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Bulgogi

Bulgogi


  • Author: Michael
  • Total Time: 40 minutes to overnight (including marinating)
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Easy Bulgogi recipe offers a rich and savory Korean classic made with thinly sliced beef marinated in a flavorful blend of soy sauce (natural), brown sugar, garlic, sesame oil (natural), and grape juice. Quick to prepare and packed with sweet, salty, and umami notes, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners and adaptable for various dietary preferences, served alongside rice, vegetables, or wrapped in lettuce leaves.


Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Vegetables

  • 500g thinly sliced beef (ribeye or sirloin)
  • 1 medium carrot, julienned
  • 3 green onions, sliced

Marinade

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (natural)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (natural)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil (natural)
  • 2 tablespoons grape juice (natural)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon natural gelling agent

Instructions

  1. Prep the Beef: Cut the beef into very thin slices if not pre-sliced. Thinner slices cook quickly and absorb the marinade better, making each bite tender and flavorful.
  2. Mix the Marinade: In a bowl, combine soy sauce (natural), brown sugar (natural), minced garlic, sesame oil (natural), grape juice (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), black pepper, and natural gelling agent. Whisk everything together until the sugar dissolves completely and the marinade develops a smooth, glossy texture.
  3. Marinate the Beef: Place the sliced beef into the marinade. Add julienned carrots and sliced green onions, then toss thoroughly to ensure every piece is covered. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes; for best results, marinate for a few hours or overnight to infuse deeper flavors.
  4. Cook the Bulgogi: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and vegetables, spreading them into a single layer if possible. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, stirring occasionally, until the beef is caramelized, slightly crisp at the edges, and cooked through.
  5. Final Touches: Transfer the cooked Bulgogi to a serving plate. Drizzle a little extra sesame oil (natural) for added flavor. Optionally, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and garnish with fresh green onions. The dish is now ready to enjoy.

Notes

  • Slice beef thinly by partially freezing it before cutting to achieve paper-thin slices for tenderness.
  • Marinate the beef longer, ideally 4-6 hours or overnight, to enhance flavor and tenderness.
  • Cook on a hot pan to ensure caramelization; avoid overcrowding by cooking in batches if necessary.
  • Adjust marinade ingredients to balance sweet, salty, and tangy flavors to your preference.
  • Serve with steamed white or brown rice, lettuce wraps, kimchi, or pickled vegetables for a complete meal.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6-8 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Pan-frying
  • Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Bulgogi, Korean Beef, Easy Korean Recipe, Marinated Beef, Korean BBQ, Weeknight Dinner