Description
This classic Korean Bulgogi Beef recipe features thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin beef marinated in a sweet and savory combination of soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, pear, and ginger. Quickly cooked in a hot pan, the beef becomes tender and flavorful, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds. Perfect served with rice and lettuce wraps for an authentic Korean barbecue experience at home.
Ingredients
Beef and Marinade
- 500 g thinly sliced beef (ribeye or sirloin)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 pear or apple, grated
- 1 tsp grated ginger
For Cooking and Garnish
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated pear or apple, and grated ginger. Stir well to ensure the sugar dissolves and the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated for a balanced sweet and savory flavor.
- Marinate the Beef and Onion: Add the thinly sliced beef and the thinly sliced onion to the marinade mixture. Mix thoroughly until all pieces are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Heat the Pan: Place a pan or skillet over high heat and add the vegetable oil. Allow the oil to heat up until shimmering but not smoking, to ensure a hot surface for quick cooking.
- Cook the Beef: In batches to avoid overcrowding, add the marinated beef and onions to the hot pan. Stir-fry quickly, cooking until the beef is browned on all sides and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Remove each batch and set aside, then cook the next batch.
- Combine and Garnish: Once all the beef is cooked, return all batches to the pan and give everything a final toss to combine and reheat briefly. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- For a deeper, richer flavor, marinate the beef for up to 2 hours or overnight if time allows.
- Serve the bulgogi with steamed white rice and fresh lettuce leaves to make authentic Korean-style wraps.
- Substitute pear with apple if pear is unavailable, which helps tenderize the beef and adds natural sweetness.
- Using ribeye or sirloin ensures tender and juicy meat; choose thin slices for quicker cooking and better flavor absorption.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Korean
