Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Seoul! Korean Bulgogi is not just a recipe; it's a flavor explosion that combines sweet, savory, and umami in every single bite. This legendary Korean dish transforms simple beef into a restaurant-quality masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're a cooking novice or a seasoned chef, this bulgogi recipe is your ticket to creating an irresistible meal that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to prepare.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Korean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 onion, sliced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and whisk thoroughly until sugar completely dissolves.
- Place thinly sliced beef in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, ensuring meat is spread evenly.
- Pour marinade over beef, making sure each slice is completely coated. Massage marinade into meat gently to enhance flavor absorption.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2-4 hours. For maximum flavor, marinate up to 8 hours, but do not exceed 12 hours to prevent meat from becoming too salty.
- Remove beef from refrigerator 20 minutes before cooking to allow it to reach room temperature.
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet or grill pan over high heat. Ensure pan is very hot before adding meat.
- Cook beef in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Each batch should take approximately 2-3 minutes, turning once to achieve caramelized edges.
- Transfer cooked beef to a serving plate, garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately with steamed rice, lettuce wraps, or kimchi for a traditional Korean dining experience.
Tips
- Meat Selection: Choose a tender cut like sirloin or ribeye and slice it extremely thin against the grain for the most tender results.
- Marinating Magic: Don't rush the marinating process! While 30 minutes works, 2-4 hours allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- High Heat is Key: Use a very hot skillet or grill pan to achieve those delicious caramelized edges that give bulgogi its signature char.
- Batch Cooking: Cook the meat in small batches to ensure each slice gets perfectly crispy without steaming.
- Serve Immediately: Bulgogi is best enjoyed hot and fresh, straight from the pan. Pair with steamed rice, lettuce wraps, or kimchi for an authentic Korean dining experience.Pro Tip: For an extra flavor boost, try adding a splash of mirin or grated Asian pear to your marinade for enhanced tenderness and complexity!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 85mg
