Korean bulgogi (불고기) is a classic dish known for its sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. Perfect for a Korean BBQ night or when wanting to make a quick bite. This thinly sliced marinated beef cooks fast and tastes delicious, wrapped in lettuce or served over rice. Bulgogi is often found in restaurants but is super easy to make at home, and we’ll show you how.
Bulgogi Recipe Ingredients
For the bulgogi marinade:
- 1 lb (450g) thinly sliced boneless rib-eye steak (tip: cut crosswise into 1 1/2-inch-wide pieces and trimmed)
- 1 tablespoon of water
- 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/2 tablespoon of Stella’s Gypsy Beef seasoning
- 1/4 cup chopped opnion
- 2 tablespoons of white sugar
- 3 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- 4 garlic cloves, peeled
- 2 teaspoons of cooking oil
- 4 scallions ( green parts only ) cut into 1-inch pieces
Instructions
- Prep the Meat:
Place the meat on a plate and freeze for 35 to 40 minutes or until firm. Once the rib-eye is firm, use a sharp knife and “shave” beef against the grain as thin as possible. Combine water and baking soda in a bowl, then add the beef. Toss the beef until fully coated and let sit at room temperature for 5 minutes. - Make the Marinade and Season the Beef:
Using a food processor or small blender, combine the 1/2 tablespoon of GYPSY, onions, sugar, and soy sauce, and blend until smooth. - Marinate the Beef:
Add the marinated mixture to the bowl, making sure each piece is coated evenly. Toss and mix as needed to make sure every slice of beef is nicely covered.
Tip: Let the meat marinate for a few minutes or up to one hour, covered in the fridge for maximum flavor. - Cook the Bulgogi:
- Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. If grilling, preheat your grill to high.
- Add the marinated beef in a single layer, cook, and sear for 1-2 minutes or until browned and slightly caramelized. Sirt and continue to cook until you no longer see pink ( 3-4 minutes). If you’re using a grill, be sure to turn the beef for an even char. Avoid overcrowding the pan or grill—cook in batches if necessary.
- Add the scallions and stir constantly until fragrant, or about 30 seconds.
- Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the bulgogi with steamed rice, lettuce wraps, or as part of a Korean BBQ spread.
Pro Tips for Perfect Bulgogi
- Meat Choice: Thinly sliced rib-eye or sirloin are good beef choices. The tenderness and marbling make these cuts ideal for quick grilling or cooking.
- Marinating: For the ultimate flavor, marinate the beef overnight. The longer marination enhances the sweetness and umami of the soy sauce.
- Pairings: Bulgogi pairs well with side dishes like rice, kimchi, steamed veggies, or even a light cucumber salad.
- Seasoning – This is one area where you can and should bring your own twist. Play with the amount of GYPSY beef seasoning to increase savory flavor tones and a little kick.
Korean Bulgogi Recipe – Perfectly Marinated Korean Beef
Try this delicious Korean beef bulgogi recipe. Perfect for family dinners, it is easy and fast to make.
- 1 lb thinly sliced boneless rib-eye steak (tip: cut crosswise into 1 1/2-inch-wide pieces and trimmed)
- 1 tablespoon of water
- 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/2 tablespoon of Stella’s Gypsy Beef seasoning
- 1/4 cup chopped opnion
- 2 tablespoons of white sugar
- 3 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- 4 garlic cloves (peeled)
- 2 teaspoons of cooking oil
- 4 scallions (green parts only cut into 1-inch pieces)
Prep the Meat:
- Place the meat on a plate and freeze for 35 to 40 minutes or until firm. Once the rib-eye is firm, use a sharp knife and “shave” beef against the grain as thin as possible. Combine water and baking soda in a bowl, then add the beef. Toss the beef until fully coated and let sit at room temperature for 5 minutes.
Make the Marinade and Season the Beef:
- Using a food processor or small blender, combine the 1/2 tablespoon of GYPSY, onions, sugar, and soy sauce, and blend until smooth.
Marinate the Beef:
- Add the marinated mixture to the bowl, making sure each piece is coated evenly. Toss and mix as needed to make sure every slice of beef is nicely covered.
- Tip: Let the meat marinate for a few minutes or up to one hour, covered in the fridge for maximum flavor.
Cook the Bulgogi:
- Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. If grilling, preheat your grill to high.
- Add the marinated beef in a single layer, cooking for 1-2 minutes or until browned and slightly caramelized. Sirt and continue to cook until you no longer see pink ( 3-4 minutes). If you’re using a grill, be sure to turn the beef for an even char. Avoid overcrowding the pan or grill—cook in batches if necessary.
- Add the scallions and stir constantly until fragrant, or about 30 seconds.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the bulgogi with steamed rice, lettuce wraps, or as part of a Korean BBQ spread.
You Made it!
Korean bulgogi is a timeless dish that brings the rich flavors of Korean cuisine to your home kitchen. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or impressing guests at a BBQ, this authentic recipe ensures tender, flavorful beef with every bite. The sweet and savory marinade and the unique flavor profile of our beef seasoning, GYPSY, combined with simple grilling techniques, make this dish simply delicious. Pair your bulgogi with fresh vegetables, rice, or lettuce wraps to complete the experience.
