Ingredients
Marinade
- 1/2 Asian pear or apple, grated
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium is a good option)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon gochujang (Korean red pepper paste, optional for a bit of heat)
Beef and Vegetables
- 1 pound thinly sliced beef (sirloin, ribeye, flank steak work well)
- 1/2 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2-3 green onions, thinly sliced
- Optional: 1/2 carrot, thinly sliced on the bias
- Optional: Mushrooms (shiitake or button)
Garnishes
- Sesame seeds
- Extra green onions
Instructions
Prepare the Marinade:
- In a medium bowl, combine all marinade ingredients and whisk until the sugar dissolves.
Marinate the Beef:
- Add the thinly sliced beef to the marinade and mix thoroughly.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally for several hours or overnight for the best flavor infusion.
Cook the Bulgogi
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Add a small amount of vegetable or sesame oil to the pan (if not using a nonstick surface).
- Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, cook the beef for 1-2 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook to keep the beef tender.
- Add onions (and other vegetables if using) and cook briefly for 1-2 minutes until softened.
Assemble and Serve:
- Serve the bulgogi immediately with your favorite sides like:
- Steamed rice
- Lettuce wraps
- Kimchi
- Other Korean side dishes (banchan)
- Garnish with sesame seeds and extra green onions.
Tips
- Slicing the beef: It’s easier to slice your beef thinly if it’s slightly frozen. Freeze for 15-20 minutes before slicing.
- Adjust the sweetness: Balance the sweetness to your taste by adjusting the amount of brown sugar.
- Spice it up: For more spice, add more gochujang or red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- Let the marinade do the work: The longer you marinate, the more tender and flavorful the bulgogi will be.
- Get creative: Experiment with different vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
Enjoy your homemade Korean Beef Bulgogi!
