Korean Barbeque BBQ Beef (Bulgogi) Recipe

Quick and Flavorful Korean Bulgogi Recipe Bulgogi, or Korean BBQ beef, is an easy and tasty way to bring the flavors of Korea to your dinner table. This recipe combines marinated beef with a simple stir-fry method, giving you a restaurant-quality dish in just minutes. Paired with rice, this Bulgogi is a surefire hit for anyone who loves Korean cuisine!

This recipe for Bulgogi (Korean Barbequed Beef) has an authentic taste, and is really easy to make!

Why You’ll Love Korean BBQ Beef (Bulgogi)

• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of savory soy sauce, sweet sugar, and aromatic sesame oil gives this dish an irresistible depth of flavor. Every bite of the tender beef is packed with the perfect balance of sweetness, saltiness, and a touch of spice from garlic and pepper.
• Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a restaurant-quality dish ready in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Authentic Korean Taste at Home: No need for takeout! This Bulgogi recipe brings the authentic taste of Korean BBQ straight to your home. It’s great for impressing family or guests with an exotic yet simple meal.
• Versatile and Customizable: Bulgogi pairs beautifully with rice, but you can also serve it with noodles, in lettuce wraps, or even as a topping for salads. Plus, you can easily adjust the sweetness or spice level to suit your personal taste.
• Healthy and Satisfying: Using lean cuts of beef like sandwich steak makes this dish both filling and nutritious. Plus, the onions add a nice crunch and extra flavor, making it a well-rounded meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 lb beef, thinly sliced: Thinly sliced beef, such as sandwich steak, is ideal for absorbing the flavorful marinade and cooking quickly.
• 1/2 cup soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami-rich base to the marinade.
• 3 tbsp sugar: Balances out the saltiness of the soy sauce and brings a slight sweetness to the dish.
• 2 tbsp sesame oil: A key ingredient for adding depth and a nutty, rich flavor to the marinade.
• 1/4 tsp pepper: Just a touch to add a subtle heat to the dish.
• 5 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic enhances the aroma and overall flavor of the marinade.
• 1 large red onion, sliced: Sliced onions cook with the beef, adding texture and sweetness.
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil: Used for stir-frying the beef and onion, ensuring they don’t stick to the pan.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Korean BBQ Beef (Bulgogi)

• Non-stick Frying Pan – Essential for stir-frying the beef and onions without sticking.
• Mixing Bowl – For preparing the marinade and mixing the beef and onions with the sauce.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons – To measure out the soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and other ingredients accurately.
• Spatula or Tongs – For stirring and turning the beef as it cooks to ensure even cooking.
• Knife – To slice the beef and onions into thin pieces for quick stir-frying.

Directions:

Make the sauce for Korean BBQ beef: mix soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, pepper and minced garlic.  Microwave the sauce for 30 seconds, then stir to dissolve the sugar.

Put the sliced beef and chopped onion in a bowl and pour sauce over it.  Leave to marinate for 20 minutes at room temperature.

Here’s the picture of beef and onions marinating in a glass dish on the counter:

Heat the 1 tbsp of oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat.  Add beef and onion, and stir-fry for 5 minutes or until cooked through.

Serve Korean BBQ Beef over white rice.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve your Korean BBQ Beef (Bulgogi) over a bed of fluffy white rice for a traditional meal.
• Pair it with Korean side dishes like kimchi, pickled zucchini, or steamed spinach to add more variety and balance.
• For a fun twist, serve the bulgogi in lettuce wraps with a drizzle of sriracha or your favorite spicy sauce.
• It also goes great with noodles like soba or hibachi for a heartier meal.
• Add some sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top for extra texture and flavor.

Tip: for this recipe, I buy the cut of beef labeled “sandwich steak”.  It’s very thin large slices of beef.  Buying sandwich steak makes slicing really easy – you just slice in into strips, and then slice the strips the other way into more pieces.

Tips For Success

• Choose the right cut of beef: For best results, use a thinly sliced cut of beef like “sandwich steak” or ribeye. These cuts absorb the marinade quickly and cook evenly in a short time. If you can’t find thin slices, you can partially freeze the beef for about 15 minutes before slicing it yourself.
• Marinate for flavor: Allow the beef to marinate for at least 20 minutes at room temperature. This ensures the meat absorbs all the flavors. If you have more time, you can marinate it for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for even deeper flavor.
• High heat for stir-frying: When cooking the beef, make sure your frying pan is hot enough. Medium-high heat works best, as it sears the meat quickly without drying it out. Overcrowding the pan can cause the beef to steam rather than fry, so cook in batches if necessary.
• Microwave the marinade: Heating the marinade for just 30 seconds helps dissolve the sugar, making sure the sauce is smooth and coats the meat evenly. This quick step ensures the flavors are well-balanced throughout the dish.
• Serve immediately: Bulgogi is best enjoyed hot and fresh right out of the pan. The thin slices of beef can cool down quickly, so it’s best to serve it right after cooking for optimal texture and flavor.

Variations And Substitutions

• Different cuts of meat: While beef is traditional for Bulgogi, you can easily swap it with other proteins like pork or chicken. Pork shoulder or tenderloin works well, as does chicken thighs or breasts. Each will bring its own unique flavor and texture to the dish.
• Vegetarian version: For a plant-based twist, you can substitute the beef with tofu or mushrooms. Use firm tofu, pressing out excess moisture before marinating, or go for hearty mushrooms like shiitake or portobello, which absorb the marinade beautifully.
• Gluten-free option: To make this dish gluten-free, simply replace the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. This way, you can enjoy all the same great flavors without worrying about gluten.
• Spicy kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, you can add a teaspoon of gochujang (Korean chili paste) or red pepper flakes to the marinade. It adds a spicy depth of flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the sugar and the richness of the sesame oil.
• Sweeter touch: For those who prefer a slightly sweeter version of Bulgogi, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of honey or pear juice to the marinade. Pear juice is a traditional addition in some Korean households, and it enhances the tenderness of the beef while adding a natural sweetness.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: If you have any leftovers, store the cooked Korean BBQ Beef (Bulgogi) in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Be sure to let it cool to room temperature before sealing it in the container.
• Freezing: Bulgogi also freezes well. Place the cooled cooked beef in a freezer-safe bag or container, and it can be stored for up to 2 months. To prevent freezer burn, press out as much air as possible before sealing.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the beef in a skillet over medium heat. Add a small splash of water or extra marinade if you have any left to keep the meat from drying out. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it as the beef can become tough.
• Reheat from frozen: If reheating from frozen, let the Bulgogi thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in a pan or microwave. This will ensure the best texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can! While beef is traditional for Bulgogi, you can use chicken, pork, or even tofu as a substitute. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the type of protein you choose. For example, chicken may take slightly longer, and tofu will cook quicker.

Do I need to marinate the beef for a long time?

For best results, marinate the beef for at least 20 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to penetrate. If you have more time, you can marinate it for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for a deeper flavor. However, a short marinating time will still give you delicious results.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the beef a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. You can also cook the dish and store leftovers for up to 3 days in the fridge. Bulgogi freezes well too, so it’s a great make-ahead dish.

What can I serve with Bulgogi?

Bulgogi is typically served with steamed white rice, but you can also enjoy it with noodles, lettuce wraps, or alongside Korean side dishes like kimchi or pickled vegetables. The possibilities are endless, and it’s great for customizing to your taste!

Is Bulgogi a healthy dish?

Bulgogi can be a healthy meal, especially if you use lean cuts of beef and pair it with vegetables. It’s high in protein, and if you use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the sugar, you can make it even healthier. Serve it with a side of fresh veggies or a salad for a balanced meal.

Other Easy Beef Recipes

Healthy Ground Beef Stir Fry – One Pan Recipe: This quick and healthy ground beef stir fry is packed with veggies and savory flavors, all made in just one pan for easy cleanup.

Crispy Air Fryer Beef Short Ribs: These beef short ribs come out perfectly crispy and tender from the air fryer, making a delicious and effortless meal.

Ground Beef and Potato Skillet: A hearty and comforting one-pan meal of seasoned ground beef and potatoes, perfect for busy weeknights.

Easy Beef Teriyaki Recipe: This easy beef teriyaki is a sweet and savory dish that’s ready in minutes and pairs perfectly with rice or noodles.

Instant Pot Beef and Vegetable Soup: A warm and nutritious beef and vegetable soup made in the Instant Pot for a quick and satisfying meal.

Jamaican Beef Patties in Air Fryer – From Frozen: Enjoy crispy and flaky Jamaican beef patties straight from the freezer, perfectly cooked in the air fryer in minutes.

Instant Pot Brisket – Tender Beef Recipe: This Instant Pot brisket is tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, making it a perfect choice for a quick and hearty dinner.

More Stir Fry Recipes

• Chili Lime Chicken Stir Fry – Quick Weeknight Dinner
• Shrimp and Veggie Stir Fry with Bean Sprouts
• Ground Turkey Cabbage Stir Fry – One Pan Healthy Dinner