Korean beef bulgogi is made of thin strips of beef marinated in sweet and savory Korean barbecue flavors that are cooked quickly over high heat. Serve with sticky rice for dinner!
Korean BBQ Beef
Unlike my Korean ground beef bowl, which is tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce, beef bulgogi is made of thin strips of beef marinated in the most amazing sweet and savory sauce. It’s then seared quickly over high heat for just a few minutes.
You’ll love the unmistakable aroma of Korean BBQ, and it’s even more exciting that it’s coming from your own kitchen. Serve in a bulgogi bowl with sticky rice for a delicious and easy restaurant-quality dinner!
Recipe Ingredients
Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
- Beef: Thinly sliced, using a sharp knife. It helps if the meat is partially frozen.
- For the marinade: You’ll need sesame seeds, green onions, garlic, salt, pepper, sesame oil, soy sauce, and sugar.
Best Cut of Beef for Bulgogi
I usually use rib eye for bulgogi beef because it’s tender, has wonderful marbling, and great flavor. Sirloin steak, rump steak, or flank steak are other budget-friendly options. Make sure to slice it thin no matter what the cut.
Ground beef bulgogi is also an option that doesn’t require marinating ahead of time. Just cook the beef in the sauce until the juices are absorbed.
How to Make Korean Beef Bulgogi
First, toast sesame seeds in an even layer in a skillet over medium heat for about 2 minutes until golden brown. Stir constantly as they can burn quickly. Grind or mash to release their nutty aroma and oils.
In a mixing bowl (or Ziploc bag), add crushed seeds and marinade ingredients. Add beef to the bowl and stir to make sure all the beef is covered. Marinate for at least half an hour.
Cook meat in a hot frying pan, on the BBQ, or in the oven for a few minutes per side. Serve with sticky rice and garnish with extra sesame seeds and green onions. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips and Variations
- Grated apple or Asian pear is a popular ingredient used in Korean bulgogi beef. It adds another sweet flavor element, and the acid helps to tenderize the beef.
- Cook the beef strips in a pan on the BBQ grill for about 3-4 minutes or in a skillet on the stove for about 2-3 minutes per side. Both are super quick.
- Add meat to a sizzling hot surface. This prevents the meat from sticking, and results in tasty charred bits.
- Serve with potsticker soup, white rice or restaurant style coconut rice and a side of julienned carrots (or your favorite veggies) and a bit of kimchi on the side. Make a beef bulgogi bowl, wrap in lettuce leaves or serve with fried rice or noodles.
More Asian-inspired recipes to try include PF Chang’s lettuce wraps, ground beef and broccoli and egg rolls.
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Korean Beef Bulgogi
Video
Ingredients
- 1 pound tender beef , sliced very thin
Marinade
- 1 ½ Tablespoons sesame seeds
- ¼ cup green onions , chopped
- 3 cloves garlic , crushed or minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 Tablespoon sesame oil
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 Tablespoons sugar
Hot sticky rice, for serving
Instructions
- Toast Sesame Seeds: Heat a skillet over medium heat, then add 1 1/2 Tablespoons of sesame seeds in an even layer. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes, until they are golden brown and fragrant. They will burn quickly, so keep close watch.
- Grind Seeds: Grind or mash the toasted sesame seeds.
- Make Marinade: In a large zip top bag, or mixing bowl, add crushed sesame seeds, 1/4 cup chopped green onions, 3 crushed or minced cloves of garlic, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, 1 Tablespoon sesame oil, 1/4 cup soy sauce and 3 Tablespoons sugar. Mix.
- Marinade Meat: Add meat to this mixture and make sure the marinade is coating all the beef. Let sit for at least 1/2 hour.
- Cook Meat: Use one of the following methods to cook meat.1) Cook on bbq for 3-4 minutes2) Broil in oven, about 3 minutes on each side3) Cook in hot frying pan with about 1 Tablespoon oil, in a single layer. Flip once, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Serve with hot, sticky rice. Garnish with additional sesame seeds and green onions, if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Recipe FAQs
You will probably be able to find some shaved beef already packaged at your local Asian market. If not, you might get lucky at your Trader Joe’s location. Some have it, some don’t, but if not, you can always slice it yourself.
Oh yes, please do! Keep it frozen in an airtight freezer-safe container or freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat quickly over medium-high heat.
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook and shares easy family-friendly recipes and desserts for every occasion.
So delicious! – Alisha, recipe tester
So glad you enjoyed it!