Korean Beef Bulgogi Recipe

User Reviews

5

45 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    10 mins

  • Cook Time

    6 mins

  • Additional Time

    4 hrs

  • Total Time

    4 hrs 16 mins

  • Servings

    6

  • Calories

    397 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    Korean

Korean Beef Bulgogi Recipe

Korean Beef Bulgogi is marinated thin slices of ribeye steak coated in a blended mixture of apple, garlic, brown and granulated sugars, sesame oil, and optional plum extract. The meat absorbs the sweet-savory marinade before being cooked quickly over high heat to develop a light char. The result is tender, flavorful beef with caramelized edges and a balance of sweet and savory notes.

Description

The marinade is prepared by blending ingredients including Fuji apple, garlic, sugars, water, sesame oil, and optional plum extract until smooth, creating a flavorful base that tenderizes and seasons the meat. Thinly sliced ribeye and onions are submerged in the marinade and refrigerated for 4 to 6 hours or overnight for optimal absorption.

After marinating, the beef and onions are drained and grilled on foil at high heat for several minutes per side to achieve a light char without overcooking. Alternatively, the beef can be pan-seared in sesame oil. The cooking method ensures a tender interior with a caramelized exterior.

This dish pairs well with rice and stir-fried vegetables, providing a balanced meal with rich, sweet, and savory flavors. Sesame seeds and sliced green onions can be garnished for extra texture and color.

The recipe can be made ahead and kept warm or refrigerated and reheated quickly on a grill or stovetop. Freezing is possible for up to two months, and thawing overnight facilitates reheating.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 1 Fuji apple cored and peeled
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • ½ cup soy sauce
  • ½ cup light brown sugar
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups water
  • ¼ cup sesame oil
  • 3 tablespoons plum extract optional
  • ½ yellow onion peeled and thinly sliced
  • 2 pounds ribeye steak thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. Add the apple, garlic, sugars, water, sesame oil, and plum extract to a blender and blend at high speed until smooth. Set it aside.
  2. Next, add the onions and steak to a plastic zip bag or plastic container and pour in the blended marinade to completely submerge everything.
  3. Move the meat and onions around to make sure the marinade gets into every crack and crevice of the bag.
  4. Marinade the meat in the refrigerator for 4-6 hours or recommended overnight.
  5. Drain the meat and discard the marinade. Place the beef and onions spread out on a hot foil-lined grill at 450° to 550° for 2-3 minutes per side or until a light char has formed on the steak. See note for other ways to cook.
  6. Serve with optional sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Notes

  • Eat bulgogi immediately after cooking for best tenderness; it can be kept warm at very low oven temperatures for up to an hour before serving.
  • Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
  • Reheat by grilling on foil or pan-searing over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes until hot.
  • When grilling, cook the beef on foil or in a grill basket to prevent sticking.
  • Plum extract adds a distinctive flavor and can be found at Asian or Korean markets but is optional.
  • For stovetop cooking, heat sesame oil in a pan and cook marinated beef 2-3 minutes per side.
  • Serve with rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 397kcal (20%) Carbohydrates 10g (3%) Protein 31g (62%) Fat 26g (40%) Saturated Fat 10g (50%) Cholesterol 92mg (31%) Sodium 516mg (22%) Potassium 443mg (9%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 9g (18%) Vitamin A 23IU (0%) Vitamin C 1mg (1%) Calcium 18mg (2%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 397 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 397kcal 20%
Carbohydrates 10g 3%
Protein 31g 62%
Fat 26g 40%
Saturated Fat 10g 50%
Cholesterol 92mg 31%
Sodium 516mg 22%
Potassium 443mg 9%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 9g 18%
Vitamin A 23IU 0%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 18mg 2%
Iron 3mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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5

45 reviews
Excellent

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