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Korean Beef Bulgogi Recipe

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4.2 from 36 reviews

This Korean Beef Bulgogi recipe features thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin steak marinated in a savory and slightly sweet mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and Asian pear. The beef is quickly grilled in a hot skillet until caramelized and finished with a luscious honey butter glaze. Served with cooked rice and wrapped in fresh lettuce or perilla leaves, this dish offers an authentic and flavorful Korean dining experience that’s perfect for a family meal or special occasion.

Ingredients

Beef and Marinade

  • 1.5 lbs ribeye or sirloin steak, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 6 tbsp soy sauce
  • 3 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/2 Asian pear or red apple, grated
  • 2 tbsp mirin (optional)
  • 1 tbsp gochujang (optional, for spice)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped green onions
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds

Vegetables and Garnishes

  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • 1 cup mushrooms (shiitake or white button), sliced
  • Extra sesame seeds and sliced green onions, for garnish

For Cooking and Serving

  • 1 tbsp neutral oil (for cooking)
  • 2 tbsp honey butter (1 tbsp melted butter + 1 tbsp honey mixed)
  • Cooked rice, for serving
  • Lettuce leaves or perilla leaves, for wrapping

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade and Marinate Beef: Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, grated Asian pear or apple, mirin (if using), gochujang (if using), black pepper, chopped green onions, and toasted sesame seeds in a bowl. Add the thinly sliced beef and toss to coat thoroughly. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to an hour for best flavor absorption.
  2. Heat the Pan: Place a grill pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of neutral oil. Allow the pan to become hot enough to sear the beef properly.
  3. Cook the Beef in Batches: Add the marinated beef to the pan in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook each batch for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, allowing the beef to caramelize and develop a nice crust.
  4. Enhance with Honey Butter: Just before the beef finishes cooking, drizzle the honey butter mixture over the meat. Toss quickly to coat the beef evenly, enhancing caramelization and flavor.
  5. Remove and Rest: Take the cooked beef out of the pan and set aside. This will keep the beef tender and allow the flavors to settle.
  6. Serve: Serve the bulgogi with cooked rice and fresh lettuce or perilla leaves for wrapping. Garnish with extra sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added texture and color.

Notes

  • Marinating the beef for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavor and tenderness.
  • Thinly slicing the beef against the grain ensures a tender bite.
  • Using a grill pan or cast iron skillet helps achieve a nice sear and caramelization.
  • Honey butter adds a rich sweetness that complements the savory marinade perfectly.
  • Gochujang is optional and can be adjusted based on spice preference.
  • Serve immediately after cooking for best texture and flavor.

Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/korean-beef-bulgogi-recipe/