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Korean Beef Bulgogi

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  • Author: chloe
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stir-frying
  • Cuisine: Korean
  • Diet: None

Description

A deliciously sweet and savory Korean beef bulgogi, featuring tender marinated steak, crunchy veggies, and warm rice, perfect for sharing.


Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs ribeye or sirloin steak, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 6 tbsp soy sauce
  • 3 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/2 Asian pear or red apple, grated
  • 2 tbsp mirin (optional)
  • 1 tbsp gochujang (optional, for spice)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped green onions
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 tbsp neutral oil (for cooking)
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • 1 cup mushrooms (shiitake or white button), sliced
  • 2 tbsp honey butter (1 tbsp melted butter + 1 tbsp honey, mixed)
  • Cooked rice, for serving
  • Lettuce leaves or perilla leaves, for wrapping
  • Extra sesame seeds and sliced green onions, for garnish


Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, grated Asian pear or red apple, mirin, gochujang, and black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Add the thinly sliced beef to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably longer.
  3. Heat a grill pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of neutral oil.
  4. Remove the beef from the marinade and cook in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until caramelized, avoiding overcrowding.
  5. Drizzle honey butter over the beef just before finishing to enhance caramelization.
  6. Remove the cooked beef from the pan and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté onions, carrots, and mushrooms for 3-4 minutes until tender yet crisp.
  7. Serve the cooked beef over a bed of rice, accompanied by sautéed vegetables. Wrap portions of bulgogi in lettuce or perilla leaves for a delightful bite-sized option.

Notes

Allowing the beef to marinate overnight is ideal for the deepest flavor. Fresh vegetables enhance the dish’s visual appeal and texture.