This Korean Beef Bulgogi Recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and is made in a fabulous one pan for a quick weeknight dinner that your family will love! Switch up the ingredients based on what you have on hand or use it as a ‘clean out the fridge’ meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends! Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this dish is both comforting and delicious, definitely a recipe to keep on rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Korean Beef Bulgogi
Here’s the breakdown of what you need for this tasty dish. Don’t worry, you can easily switch things up to suit your taste or use what you have on hand!
- 1.5 lbs ribeye or sirloin steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 6 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 Asian pear or red apple, grated
- 2 tbsp mirin (optional)
- 1 tbsp gochujang (optional, for spice)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp finely chopped green onions
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp neutral oil (for cooking)
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 cup mushrooms (shiitake or white button), sliced
- 2 tbsp honey butter (1 tbsp melted butter + 1 tbsp honey, mixed)
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Lettuce leaves or perilla leaves, for wrapping
- Extra sesame seeds and sliced green onions, for garnish
How to Make This Korean Beef Bulgogi
Get your mixing bowl and let’s get cooking!
Marinate the Beef (about 10 minutes): In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, grated pear or apple, mirin, gochujang, and black pepper. Mix well! Add the sliced beef, stirring so every piece is coated in that delicious marinade. Let it marinate for 10 minutes, trust me, the flavors soak right in!
Sauté the Veggies (5-7 minutes): Heat a grill pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of neutral oil. Toss in the onions and carrots first. Cook these until the onions are translucent and slightly caramelized, about 2-3 minutes. You want them to be deliciously fragrant!
Cook the Beef (5-7 minutes): Now, add the marinated beef to your sizzling veggies in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Wait for it… yes, that smell will hit you! Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until it’s beautifully caramelized. Just before you’re ready to take it off the heat, drizzle the honey butter over the beef for that glossy finish, because who doesn’t love a bit of sweetness?
Finishing Touches (2 minutes): Remove the beef from the pan, and sprinkle with green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
Serve It Up: Spoon the beef over warm cooked rice or serve it with lettuce or perilla leaves for wrapping. Don’t forget those extra sesame seeds and green onions on top!
Why I Love This Korean Beef Bulgogi Recipe
You guys, this is my go-to recipe when I need something quick but oh-so-flavorful! It brings the comfort food vibes that I adore. I’m a real sucker for flavors that come together in a pinch, and the best part is you can throw in whatever veggies you have lying around. My kids absolutely love the sweet and savory notes, it’s literally a ‘family favorite’ at our dinner table! Plus, it’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something that’s both satisfying and easy to whip up.
If you loved this Korean Beef Bulgogi, be sure to check out my Japanese Chicken Yakitori, my Korean Style Pot Roast, or my Guinness Beef Pie!
What Makes This Recipe Special
Quick & Easy
This dish comes together in under 30 minutes ideal for when you’re in a hurry! You’ll impress your family without spending hours in the kitchen.
One Pot Wonder
All the goodness is cooked in just one pan! Minimal cleanup means you can spend more time enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing dishes.
Budget-Friendly
Using everyday ingredients that you can find right in your pantry makes this dish not only tasty but economical, too!
Comfort Food
This Korean Beef Bulgogi is loaded with tons of flavor, making it the ultimate comfort food. Sweet, savory, and a little spicy, what’s not to love?
Customizable
Feel free to use whatever veggies you have on hand. If you’re not a fan of mushrooms or carrots, swap them out for bell peppers or broccoli! This recipe is super flexible.
Serving and Storage Tips
How to Serve This Korean Beef Bulgogi
I recommend serving this dish over warm, fluffy rice for a comforting meal that will fill you up. If you want to make it more fun, set up a little ‘Bulgogi taco bar’ with the lettuce leaves so everyone can build their own wraps! Add some kimchi or pickled veggies on the side for that extra kick!
Storage
Leftovers? No problem! This Korean Beef Bulgogi keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Just make sure it’s in an airtight container.
Reheating Instructions
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, heat the beef in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also pop it in the microwave; just cover it to retain moisture.
Freezer Friendly?
Yes! You can definitely freeze the beef before cooking it. Just marinate it, then put it in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll last about 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Final Thoughts
Let’s be real; cooking can sometimes feel like a chore, especially for busy families. But this Korean Beef Bulgogi is here to change that. With its aromatic flavors and quick prep time, you’ll find yourself making it again and again. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to involve the little ones in the kitchen; they can help with the veggies or even assembly!
Food is honestly all about bringing family and friends together, and this dish does just that. So next time you’re stuck on what to whip up for dinner, grab the beef and let’s make this yummy bulgogi!
Happy cooking, friends! Enjoy this quick and flavorful Korean Beef Bulgogi, and don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes a staple in your household.
And remember, in cooking as in life, it’s all about balance between flavors, textures, and love! So go ahead, dive into this recipe, and share some good eats with the ones you love! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.
