Name: Easy Homemade Bulgogi Beef
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs (680g) thinly sliced beef (ribeye, sirloin, or tenderloin); 1/2 cup (120 ml) low sodium soy sauce; 1 small pear, grated (Asian pear preferred, or Bosc, approx. 100g); 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar; 2 tablespoons (30 ml) sesame oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced (approx. 20g); 1 tablespoon (6g) freshly grated ginger; 3 green onions, chopped (approx. 30g, plus more for garnish); 1/2 teaspoon (1g) black pepper; Toasted sesame seeds for garnish; Cooked rice for serving; Lettuce leaves for serving (optional)

why make this recipe

Bulgogi beef is a popular Korean dish known for its delicious flavor and tender texture. It’s easy to make at home, and you can customize it to suit your taste. This recipe offers a great balance of savory, sweet, and slightly smoky flavors that make it perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. Plus, it cooks quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights!

how to make Easy Homemade Bulgogi Beef

Ingredients:

1.5 lbs (680g) thinly sliced beef (ribeye, sirloin, or tenderloin)
1/2 cup (120 ml) low sodium soy sauce
1 small pear, grated (Asian pear preferred, or Bosc, approx. 100g)
1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
2 tablespoons (30 ml) sesame oil
4 cloves garlic, minced (approx. 20g)
1 tablespoon (6g) freshly grated ginger
3 green onions, chopped (approx. 30g, plus more for garnish)
1/2 teaspoon (1g) black pepper
Toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Cooked rice for serving
Lettuce leaves for serving (optional)

Directions:

If your beef is not pre-sliced, partially freeze it for about 1-2 hours to make it easier to slice very thinly (about 1/8 inch or 3mm thick) against the grain.
In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, grated pear, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped green onions, and black pepper. Whisk well to create the marinade.
Add the thinly sliced beef to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably 4 hours, or even overnight for maximum flavor.
Heat a large skillet, griddle, or grill pan over medium-high to high heat. You may add a teaspoon of neutral cooking oil if your pan is not well-seasoned.
Cook the marinated beef in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until nicely browned and cooked through. The thin slices cook very quickly.
The sugars in the marinade will cause caramelization, so watch carefully to prevent burning.
Once cooked, transfer the bulgogi to a serving platter.
Garnish with additional chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot with steamed rice and lettuce leaves for wrapping, if desired.

how to serve Easy Homemade Bulgogi Beef

Serve bulgogi beef hot with a side of steamed rice. You can also offer lettuce leaves for those who want to wrap their beef. This adds a fun and healthy element to the meal! Add more chopped green onions and sesame seeds as garnishes for extra flavor and color.

how to store Easy Homemade Bulgogi Beef

If you have leftovers, let the bulgogi cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also freeze the marinated beef before cooking if you want to make it ahead of time. Just ensure it’s well-sealed in a freezer bag.

tips to make Easy Homemade Bulgogi Beef

Use a sharp knife to slice the beef thinly against the grain for tender pieces.
Letting the beef marinate longer helps deepen the flavor, so try to marinate it overnight if you can.
Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar based on your taste preferences.
For added heat, you can include a splash of Korean chili paste (gochujang) in the marinade.

variation

You can make bulgogi with chicken or pork instead of beef. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the meat. Additionally, you can add vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or carrots for extra nutrition and color.

FAQs

Can I make bulgogi without meat?
Yes! You can try making a vegetarian version using tofu or tempeh, marinated in the same way.

What kind of beef is best for bulgogi?
Ribeye, sirloin, or tenderloin are great options because they’re tender and flavorful.

Can I use another type of sweetener instead of brown sugar?
Yes, you can use honey or maple syrup as alternatives for sweetness in the marinade. Adjust the amount to taste.