Korean Beef Bulgogi Recipe

Name: Korean Beef Bulgogi Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs ribeye or sirloin steak; 6 tbsp soy sauce; 3 tbsp brown sugar; 2 tbsp sesame oil; 4 cloves garlic; 1 tbsp fresh ginger; 2 tbsp honey butter (1 tbsp melted butter + 1 tbsp honey); Optional: Gochujang for spice

Published: December 4, 2025

by Victoria

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: With only 1 hour and 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious dish in no time.
Flavor Explosion: The savory-sweet marinade and honey butter give the beef a mouthwatering flavor that everyone will love.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve it with rice, in wraps, or as part of a larger Korean BBQ spread.
Easy Cooking Method: Cooked on a grill pan or skillet, this recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make extra bulgogi for easy lunches throughout the week—just reheat and enjoy!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Sharp knife
Cutting board
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Grill pan or cast iron skillet
Tongs

Importance of Each Tool

Sharp knife: Ensures precise slicing of the beef against the grain for tenderness.
Grill pan or cast iron skillet: Provides even heat distribution, crucial for achieving that perfect caramelization on the beef.

Ingredients

For the Beef Marinade

1.5 lbs ribeye or sirloin steak, thinly sliced against the grain
6 tbsp soy sauce
3 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp sesame oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
1/2 Asian pear or red apple, grated
2 tbsp mirin (optional)
1 tbsp gochujang (optional, for spice)
1/4 tsp black pepper

For Cooking

2 tbsp finely chopped green onions
1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
1 tbsp neutral oil (for cooking)
1 small onion, thinly sliced
1 carrot, julienned
1 cup mushrooms (shiitake or white button), sliced
2 tbsp honey butter (1 tbsp melted butter + 1 tbsp honey, mixed)

For Serving

Cooked rice
Lettuce leaves or perilla leaves (for wrapping)
Extra sesame seeds and sliced green onions (for garnish)

How to Make Korean Beef Bulgogi Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, grated pear or apple, mirin (if using), gochujang (if using), and black pepper. Whisk until well blended. Add the sliced beef to the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Heat the Pan

Heat a grill pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of neutral oil to coat the bottom evenly.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

Add marinated beef in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook each batch for about 2–3 minutes per side until caramelized and cooked through.

Step 4: Add Honey Butter

Just before finishing cooking each batch of beef, drizzle with honey butter. Toss quickly to coat all pieces evenly before removing from the pan.

Step 5: Serve

Arrange cooked bulgogi on plates and serve with cooked rice and lettuce leaves for wrapping. Garnish with extra sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Enjoy your homemade Korean Beef Bulgogi Recipe, perfect for any gathering!

How to Serve Korean Beef Bulgogi Recipe

After preparing your delicious Korean Beef Bulgogi, serving it right can elevate the experience. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this savory dish that will impress your family and friends.

Wraps

Lettuce Wraps: Use crisp lettuce leaves to wrap the beef along with some rice and toppings for a fresh bite.
Perilla Leaves: These fragrant leaves add a unique flavor and pair wonderfully with bulgogi.

Rice Bowls

Steamed Rice: Serve over fluffy white or brown rice for a comforting dish.
Fried Rice: Transform leftovers into fried rice for a quick and tasty meal.

Toppings

Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for added crunch and nuttiness.
Green Onions: Freshly sliced green onions provide a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing with Kimchi

Classic Kimchi: The spicy, fermented cabbage complements the sweet flavors of bulgogi beautifully.
Cucumber Kimchi: A refreshing side that adds a nice crunch and balances the richness of the beef.

How to Perfect Korean Beef Bulgogi Recipe

To ensure your Korean Beef Bulgogi turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

Choose the Right Cut: Select ribeye or sirloin steak for tenderness and flavor.
Marinate Longer: Allow the beef to marinate for at least an hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.
Slice Against the Grain: Thinly slice the beef against the grain for more tender bites.
Cook in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve that perfect caramelization on each piece of meat.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste your marinade before cooking; feel free to adjust sugar amounts based on personal preference.
Finish with Honey Butter: Drizzling honey butter at the end enhances sweetness and creates a beautiful glaze.

Best Side Dishes for Korean Beef Bulgogi Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Korean Beef Bulgogi can enhance its flavors and create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options.

Kimchi: A staple in Korean cuisine, this spicy fermented dish adds tanginess that complements bulgogi well.
Japchae (Stir-Fried Glass Noodles): These sweet potato noodles stir-fried with vegetables bring texture and sweetness to your meal.
Pickled Radish (Danmuji): The sweet and sour taste of pickled radish provides a refreshing contrast to rich bulgogi.
Korean Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad made with eggs, carrots, and mayonnaise is a comforting side dish that balances flavors nicely.
Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms add a healthy touch when grilled alongside bulgogi.
Rice Cake (Tteokbokki): Chewy rice cakes in spicy sauce offer an exciting twist when served with bulgogi.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Korean Beef Bulgogi Recipe, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here’s how to steer clear of them.

Not slicing the beef correctly – Always slice against the grain for tender pieces. This helps break down muscle fibers, ensuring a softer bite.
Skipping the marination time – Marinating for at least one hour allows flavors to penetrate the meat. Don’t rush this step for best results.
Overcrowding the pan – Cooking in batches prevents steaming and promotes caramelization. Keep space between pieces for optimal grilling.
Neglecting to use high heat – Bulgogi benefits from high heat for that perfect char. Ensure your grill pan or skillet is hot enough before adding meat.
Forgetting garnishes – Adding sesame seeds and green onions enhances presentation and taste. Don’t skip these final touches!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Consume within 3-4 days for best flavor and safety.

Freezing Korean Beef Bulgogi Recipe

Place cooled bulgogi in a freezer-safe container or bag.
Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Korean Beef Bulgogi Recipe

Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place bulgogi in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave – Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot.
Stovetop – Heat a skillet over medium heat, add bulgogi, and stir occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Korean Beef Bulgogi Recipe that can help clarify any doubts.

How can I customize my Korean Beef Bulgogi Recipe?

Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition. You can also adjust the sweetness by modifying sugar or honey levels.

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes! While ribeye and sirloin are ideal, you can use flank steak or even chicken if preferred. Adjust cooking times accordingly based on thickness.

What side dishes pair well with Korean Beef Bulgogi?

Korean BBQ is often served with rice, kimchi, and pickled vegetables. Try serving it with steamed rice or lettuce wraps for a complete meal.

Is this recipe spicy?

The base recipe is not spicy unless you add gochujang. Adjust spice levels according to your preference by including or omitting this ingredient.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Marinate the beef ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Cook just before serving for fresh flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Korean Beef Bulgogi Recipe shines with its sweet-savory marinade and quick cooking method. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting spices to suit your taste!

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