Bulgogi beef is a popular Korean dish known for its sweet and savory flavors. This easy Bulgogi beef recipe allows you to recreate this delicious dish at home with just a few simple ingredients. Tender slices of beef are marinated in a flavorful mixture of soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and sesame oil, then grilled or stir-fried to perfection. Serve it over rice or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a satisfying and flavorful meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients for Easy Bulgogi Beef
For this easy Bulgogi beef recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound beef sirloin or ribeye, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1 carrot, julienned (optional)
How to Make Easy Bulgogi Beef
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and black pepper. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved.
- Marinate the Beef: Place the thinly sliced beef in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the beef, making sure it is well coated. Cover or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
- Cook the Bulgogi: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer, reserving the marinade. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the beef is cooked through and caramelized.
- Optional Vegetables: If using, add the thinly sliced onion and julienned carrot to the skillet with the beef. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Serve: Remove the beef and vegetables from the skillet and transfer to a serving platter. Serve the Bulgogi beef hot, garnished with additional sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
About the Main Ingredients
Beef: The choice of beef is crucial for Bulgogi. Sirloin or ribeye are commonly used for their tenderness and flavor. Slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce adds the salty and savory umami flavor to the marinade. Use low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer less saltiness.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a hint of sweetness to balance the saltiness of the soy sauce and enhances the caramelization of the beef.
Sesame Oil: Sesame oil provides a rich, nutty flavor that is characteristic of Bulgogi. It also helps to tenderize the meat.
Garlic and Ginger: These aromatics add depth of flavor and complement the sweetness and saltiness of the marinade.
Green Onions: Green onions add a fresh, oniony flavor and a pop of color to the dish. They are used both in the marinade and as a garnish.
Sesame Seeds: Sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and a bit of crunch to the Bulgogi. Toasting the sesame seeds before adding them to the marinade enhances their flavor.
Black Pepper: Black pepper adds a mild heat and complements the other flavors in the marinade.
Onion and Carrot (optional): Sliced onion and julienned carrot can be added to the Bulgogi for extra flavor and texture. They also add a pop of color to the dish.
