Korean Beef Bulgogi

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Korean

Prep Time: 30

Cook Time: 12

Marinating Time: 2

Total Time: 2 42

Servings: servings

Calories: 130kcal

Author: Quynh Nguyen

Korean beef bulgogi is a savory and slightly sweet dish made with tender marinated beef, grilled or pan-seared to perfection. It's an easy, flavorful recipe that's perfect for busy weeknight dinners and a family favorite!

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Ingredients

Beef

1 pound beef tenderloin or sirloin thinly sliced (¼ inch thick)
½ yellow onion (optional) thinly sliced
½ carrot (optional) thinly sliced
1 tablespoon cooking oil (avocado or olive oil)

Bulgogi Marinade

1 small Asian pear or red apple, peeled and grated
4 garlic cloves, minced
½ tablespoon freshly grated ginger
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1½ tablespoons brown sugar
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon sesame oil

Garnish

2 green onions thinly sliced
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

Prep the Beef

Wrap steak in plastic wrap, and place in the freezer for 30 minutes. Once firm but not frozen, unwrap and slice the steak against the grain into ¼-inch thick slices.

Make the Marinade

In a medium bowl, combine the grated pear (or apple), minced garlic, ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, black pepper, and sesame oil.

Marinate the Beef

Add the beef slices to a gallon-sized Ziploc bag, then pour in the marinade. Seal the bag and massage it to coat the beef evenly. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight, turning the bag occasionally for even flavor.

Cook the Bulgogi

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, lay the beef in a single layer in the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, flipping once, until the beef is nicely charred and cooked through. Repeat with the remaining oil and beef.

Serve and Garnish

Serve immediately, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.

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