Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tender & Flavorful: The marinated beef is juicy, tender, and packed with rich flavors.
- Sweet and Savory: The combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and sugar creates a perfectly balanced marinade.
- Quick & Easy: Marinate for a few hours, then grill or stir-fry for a quick and delicious meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef sirloin or ribeye, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, green onions, sesame seeds, and black pepper.
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Marinate the Beef: Add the thinly sliced beef to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 3 hours for more flavor.
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Cook the Beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully cooked and slightly caramelized.
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Serve: Garnish with additional green onions and sesame seeds, then serve with steamed rice, kimchi, or other Korean side dishes.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Marinate Time: 1-3 hours
- Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the beef with thinly sliced mushrooms or tofu for a plant-based version.
- Spicy Bulgogi: Add gochujang (Korean chili paste) or red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Grilled Bulgogi: Grill the marinated beef on a BBQ grill for a smoky flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a pan over low heat until warmed through, or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use other cuts of beef?
Yes, flank steak or chuck can also be used for bulgogi, just make sure they are thinly sliced against the grain.
2. How do I make the beef slices thinner?
Freeze the beef for about 30 minutes before slicing. It will firm up, making it easier to cut thin slices.
3. Can I use a different oil?
Yes, vegetable oil can be substituted with canola oil or grapeseed oil.
4. How spicy is bulgogi?
Traditional bulgogi is not very spicy, but you can adjust the spice level by adding gochujang or chili flakes.
5. Can I prepare bulgogi in advance?
Yes, you can marinate the beef overnight for deeper flavor, or cook the beef ahead of time and store it in the fridge for later.
Conclusion
Bulgogi Beef (Korean-Style Barbecue) is an easy and delicious dish that brings the flavors of Korean BBQ into your kitchen. With its tender beef, savory-sweet marinade, and smoky finish, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation!
