Description
Bring the bold, savory-sweet flavors of Korean cuisine into your kitchen with this Korean BBQ Beef (Bulgogi-Style) recipe. Thin slices of beef are marinated in a rich soy-based sauce, seared to caramelized perfection, and served over fluffy rice. This easy dinner idea is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal, healthy snack, or exciting dinner idea, bulgogi hits all the marks—flavorful, versatile, and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
1/2 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional)
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch piece ginger, grated
1/2 Asian pear or 1/2 red apple, grated
2 tablespoons scallions, finely chopped
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
1 pound ribeye or sirloin steak, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon neutral oil for cooking
Cooked white rice or jasmine rice, for serving
Chopped scallions, for garnish
Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
Kimchi or pickled vegetables, optional
Lettuce leaves, optional for wraps
Instructions
1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, black pepper, garlic, ginger, pear or apple, scallions, and sesame seeds to make the marinade.
2. Slice beef thinly against the grain. Slightly freezing it makes slicing easier.
3. Add beef to the marinade and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
4. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add neutral oil.
5. Cook beef in batches, spreading in a single layer and searing each side for 1-2 minutes.
6. Serve hot over rice, garnished with scallions and sesame seeds. Optionally, add kimchi or wrap in lettuce.
Notes
For the best flavor, let the beef marinate overnight in the fridge.
Thin slices are key—freeze the beef briefly to make slicing easier.
Avoid overcrowding the pan for a perfect sear and caramelization.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Korean BBQ beef, bulgogi, easy dinner, quick dinner, rice bowl