Learn to make authentic Korean bulgogi at home with this simple recipe. This sweet and savory marinated beef uses thinly sliced ribeye and a flavorful marinade perfect for grilling or pan-frying.
Author:purejoyalex
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:10 min
Total Time:25 min
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Dinner
Method:Pan-Frying
Cuisine:Korean
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1.5 lbs thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin steak
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 tablespoons mirin (rice wine)
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1/2 Asian pear, grated (optional, for tenderizing and sweetness)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, mirin, minced garlic, grated ginger, grated Asian pear (if using), and black pepper.
Add the thinly sliced beef to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Remove beef from marinade, letting excess drip off. Cook the beef in batches, without overcrowding the pan, until browned and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
For a sweeter marinade, increase brown sugar by 1 tablespoon.
If you don’t have Asian pear, you can substitute with 1 tablespoon of honey or agave nectar.
Serve bulgogi with steamed rice, lettuce wraps, and your favorite Korean side dishes (banchan).
This recipe is great for busy weeknights, offering a flavorful meal without much fuss. Consider it for your meal planning.