Bulgogi Is the Sweet and Savory Korean Beef You’ll Want on Repeat

Easy Bulgogi Recipe for Sweet and Savory Korean Beef. Learn how to make bulgogi at home with this easy recipe. Discover the health benefits, cooking tips, and nutrition facts of classic Korean beef bulgogi.

Few dishes balance sweet, savory, and deeply satisfying flavors quite like bulgogi. This beloved Korean beef dish is known for its tender, thinly sliced meat and glossy, caramelized finish. The best part? You don’t need a grill or specialty equipment to make bulgogi at home.

Here’s how to prepare a simple, flavor-packed bulgogi recipe plus tips to make it a nourishing addition to your weekly rotation.

What Is Bulgogi?

Bulgogi translates to “fire meat” in Korean, traditionally referring to thin slices of marinated beef cooked quickly over high heat. While it’s often grilled, this bulgogi recipe uses a stovetop skillet, making it approachable for home cooks.

The magic of bulgogi lies in its marinade a balance of soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and mirin that tenderizes the beef and creates its signature sweet-savory flavor.

Lean cuts like rib-eye or tenderloin work beautifully because they stay tender when sliced thin and cooked quickly.

Ingredients for Classic Bulgogi

You’ll need:

• 1 pound rib-eye or tenderloin steak (about 1 inch thick)

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 2 tablespoons mirin

• 2 tablespoons sesame oil

• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

• Freshly ground black pepper

• 1 to 2 tablespoons canola or other neutral oil

Why Freeze the Beef First?

Freezing the beef for 1½ to 2 hours until just firm makes it much easier to slice thinly. Thin slices about 1/8 inch thick are essential for authentic bulgogi texture and quick cooking.

How to Make Bulgogi at Home

1. Prepare the Marinade

In a large bowl, whisk together:

• Soy sauce

• Sugar

• Mirin

• Sesame oil

• Garlic

• A few grinds of black pepper

Whisk until most of the sugar dissolves.

2. Slice and Marinate

Thinly slice the partially frozen beef against the grain. Add it to the marinade and toss until well coated. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Marinating not only infuses flavor but also helps tenderize the meat.

3. Cook Quickly Over High Heat

Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a large stainless steel or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot:

• Add the beef in a single layer (cook in batches if needed).

• Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, turning once, until browned and cooked through.

• Transfer to a serving platter.

Keep an eye on the heat because of the sugar in the marinade, bulgogi can burn quickly if the temperature is too high.

Is Bulgogi Healthy?

Bulgogi can absolutely fit into a balanced eating pattern, especially when paired with vegetables and whole grains.

Here’s what to consider:

• Protein-rich: A 3-ounce serving of beef provides about 22 grams of protein, supporting muscle maintenance and satiety.

• Iron source: Beef is a highly absorbable source of iron, important for energy levels especially for women, who are more prone to iron deficiency.

• Customizable: You can reduce sugar slightly or swap part of it for grated pear, which is traditionally used in some bulgogi recipes for natural sweetness and tenderizing enzymes.

To round out the meal, serve bulgogi with:

• Steamed rice or brown rice

• Crisp lettuce leaves for wraps

• Kimchi or fermented vegetables

• Lightly sautéed greens

Adding fiber-rich vegetables helps balance the dish and supports digestive health. Most adults fall short of the recommended 25–38 grams of fiber per day, so pairing protein dishes like bulgogi with plants is a smart move.

Tips for Perfect Bulgogi

• Slice beef thinly and against the grain for tenderness.

• Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper browning.

• Taste the marinade before adding meat and adjust sweetness or saltiness to preference.

• Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.

Because bulgogi cooks quickly, it’s an excellent option for busy weeknights. From fridge to table, the entire process can take under two hours including marinating time.

A Flavorful Way to Explore Global Cuisine

Preparing dishes like bulgogi at home encourages mindful cooking and cultural exploration. Sharing meals inspired by global traditions can deepen appreciation for diverse culinary heritage while nourishing your body with balanced, satisfying ingredients.

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