Classic Bulgogi Recipe (Korean BBQ Beef)

Make authentic Korean Bulgogi at home with this step-by-step guide. Choose the perfect cut of beef, create a flavorful marinade, and learn the cooking process for juicy, tender BBQ beef. Plus, get tips on serving, storing, and unique variations. Your ultimate recipe for a delicious Korean BBQ Beef experience!

“This was divine…..I think your special sauce and not adding the veggies right away helped make this one of the most beautiful bulgogi ever!”

michel

As iconic as the vibrant culture from which they originate, Bulgogi and Bibimbap are the shining stars of Korean cuisine, cherished from Seoul to San Francisco. As a native Korean, I consider beef bulgogi more than a dish—it’s a taste of home. Imagine thinly sliced beef, marinated to perfection, sizzling on a hot griddle over an open flame, transporting you to a beloved Korean BBQ haven.

It’s hard to find anyone immune to the allure of Korean BBQ beef. Each tender bite, rich with savory and sweet notes, is a captivating introduction to Korean culture. Whether starring as the centerpiece of your meal or nestled in a comforting beef bowl, Bulgogi is a delicious journey into Korean culinary delight.

Choosing and Slicing the Beef

The choice of beef is a crucial factor in the taste and texture of your Korean BBQ dish. Typically, this traditional Korean dish utilizes thin slices of tender beef. Rib-eye or sirloin are often the preferred cuts for Bulgogi due to their perfect balance of lean meat and fat.

The rib-eye provides a wonderful blend of flavor and tenderness, while the sirloin offers a leaner option without compromising the juicy texture that makes Bulgogi so popular.

Korean-cut frozen beef slices

You’ll want to slice the beef thinly against the grain for optimal marinade absorption, yielding a flavorful and tender result. This technique also promotes quick, even cooking.

However, if you’d rather skip the slicing, Korean stores often sell pre-sliced, frozen Bulgogi meat. Simply defrost and marinate for an authentic, hassle-free Korean BBQ experience.

Homemade Bulgogi Marinade

The secret to the perfect Korean Bulgogi lies in its marinade. Making your own sauce at home is simple, and it’s a game-changer compared to store-bought options. This homemade Bulgogi marinade doesn’t require complex steps, but it does ask for a little patience.

Aim to let your beef soak in this flavorful mix for at least 4 hours, but for the best results, letting it marinate overnight is the way to go. It’s a small step that promises big, delicious rewards.

You can also make the bulgogi marinade in advance and freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cooking.

Here’s what you’ll need for the marinade:

• Asian Pear (preferably Korean pear): A secret to both flavor and tender meat.
• Kiwi: A fast-acting tenderizer; use sparingly, especially if marinating longer than 4 hours. Alternatively, use equal parts pineapple for a similar effect.
• Onion and Garlic: For a layer of savory depth.
• Soy Sauce: The foundational seasoning that brings a salty richness.
  • To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the soy sauce with gluten-free alternatives such as tamari or coconut aminos.
• Korean soup soy sauce: It adds a deep umami character to the beef. While optional, they come highly recommended for an authentic touch.
• Rice Wine: If you have it, use sweet rice wine (mirim) for a subtle, mellow sweetness.
• Brown Sugar: For that hint of caramel-like sweetness.
• Pepper: Don’t be shy; a generous amount elevates the flavors.
• Sesame Oil: The finishing touch that adds a nutty, fragrant aroma to the dish.

Cooking Techniques

When it comes to cooking Bulgogi, the method you choose plays a different role in the flavor and texture of the final dish.

Grilling

Grilling Bulgogi over an open flame imparts a smoky, BBQ-like essence that’s hard to replicate with other methods. This technique allows the meat to develop a wonderful charred exterior while retaining a juicy and tender inside.

Pan Frying

Pan frying is a convenient and quick way to cook Bulgogi, especially when a grill isn’t available. It still yields a delicious and flavorful dish, with the added benefit of easier clean-up and control.

Serving Suggestions

For a simple one-bowl meal, layer Bulgogi over white rice and serve with kimchi or another vegetable side dish.

Traditionally, Bulgogi is part of a complete meal, often paired with rice, fresh vegetables, and a variety of condiments. For a hands-on dining experience, wrap bulgogi, rice, green onion salad and a smear of ssamjang in lettuce leaves.

Accompanying it with a bowl of Korea soybean paste stew is a classic restaurant move that you can easily replicate at home.

But remember, the Bulgogi—tender, juicy, and richly marinated—is the true star. Enjoy your meal with these suggested Korean side dishes:

• Cucumber Kimchi (Oi-sobagi)
• Bean Sprout Side Dish (Kongnamul Muchim)
• Spicy Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim)
• Spinach Side Dish (Sigeumchi Namul)
• Korean Zucchini Banchan

How to Make Bulgogi: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1. Blend onion and fruits

• Put diced pear, kiwi, onion and garlic in a blender and process until very smooth.

Step 2. Prepare the marinade

• Pour the onion/fruit puree into a large shallow pan – a 9×13-inch Pyrex baking pan (with a lid) is perfect for this.
• Add soy sauce, tuna sauce (or soup soy sauce), rice wine, Korean plum extract (if using), brown sugar, pepper and sesame oil; mix well.
• You can make this marinade sauce ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Step 3. Prepare the beef (optional but recommended).

• Dab sliced beef with a paper towel to remove the extra red myoglobin from the surface. It helps get rid of unpleasant gamy smell if the beef was frozen too long.

Step 4. Marinate the beef.

• Separate the thin beef slices and add them to the marinade sauce. Toss gently by hand to combine everything with a slight massaging motion. Cover and marinate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.

Step 5. Cook marinated beef in a very hot skillet

• Heat a heavy skillet (cast iron is ideal) very hot over medium-high heat. Do Not Add any vegetable oil! Add the beef.
• You can add sliced Asian leek on top as I did, or onion or green onion. You can also add thinly sliced carrot, or pepper if you want it to be more wholesome, but then, it won’t be a classic bulgogi.

Step 6. Cook beef in its own marinade sauce.

• The beef should sizzle as soon as it touches the hot skillet. Let the meat cook in its own juice. Toss the meat around to cook evenly and thoroughly, about 2-3 minutes. It should cook very quickly.
• Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onion to garnish.

Storing and Reheating Tips

To store Bulgogi, let it cool to room temperature and place it in an airtight container. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, or you can freeze it for up to 3 months.

You can also freeze marinated beef in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cooking.

For reheating, warm Bulgogi gently in a pan over medium heat. If it’s dry, add a splash of water. For frozen Bulgogi, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. If you’re short on time, use the microwave: place the Bulgogi in a microwave-safe dish, cover it loosely, and heat on medium power until warm.

Remember, it’s best to reheat Bulgogi only once to keep it juicy and flavorful.

Other Iconic Korean Dishes to Explore

Don’t miss out on these famous Korean recipes. They are easy to make at home and tastes just like what you eat at Korean restaurants if not better.

• Samgyupsal (Korean BBQ Pork Belly)
• 20-Minute Authentic Tteokbokki (Spicy Korean Rice Cake)
• Kimbap (Korean Seaweed Rice Roll)
• Crispy Korean Fried Chicken (Chimaek)
• Japchae: Korean Stir-Fried Glass Noodles

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