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Homemade Korean-Style Beef Bulgogi recipe photo

Korean-Style Beef Bulgogi

This Korean-Style Beef Bulgogi bursts with sweet, savory, and spicy flavors in tender, marinated beef perfect for quick, delicious meals!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Korean
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound beef sirloin thinly sliced
  • 1 medium onion thinly sliced
  • 2 green onions chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon gochujang Korean red chili paste
  • Lettuce leaves for serving

Instructions
 

Prepare the Beef and Vegetables

  • Start by thinly slicing 1 pound of beef sirloin against the grain to keep the meat tender. Peel and thinly slice 1 medium onion, chop 2 green onions, mince 3 cloves of garlic, and grate 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger.

Make the Marinade

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 tablespoon gochujang. Whisk until sugar dissolves and marinade is well combined.

Marinate the Beef

  • Add the thinly sliced beef and onions to the marinade, toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.

Cook the Bulgogi

  • Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add marinated beef and onions in a single layer. Let sear without moving for 1-2 minutes to develop caramelized crust, then stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until beef is cooked and onions are soft.

Add Green Onions and Final Touches

  • Stir in chopped green onions and cook for an additional minute. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed with more soy sauce or sugar.

Serve

  • Serve hot with fresh lettuce leaves for wrapping. Pairs well with steamed rice or soft flatbread.

Notes

  • Slice beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
  • Marinate the beef for at least 30 minutes to develop flavor and tenderness.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking to allow proper searing.
  • Adjust gochujang amount to control spice level.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently.
Keyword Beef, Easy, Marinated, Quick, Spicy