Korean Beef Bulgogi (20 Minutes)

Send it straight to your inbox, and cook it when you're ready!

Print

Print Recipe

Beef Bulgogi is a classic Korean dish that features thinly sliced beef marinated in a sweet and savory sauce. The word “bulgogi” means “fire meat” in Korean, referring to the traditional method of cooking it over an open flame. This dish is typically served with rice and vegetables, but can also be used as a filling for lettuce wraps or sandwiches. In this recipe, we’ll make a quick and easy version of Korean Beef Bulgogi that can be prepared in under 30 minutes.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and black pepper until well combined.
  2. Add the sliced flank steak to the bowl and toss until all pieces are well coated in the marinade. Allow the beef to marinate for at least 10 minutes.
  3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated beef to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through.
  4. Add the sliced green onions to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the onions are softened.
  5. Top with any leftover green onions if desired.
  6. Serve the Korean Beef Bulgogi with rice, vegetables, or as a filling for lettuce wraps or sandwiches.

Notes

For the best results, make sure to use a cut of beef that is thinly sliced, such as flank steak or sirloin. Be sure to let the beef marinate for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to fully develop. If you prefer a sweeter marinade, add more honey or brown sugar. For a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes or chili oil to the marinade. Finally, make sure you don’t overcook the beef as it can become tough and dry. Enjoy!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 357 calories
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 1038mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Carbohydrates: 17g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 92mg

Pair this with...

Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad

Start by slicing a cucumber into thin rounds. In a bowl, combine a splash of soy sauce, a drizzle of sesame oil, and a bit of rice vinegar for tang. Add in a pinch of sugar for balance and some red pepper flakes or a dab of chili paste for that spicy touch. Mix these together to create your dressing. Toss the cucumber slices in the dressing, ensuring they're well-coated. For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle in some toasted sesame seeds. If you have green onions or cilantro, chop some up and mix them in. Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Sea Salt Edamame

Begin with fresh or frozen edamame pods. If frozen, give them a quick rinse under cold water. Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil, toss in the edamame, and let them cook for a few minutes until they're tender and bright green. Drain the water and transfer the edamame to a serving bowl. While they're still hot and a tad steamy, sprinkle a generous pinch of coarse sea salt over them. The crystals will cling to the pods, giving them a delightful salty crunch. Serve immediately and enjoy the process of squeezing those succulent soybeans straight from the pods into your mouth.

Green Tea

Brewing the perfect cup begins with quality tea leaves, whether they're in a bag or loose. Start by boiling water, then let it cool slightly – you're aiming for just under boiling point, as water that's too hot can make the tea taste bitter. Add your tea to a teapot or directly to your cup, then pour the hot water over the leaves. Steep for about 1-3 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea. Remember, the longer you steep, the stronger and potentially more bitter the tea becomes. Once it's to your liking, remove the tea leaves or bag. You can enjoy green tea plain, or with a small dash of honey or lemon if desired.

For Tomorrow's Dinner

Oven Roasted BBQ Ribs with Thyme (15 Mins + Slow Cook Time)

Southwest Quinoa Salad (20 Minutes)

Orzo Sausage Skillet with Red Peppers, Cherry Tomatoes, Parmesan, and Basil (37 Minutes)

Homemade Chicken Nuggets with Spicy Aioli (25-28 Minutes)

Hi, I'm Alaina! As a busy mom of two, I'm tired of always wondering "what's for dinner?" That's why I created this website; to share easy and tasty recipe ideas the whole family will love. If you're not subscribed yet, join 47,098 others here - thanks for stopping by!