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Quick and Savory Beef Bulgogi Recipe

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A quick and easy Korean beef bulgogi recipe ready in under 30 minutes, featuring tender marinated beef with a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 grams) beef ribeye or sirloin, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce, preferably low sodium
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons Asian pear juice or apple juice (can substitute pineapple juice)
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (canola or sunflower)
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
  • Pinch of red chili flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

  1. Slice the beef thinly, about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick. If beef is too thick, freeze for 20 minutes to firm up for easier slicing.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, toasted sesame oil, pear or apple juice, black pepper, and optional red chili flakes. Stir until sugar dissolves.
  3. Add the thinly sliced beef and sliced green onions to the marinade. Toss well to coat evenly. Let sit for at least 10 minutes at room temperature (up to 30 minutes in the fridge if time allows).
  4. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
  5. Add marinated beef in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook in batches if necessary. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side, stirring occasionally, until beef is browned and cooked through with caramelized edges.
  6. Toss cooked beef back in the pan with any juices to coat evenly. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds if using.
  7. Serve immediately over steamed rice or wrapped in lettuce leaves with kimchi.

Notes

Slice beef very thin for best marinade absorption and quick cooking. Freeze beef slightly before slicing if needed. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper searing and caramelization. Marinate for at least 10 minutes; longer marinating (up to 30 minutes) enhances flavor. Use low sodium soy sauce to control saltiness. Optional garnishes include toasted sesame seeds and red chili flakes for heat.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef bulgogi, Korean beef recipe, quick dinner, savory beef, easy bulgogi, weeknight dinner, marinated beef

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/quick-and-savory-beef-bulgogi-recipe-30-minute-easy-dinner-idea/