Beef Bulgogi: A Sweet and Savory Korean BBQ Dish

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Beef Bulgogi recipe is an absolute favorite for so many reasons:

• Quick & Easy: With just a 10-minute prep time and 5 minutes of cook time, it’s perfect for busy evenings.

• Delicious: The marinade—made with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and sugar—creates the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.

• Versatile: Serve it in lettuce cups with rice and gochujang, or pair it with a variety of Korean-inspired sides for a full meal.

• Perfect for Grilling: The beef is grilled to perfection in just a few minutes, making it a great choice for outdoor BBQs or indoor grilling.

• Leftover-Friendly: This dish keeps well and can be stored for later, allowing you to enjoy it multiple times.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this savory beef bulgogi:

• 5 tablespoons soy sauce

• ¼ cup chopped green onion

• 2 ½ tablespoons white sugar

• 2 tablespoons minced garlic

• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds

• 2 tablespoons sesame oil

• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Marinade
   In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, green onion, sugar, garlic, sesame seeds, sesame oil, and black pepper until well combined.

2. Marinate the Beef
   Place the thinly sliced flank steak in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over the top. Ensure the meat is fully coated. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or for even better flavor, overnight.

3. Grill the Beef
   Preheat an outdoor grill to high heat and lightly oil the grill grate. Grill the marinated flank steak slices for about 1 to 2 minutes per side until the beef is charred and cooked through.

4. Serve and Enjoy
   Serve the hot beef bulgogi immediately. You can enjoy it with rice, in lettuce cups, or alongside your favorite Korean side dishes like kimchi or cucumber salad.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 4 servings. It takes just 10 minutes of prep time, 5 minutes of cooking time, and 1 hour of marinating time, making the total time approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Variations

This dish is wonderfully adaptable, and here are a few variations to try:

• Use Different Meats: While flank steak is traditional, you can substitute with skirt steak, hanger steak, or even thinly sliced pork for a variation on this recipe.

• Spicy Version: For some heat, serve with gochujang (Korean chili paste) or add some red pepper flakes to the marinade.

• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.

• Veggie Additions: Grill some vegetables alongside the beef, such as bell peppers, onions, or zucchini, for a more complete meal.

Storage/Reheating

• Fridge: Leftover beef bulgogi can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Reheat: To reheat, warm the beef in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for a quick meal.

• Freezing: Yes, you can freeze cooked beef bulgogi! Allow it to cool before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes! If you prefer, you can use skirt steak or hanger steak instead of flank steak.

How long should I marinate the beef?

For the best flavor, marinate the beef for at least 1 hour, but if you have the time, marinating it overnight will give it a deeper flavor.

Can I cook the beef bulgogi indoors?

Yes! You can cook the beef bulgogi in a grill pan or cast-iron skillet on the stovetop if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill.

Can I make bulgogi ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can marinate the beef ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 1 day before grilling. This makes it a great make-ahead dish.

What side dishes go well with Beef Bulgogi?

Beef bulgogi pairs wonderfully with Korean side dishes like kimchi, steamed rice, kongnamool (soybean sprouts), or a refreshing Korean cucumber salad.

Conclusion

Beef Bulgogi is a delicious and easy-to-make Korean BBQ dish that will impress anyone you serve it to. The sweet and savory marinade, paired with perfectly grilled beef, makes this meal a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or cooking indoors, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Try it today and experience the irresistible flavors of Korean cuisine!

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