Korean Marinated Beef (불고기, Bulgogi)

Chelsea Dec 23, 2024

Welcome back to Chelsea’s K-Food Recipes! Today, we’re making a true Korean classic — Bulgogi (불고기, Bulgogi). Thinly sliced beef is marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, then grilled or stir-fried until tender, juicy, and beautifully caramelized. Bulgogi is a beloved Korean BBQ dish and a family-favorite dinner that’s surprisingly easy to make at home!

🍖 Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450g) thinly sliced beef ribeye or sirloin
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 carrot, julienned (optional)
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil (for garnish)

Marinade

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp honey (optional)
  • 2 tbsp mirin (or rice wine)
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 tbsp grated ginger
  • 1/4 small pear (or apple), grated
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Beef

If your beef isn’t pre-sliced, freeze it for about 30 minutes to make it easier to cut. Slice the beef thinly into bite-sized pieces — thinner slices create the best texture.

2️⃣ Make the Marinade

In a bowl, mix soy sauce, sugar, honey, mirin, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, grated pear, and black pepper until the sugar dissolves. The pear (or apple) helps tenderize the beef, giving bulgogi its signature soft bite.

3️⃣ Marinate the Beef

Add the sliced beef and mix well to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, marinate 2–4 hours or overnight.

4️⃣ Cook the Bulgogi

🔥 Grilling

Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high and lightly oil the surface. Grill the beef, onions, and carrots for 2–3 minutes per side until cooked through and lightly caramelized.

🍳 Stir-frying

Heat a skillet over medium-high, add a little oil, and stir-fry the beef and vegetables in batches for 3–4 minutes until cooked and the sauce thickens.

5️⃣ Garnish & Serve

Once cooked, garnish with sesame seeds and a light drizzle of sesame oil. Serve immediately with steamed white rice (흰쌀밥, Heen Ssal Bap) and your favorite Korean side dishes like kimchi or pickles.

💡 Tips for Perfect Bulgogi

  • Ribeye or sirloin gives the most tender, juicy results
  • Don’t skip the pear — it’s the secret to melt-in-your-mouth texture
  • Want it sweeter? Add a bit more honey or sugar
  • Grill in batches — overcrowding the pan steams the meat instead of caramelizing it

Bulgogi is one of Korea’s most beloved dishes, known for its sweet, savory, and slightly smoky flavors. With fluffy white rice and classic Korean side dishes, you’ll have a delicious Korean BBQ experience right at home.

Thanks for reading Chelsea’s K-Food Recipes — more delicious Korean favorites are coming soon! 🇰🇷✨