Korean Beef Bulgogi Recipe

Name: Korean Beef Bulgogi
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs ribeye or sirloin steak, thinly sliced against the grain; 6 tbsp soy sauce; 3 tbsp brown sugar; 2 tbsp sesame oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated; 1/2 Asian pear or red apple, grated; 2 tbsp mirin (optional); 1 tbsp gochujang (optional, for spice); 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp finely chopped green onions; 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds; 1 tbsp neutral oil (for cooking); 1 small onion, thinly sliced; 1 carrot, julienned; 1 cup mushrooms (shiitake or white button), sliced; 2 tbsp honey butter (1 tbsp melted butter + 1 tbsp honey, mixed); Cooked rice, for serving; Lettuce leaves or perilla leaves, for wrapping; Extra sesame seeds and sliced green onions, for garnish

Jessica Baker

Update : January 27, 2026

Delicious Korean beef bulgogi served on a plate with rice and vegetables

Why Make This Recipe

Korean Beef Bulgogi is a delicious dish that brings a taste of Korea right to your table. The sweet and savory marinade makes the beef tender and full of flavor. It’s quick to cook, and you can serve it with rice, vegetables, or in lettuce wraps. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, this dish is sure to impress.

How to Make Korean Beef Bulgogi

Ingredients:

1.5 lbs ribeye or sirloin steak, thinly sliced against the grain
6 tbsp soy sauce
3 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp sesame oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
1/2 Asian pear or red apple, grated
2 tbsp mirin (optional)
1 tbsp gochujang (optional, for spice)
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp finely chopped green onions
1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
1 tbsp neutral oil (for cooking)
1 small onion, thinly sliced
1 carrot, julienned
1 cup mushrooms (shiitake or white button), sliced
2 tbsp honey butter (1 tbsp melted butter + 1 tbsp honey, mixed)
Cooked rice, for serving
Lettuce leaves or perilla leaves, for wrapping
Extra sesame seeds and sliced green onions, for garnish

Directions:

Start by heating a grill pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil.
Add the marinated beef in batches to the pan. Avoid overcrowding for better cooking. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until caramelized.
Just before the beef finishes cooking, drizzle with the honey butter to enhance the caramelization. Toss quickly to coat.
Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.

How to Serve Korean Beef Bulgogi

Serve Korean Beef Bulgogi hot over a bed of rice or in lettuce wraps. You can also add some sliced onions, tomatoes, or extra vegetables for a fresh touch. A sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top will add a nice finishing touch.

How to Store Korean Beef Bulgogi

To store leftovers, let the beef cool down to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave before serving.

Tips to Make Korean Beef Bulgogi

Slice the beef against the grain for tenderness.
For the best flavor, marinate the beef for at least 30 minutes. Overnight is even better.
Adjust the amount of gochujang to control the spice level.
You can add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra color and crunch.

Variation

You can swap the beef for chicken or pork if you prefer. The marinade works well with these meats too. Just follow the same cooking instructions!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen beef?
Yes, you can use frozen beef. Make sure to thaw it fully before slicing and marinating.

2. What if I don’t have mirin?
If you don’t have mirin, you can skip it or use a little extra sugar to balance the flavors.

3. Is bulgogi spicy?
Bulgogi is not traditionally spicy. However, you can add gochujang to spice it up if you like. Adjust it to your taste!