Korean Bulgogi Recipe: From Ingredients to Completion

Bulgogi is a traditional Korean dish made with tender beef marinated in a soy sauce-based seasoning. Here’s a detailed guide to making bulgogi, from sourcing ingredients to cooking.

 

1. Ingredients for Bulgogi

To make bulgogi, you will need the following:

Main Ingredients

Beef (thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin): 500g

Onion: 1 (thinly sliced)

Green onion: 1 stalk (diagonally sliced)

Carrot: 1/2 (julienned)

Shiitake mushrooms: 4 (sliced)

Pear: 1/4 (grated, optional)

Seasoning Ingredients

Soy sauce: 6 tablespoons

Sugar: 2 tablespoons

Sesame oil: 2 tablespoons

Minced garlic: 1 tablespoon

Minced ginger: 1 teaspoon

Black pepper: a pinch

Sesame seeds: 1 tablespoon

Ingredient Tips:

Thinly sliced beef for bulgogi is available at Korean or Asian grocery stores.

Pear enhances the tenderness and sweetness of the beef but can be substituted with grated apple.

 

2. Preparing the Ingredients

Prepare the beef: Soak thinly sliced beef in cold water for 10 minutes to remove excess blood. Drain and pat dry.

Make the marinade: In a large bowl, mix soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, black pepper, and grated pear.

Prepare vegetables: Slice onion and carrot thinly, diagonally slice green onion, and slice shiitake mushrooms.

 

3. Cooking Bulgogi

Marinate the beef:

Add the beef to the marinade and mix well.

Add the prepared vegetables and mix again. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (1 hour for better flavor).

Cook the bulgogi:

Heat a pan over medium heat and cook the marinated beef and vegetables.

Stir occasionally until the beef is fully cooked and the sauce is reduced (7–10 minutes).

Serve and garnish:

Transfer the bulgogi to a serving plate and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Serve with steamed rice or wrap in lettuce and perilla leaves.

 

4. Tips for Storage and Reheating

Bulgogi can be stored in the refrigerator for 2 days or in the freezer for up to 1 week.

Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water over medium-low heat.

 

Bulgogi is versatile and can be enjoyed as a main dish, in bibimbap, or as a filling for burgers and tacos. Try this easy and delicious recipe to enjoy a taste of Korea at home.