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Beef Bulgogi (Korean BBQ Beef) – Flavorful Recipes for Dinner

Let me tell you, beef bulgogi is one of those dishes that instantly transports me back to family dinners filled with laughter, sizzling sounds, and that irresistible sweet-savory aroma filling the kitchen. Growing up, my mom would marinate thinly sliced beef in this magical blend of soy sauce, garlic, and sesame that made every bite melt in your mouth. It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds! Today, I’m excited to share my tried-and-true recipe so you can recreate that same cozy feeling right in your own home — and trust me, it’s easier than you think.

Quick Facts

Yield: Serves 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

1 lb thinly sliced beef ribeye or sirloin
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
2 green onions, chopped
1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
1 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)

For the Marinade:

1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp honey
2 tbsp sesame oil
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp grated Asian pear or apple (optional, for tenderizing)
1 tsp grated ginger (optional but recommended)

How I Make It

Step 1:

In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, sesame oil, garlic, black pepper, and grated pear. The pear is a little secret that adds sweetness and helps tenderize the beef — so if you can, definitely toss it in!

Step 2:

Add the thinly sliced beef and onions to the marinade. Use your hands or tongs to massage the marinade evenly into the meat. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight if you have time — the flavor deepens beautifully.

Step 3:

Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil, then spread the marinated beef and onions out in a single layer. Avoid crowding the pan to get that slightly caramelized edge we all love.

Step 4:

Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until the beef is nicely browned and cooked through. The aroma of the soy and garlic mingling is going to make your mouth water!

Step 5:

Turn off the heat and sprinkle the green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the beef. Give everything a good toss to combine.

Step 6:

Serve immediately with steamed rice, lettuce wraps, or kimchi for an authentic Korean feast. Get ready for the ultimate umami-packed dinner experience.

Variations & Tips

Swap out ribeye for flank steak or sirloin for a leaner option.
Add thinly sliced carrots or mushrooms to the marinade for extra veggies.
If pressed for time, slice the beef as thinly as possible — the marinade will soak in faster.
Use a grill pan or outdoor grill for those lovely char marks and smoky flavor.
For heat, add a teaspoon of gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the marinade.

How I Like to Serve It

I love piling this beef bulgogi on warm steamed rice or wrapping it in fresh lettuce leaves with a dab of ssamjang (spicy dipping sauce). It’s also fantastic alongside simple banchan (Korean side dishes) like pickled radishes or cucumber salad — perfect for casual weeknight dinners or festive gatherings.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to keep the beef tender and juicy.

Closing: This beef bulgogi recipe is my go-to when I want quick, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing Korean BBQ that warms the soul every time.