Description
This easy Korean Beef Bulgogi recipe features thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, then quickly pan-fried to tender, flavorful perfection. Perfect for a fast, satisfying weeknight meal with rich Korean flavors that pair beautifully with rice, noodles, or lettuce wraps.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ribeye or sirloin beef, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup sliced onions (optional)
- 1/2 cup julienned carrots (optional)
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare and Slice the Beef: Choose ribeye or sirloin and slice the beef thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness. Freeze the beef for about 30 minutes beforehand if needed to make slicing easier and more precise.
- Make the Marinade: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, chopped green onions, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix well until the sugar dissolves and flavors blend thoroughly.
- Marinate the Beef: Place the sliced beef into the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Let it sit and marinate for at least 20 minutes to absorb the rich, savory flavors.
- Cook the Bulgogi: Heat a lightly oiled skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and cook quickly until browned and caramelized, about 2-3 minutes per side. Add sliced onions and carrots during the last minute of cooking for added sweetness and crunch.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the cooked bulgogi to a serving plate and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and additional sliced green onions. Serve immediately with your choice of side dishes.
Notes
- Choose quality beef cuts with good marbling for tender and juicy results.
- Marinate beef for at least 20 minutes; longer marination (up to 1-2 hours) will enhance tenderness and flavor but avoid overnight to prevent mushiness.
- Cook the beef in batches if your pan is small to avoid overcrowding; this helps achieve a proper sear and caramelization.
- Use a hot pan for quick cooking that locks in juices and flavor.
- Lightly toast sesame seeds before garnishing to boost their aroma and taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: Korean beef bulgogi, Korean BBQ, marinated beef, quick Korean dinner, bulgogi recipe
