Beef Bulgogi Recipe
Before we dive into the heart of the matter—beef bulgogi—let's explore some delightful pairings that will take your meal from great to phenomenal. The right sides can elevate this already amazing dish, making it an unforgettable experience.
Prep Time 2 hours hrs 45 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 3 hours hrs
Course Main Course
Cuisine Korean
Servings 6
Calories 318 kcal
- 1 ½ pounds boneless ribeye steak
- 2 tablespoons canola oil divided
- 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 3 cloves garlic finely minced
- 1 tablespoon gochujang Korean red chili paste
- ½ small pear peeled and finely grated
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 green onions thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Start by thinly slicing the ribeye steak against the grain. Thin slices ensure you get that tender texture everyone loves.
In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, dark brown sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, rice vinegar, gochujang, and grated pear. This is the marinade that will infuse your beef with flavor.
Add the beef slices to the marinade, making sure they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, a few hours or overnight will enhance the flavors significantly.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
Add the marinated beef to the hot pan. Spread it out in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Let it cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side.
Stir occasionally to caramelize all sides. You want a bit of charring to add flavor depth. The high heat works wonders here, giving the bulgogi that beautiful signature glaze.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches
- Use Quality Beef: The better the beef, the better the outcome. Ribeye is my favorite for its marbling.
- Slice Against the Grain: This ensures tenderness. If you’re unsure, pay attention to how the fibers run in the meat.
- Don’t Skip the Pear: Seriously! It’s not just an ingredient; it's a game changer.
- Control the Spice: Adjust the amount of gochujang to suit your taste. Spice lovers, go wild!
- Cook in Batches: If you have a lot of beef, cook it in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This prevents steaming and ensures good searing.
Serving: 153gCalories: 318kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 24gFat: 22.7gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.6gCholesterol: 73mgSodium: 537mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1g
Keyword Beef Bulgogi Recipe