served over steamed rice, in lettuce wraps, or with noodles, Bulgogi is sure to satisfy your craving for something flavorful and comforting. Plus, it’s quick to prepare and can be grilled or cooked in a pan, making it perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

🍽️ Servings: 4 • 🔥 Calories/Serving: 300

1 lb beef (thinly sliced, preferably ribeye or sirloin)
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon ginger (fresh, minced)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
2 tablespoons green onions (chopped, for garnish)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Steps

Step 1

Prepare the marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, ginger, black pepper, and sesame seeds. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved.

Step 2

Marinate the beef: Add the thinly sliced beef to the marinade and mix to coat each slice thoroughly. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for more intense flavor).

Step 3

Cook the beef: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated beef in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the beef is browned and caramelized.

Step 4

Serve: Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the pan and transfer it to a plate. Garnish with chopped green onions. Serve hot over steamed rice, in lettuce wraps, or with your favorite side dishes.

Make it your own!

Vegetarian version: Substitute beef with thinly sliced portobello mushrooms or tofu for a plant-based twist.
Spicy kick: Add 1-2 tablespoons of gochujang (Korean chili paste) for a spicy and tangy flavor.
Grilled version: If you prefer a smoky taste, grill the marinated beef on a charcoal grill for extra flavor.
Serve with: Pair it with kimchi, sautéed vegetables, or pickled radishes for a more authentic Korean meal.