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Crispy Korean Beef Bulgogi Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 3 reviews
  • Author: Hannah
  • Prep Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
  • Marinating Time: 2 hours
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 3 hours
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Korean

Description

This classic Korean Beef Bulgogi recipe features thinly sliced rib eye steak marinated in a flavorful blend of grated pear, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and gochujang. The beef is quickly grilled to perfection, creating a deliciously tender and charred dish that's perfect for an authentic Korean BBQ experience at home.


Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Marinade

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless rib eye steak
  • 1/2 small pear, peeled and coarsely grated
  • 1/4 cup reduced sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean red pepper paste)

Cooking and Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds


Instructions

  1. Prep the Steak: Wrap the rib eye steak in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for 30 minutes to firm up. Then unwrap and slice the steak across the grain into 1/4-inch thick slices for the best texture.
  2. Make the Marinade: In a medium bowl, mix together the grated pear, reduced sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, and gochujang until well combined.
  3. Marinate the Beef: Place the sliced steak and the marinade into a gallon-size Ziploc bag. Seal and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, turning the bag occasionally to ensure even flavor distribution.
  4. Cook the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a cast iron grill pan over medium-high heat. Working in batches, arrange the marinated steak slices in a single layer in the hot pan. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked through. Repeat the process with the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and the rest of the steak slices.
  5. Serve: Immediately transfer the cooked bulgogi to serving plates. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.

Notes

  • This recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy Korean BBQ flavors at home.
  • Use a cast iron grill pan for the best char and sear on the beef.
  • Marinating overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness of the meat.
  • If rib eye is unavailable, sirloin or flank steak can be used as substitutes.
  • Adjust the amount of gochujang to control the spiciness to your preference.
  • Serve with steamed rice and kimchi for a complete Korean meal experience.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg