Easy Korean Beef Bulgogi Recipe

Introduction

Korean Beef Bulgogi is a deliciously savory and slightly sweet dish that’s quick to prepare and packed with flavor. Using a simple marinade and thinly sliced flank steak, this recipe brings classic Korean barbecue flavors right to your kitchen. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

Ingredients

• ½ pear, skinned and minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• ⅓ cup soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons sriracha
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 pounds flank steak, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the minced pear, garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, sriracha, lime juice, brown sugar, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
2. Step 2: Add the thinly sliced flank steak to the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
3. Step 3: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil.
4. Step 4: Cook the marinated beef in batches, placing a single layer in the hot skillet. Sear each side for 1-2 minutes until cooked through. Set cooked beef aside and repeat with remaining pieces.
5. Step 5: Serve the cooked bulgogi over steamed rice and enjoy the rich, flavorful dish.

Tips & Variations

• For a tender cut, freeze the flank steak for 30 minutes before slicing thinly.
• Substitute flank steak with ribeye or sirloin for a richer flavor.
• Add sliced onions or scallions to the marinade for extra aroma and texture.
• Adjust sriracha amount to control the spice level according to your taste.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked bulgogi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain tenderness and flavor. Avoid microwaving to keep the meat from becoming tough.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, ribeye or sirloin are great alternatives. Just make sure to slice the meat thinly to ensure quick, even cooking and tender results.

How long should I marinate the beef?

At least 30 minutes is recommended to infuse the flavors, but for deeper taste, marinate up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. Avoid marinating overnight as the fruit enzymes can break down the meat too much.

Easy Korean Beef Bulgogi Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 77 reviews

This Easy Korean Beef Bulgogi recipe features thinly sliced flank steak marinated in a flavorful mix of pear, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and spicy sriracha, then quickly cooked in a skillet. Perfect for a quick dinner, this savory and slightly sweet dish serves wonderfully over steamed rice, bringing authentic Korean barbecue flavors right to your kitchen.

• Author: Sophie
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Korean

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Marinade Ingredients

• ½ pear, skinned and minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• ⅓ cup soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons sriracha
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Main Ingredients

• 2 pounds flank steak, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Prepare Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the minced pear, garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, sriracha, brown sugar, onion powder, lime juice, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended.
2. Marinate Beef: Add the thinly sliced flank steak to the marinade bowl. Ensure the beef is evenly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate the meat.
3. Heat Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Allow the oil to heat up until shimmering but not smoking.
4. Cook Beef: Add a portion of the marinated beef to the skillet in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until the beef is cooked through and slightly caramelized. Remove the cooked beef and set it aside. Repeat with the remaining beef.
5. Serve: Once all beef is cooked, serve immediately over steamed rice or your preferred side dish. Enjoy your flavorful Korean beef bulgogi!

Notes

• For best results, slice the flank steak very thinly across the grain to ensure tenderness.
• Marinate the beef for longer than 30 minutes if possible, up to 4 hours, for deeper flavor.
• If you want less heat, reduce or omit the sriracha from the marinade.
• Serve with traditional Korean sides like kimchi and steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
• Leftover bulgogi can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Keywords: Korean beef bulgogi, easy bulgogi recipe, flank steak, Korean BBQ, quick Korean beef, marinated beef, skillet beef recipe