How to Make Authentic Korean Bulgogi at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re craving a delicious, savory, and slightly sweet Korean BBQ experience, look no further than Bulgogi! This classic Korean dish features thinly sliced marinated beef grilled to perfection. It’s tender, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make at home. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through a detailed recipe so you can enjoy authentic bulgogi anytime.

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

1 lb (450g) thinly sliced beef ribeye or sirloin

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 tablespoons sugar (or honey for a natural sweetness)

1 tablespoon sesame oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 small onion, grated or finely chopped

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon rice wine or mirin (optional, for extra depth)

1/2 Asian pear or apple, grated (helps tenderize the meat)

2 green onions, chopped

1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)

Optional Vegetables (for grilling or stir-frying):

Sliced mushrooms

Carrots, julienned

Onions, sliced

Bell peppers, sliced

Equipment

Large mixing bowl

Grill pan or skillet

Tongs or chopsticks

Plate for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef

If you can’t find pre-sliced beef, freeze the meat for about 30 minutes to make slicing easier. Then, cut the beef into very thin slices, about 1/8 inch thick.

2. Make the Marinade

In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated onion, black pepper, rice wine (if using), and grated Asian pear. Mix well until the sugar dissolves.

3. Marinate the Beef

Add the thinly sliced beef and chopped green onions to the marinade. Mix thoroughly so every slice is coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For best results, marinate for 2-4 hours or overnight.

4. Cook the Bulgogi

Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. If you want, add a little oil to prevent sticking. Add the marinated beef slices in a single layer (don’t overcrowd the pan). Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the beef is browned and cooked through. If you’re using vegetables, add them to the pan and stir-fry together.

5. Serve

Transfer the cooked bulgogi to a serving plate. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for a nutty aroma and extra flavor. Bulgogi is traditionally served with steamed rice, lettuce leaves for wrapping, and side dishes like kimchi.

Tips for Perfect Bulgogi

Use high-quality, well-marbled beef for the best texture and flavor.

Don’t skip the grated Asian pear or apple; it tenderizes the meat and adds subtle sweetness.

Adjust sugar and soy sauce amounts to your taste preference—some like it sweeter, others saltier.

For a smoky flavor, try grilling bulgogi over charcoal or a BBQ grill.

Final Thoughts

Making bulgogi at home is a rewarding experience that brings a taste of Korea right to your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy your homemade bulgogi with your favorite sides and savor every bite!

If you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out in the comments below. Happy cooking! 🍖🇰🇷

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