What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This bulgogi recipe is easy to follow and packed with flavor, making it perfect for anyone new to Korean cooking or looking for a quick meal. You’ll love how tender and juicy the meat turns out, thanks to the simple marinade. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s great for family dinners or meal prepping for the week. Plus, the aroma while cooking will make your kitchen smell amazing!
Recipe
Bulgogi is a classic Korean dish featuring thinly sliced beef marinated in a savory-sweet sauce. It’s perfect for grilling or pan-frying and pairs wonderfully with rice and vegetables.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ lbs beef sirloin or ribeye, thinly sliced
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, grated
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 2 tbsp rice wine (or mirin)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, chopped
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, grated onion, ginger, rice wine, sesame seeds, green onions, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Add the thinly sliced beef to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
- Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the beef in batches until browned and slightly caramelized, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Serve hot with steamed rice and your favorite side dishes.
Notes:
- For best results, slice the beef while partially frozen for thin, even pieces.
- Adjust sugar levels to taste for a sweeter or less sweet marinade.
Equipment:
- Mixing bowl
- Grill or skillet
Time:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
Cuisine:
Korean
Serving:
4 servings
Nutrition
Bulgogi is a flavorful Korean dish made with marinated beef. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 12 g |
| Sodium | 800 mg |
What To Serve With It
I love serving my homemade bulgogi with a mix of fresh, crunchy sides and warm, comforting pairings. Steamed rice is a must, but don’t forget kimchi or crisp lettuce wraps for extra texture and flavor. A simple cucumber salad or stir-fried veggies can round out the meal perfectly.
Side Dish Options
A great meal isn’t complete without the perfect sides, and luckily, there are plenty of delicious options to pair with this dish. I love serving bulgogi with steamed white rice—it soaks up the savory sauce perfectly. A crisp cucumber salad or tangy kimchi adds a revitalizing crunch, balancing the rich flavors. For something heartier, try japchae (sweet potato noodles) or sautéed spinach with sesame oil. If you’re feeling adventurous, ssam (lettuce wraps) let you build flavorful bites. Don’t forget a side of pickled radishes for a bright, tangy kick. These sides turn bulgogi into a feast!
Perfect Pairings
When you’re craving something hearty but still balanced, bulgogi pairs beautifully with sides that complement its savory-sweet flavors. I love serving it with steamed white rice to soak up the delicious marinade, or kimchi for a tangy crunch that cuts through the richness. A fresh lettuce wrap adds a cool, crisp contrast, while a side of bean sprouts or spinach sautéed with sesame oil brings earthy notes. Don’t forget a small bowl of doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew) for warmth. Finish with a sesame-sprinkled cucumber salad—it’s invigorating and ties the meal together perfectly. Trust me, it’s a feast!
