Beef Bulgogi

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Beef Bulgogi is incredibly flavorful and easy to make, with the marinade infusing the beef with a delicious combination of sweet, salty, and umami flavors. The thinly sliced beef absorbs all the spices and seasonings, making each bite tender and juicy. This dish is quick to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, special gatherings, or a Korean BBQ-style meal at home. Plus, the versatility of Beef Bulgogi allows you to serve it in various ways, whether with rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or ribeye, thinly sliced against the grain

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

• 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste) or 1 teaspoon gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) (optional, for spice)

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)

• 2 teaspoons sesame seeds (for garnish)

• 3-4 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

• 1 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey (or brown sugar), minced garlic, grated ginger, and gochujang (if using). Whisk until the sugar is dissolved and the ingredients are well combined.

2. Marinate the beef: Add the thinly sliced beef to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour for the best flavor, or up to 4 hours for a more intense marinade.

3. Cook the beef: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated beef in a single layer. Cook the beef for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully cooked and browned. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan to ensure the beef sears properly.

4. Serve: Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the heat. Transfer it to a serving dish and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

5. Enjoy: Serve Beef Bulgogi with steamed rice, in lettuce wraps, or alongside other Korean side dishes such as kimchi or pickled vegetables. Enjoy the savory, sweet, and spicy flavors!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Marinate time: 30 minutes to 1 hour (up to 4 hours for a deeper flavor)

• Cook time: 5-7 minutes

• Total time: 45 minutes to 1 hour and 10 minutes

Storage/Reheating

Leftover Beef Bulgogi can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the beef moist.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of beef?

Yes, you can use other cuts of beef such as flank steak, skirt steak, or ribeye. The key is to slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.

2. What is gochujang and can I substitute it?

Gochujang is a Korean chili paste that adds both heat and depth of flavor to dishes like Bulgogi. If you don’t have gochujang, you can use a combination of chili paste and a bit of honey or brown sugar, or substitute with a pinch of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) for a milder heat.

3. Can I make Beef Bulgogi ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the marinade and marinate the beef in advance. This allows the flavors to meld together even more. Simply refrigerate the marinated beef for up to 4 hours before cooking. The cooked beef can also be refrigerated for a couple of days.

4. Can I grill the beef instead of cooking it in a skillet?

Yes, you can grill the marinated beef on a hot grill. Simply skewer the beef slices or place them directly on the grill, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the slices. Grilling will give the beef a slightly smoky flavor.

5. Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Yes, you can stir-fry vegetables like onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini along with the beef for added flavor and texture. This makes it a more complete meal.

6. Is Beef Bulgogi spicy?

The level of spice depends on how much gochujang or gochugaru you use. You can adjust the amount of chili paste to suit your spice tolerance, or omit it entirely for a milder dish.

7. How can I serve Beef Bulgogi?

Beef Bulgogi is commonly served with steamed rice, in lettuce wraps, or alongside Korean side dishes like kimchi, pickled vegetables, or steamed broccoli. It can also be served with noodles or on top of a grain bowl.

8. Can I make Beef Bulgogi vegetarian?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of Bulgogi by substituting the beef with tofu, tempeh, or even mushrooms. Use the same marinade and cooking technique for a delicious plant-based version.

9. Can I freeze Beef Bulgogi?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked Beef Bulgogi for up to 2 months. Make sure to store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in a skillet over medium heat.

Conclusion

Beef Bulgogi is a delicious and flavorful Korean dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its savory-sweet marinade, tender beef, and rich flavors, it’s a dish that will impress everyone at the table. Whether you enjoy it over rice, wrapped in lettuce, or alongside other Korean dishes, Beef Bulgogi is a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and full of authentic flavor. Try it today for a taste of Korea right at home!

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