Description
This Korean Bulgogi Beef is sweet-savory, garlicky, and sesame-rich—just like restaurant Korean BBQ, but totally doable at home. Thin-sliced beef marinates fast, cooks in minutes, and works on the stovetop, under the broiler, or on the grill.
Ingredients
1 1/2 lb flank steak (or ribeye/sirloin), very thinly sliced against the grain
1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup soy sauce (regular or low-sodium)
3 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp sesame oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
1/2 small pear, grated (Asian pear, Bosc/Anjou, or sweet apple)
3 green onions, thinly sliced
1/2 tsp black pepper
1–2 tsp gochugaru (optional) or a small squeeze of sriracha (optional)
1 tbsp neutral oil, for cooking (as needed)
Toasted sesame seeds + extra green onion, for serving (optional)
Instructions
1. Freeze the steak for 20–30 minutes until firm but not frozen solid.
2. Slice the beef very thinly against the grain.
3. In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, grated pear, green onions, and black pepper (plus gochugaru/sriracha if using).
4. Add sliced beef and onion; toss until evenly coated.
5. Cover and marinate at least 30 minutes (2–8 hours is even better; up to 24 hours max).
6. STOVETOP: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add a small drizzle of neutral oil if needed.
7. Cook bulgogi in batches (don’t crowd the pan) for about 2–3 minutes per side until browned and caramelized.
8. Serve hot over rice or in lettuce wraps. Top with sesame seeds and extra green onion if you like.
Notes
TENDERNESS SECRET: Slice very thinly AGAINST the grain.
NO PEAR? Swap grated sweet apple or 1–2 tbsp applesauce.
DON’T STEAM IT: Cook in batches so it browns instead of turning watery.
SUGAR CAN BURN: Use medium-high heat (not “nuclear”) and watch closely.
BROILER OPTION: Spread on a foil-lined sheet pan; broil 3–6 min, toss, then broil 2–4 min more.
FREEZER MEAL: Freeze raw beef in marinade up to 2–3 months; thaw overnight, then cook.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg