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Easy Korean Beef Bulgogi copycat Recipe
Mary Kelly

Easy Korean Beef Bulgogi Recipe

Before diving into the world of easy Korean beef bulgogi, let’s talk about the delightful accompaniments that will elevate your meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Additional Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Korean
Calories: 214

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ pounds beef sirloin steak thinly sliced using kitchen shears or a sharp knife
  • 3 cloves garlic finely minced
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly minced ginger
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon roasted sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon fish sauce
  • 3 tablespoons coconut sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon gochugaru
  • teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 green onions chopped
  • ¼ yellow onion thinly sliced into rings
  • cup tamari or low-sodium soy sauce

Equipment

  • Large bowl

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, combine tamari or soy sauce, maple syrup, coconut sugar, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, fish sauce, sesame oil, gochugaru, and black pepper. Mix these ingredients well until the sugar is dissolved.
  2. Add the thinly sliced beef sirloin to the marinade. Make sure each piece is generously coated. Cover the bowl and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. If time allows, an hour or even overnight in the fridge will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
  3. In a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat, add a splash of oil. Once hot, add the marinated beef, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You want that lovely sear! Cook for about 4-5 minutes.
  4. After the beef is nearly cooked, toss in the sliced yellow onion. This adds sweetness and balances the savory profile. Cook for an additional 2 minutes or until the onions are tender.
  5. Once cooked through, remove from heat. Sprinkle the beef bulgogi generously with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot over steamed rice or in lettuce wraps.

Nutrition

Calories: 214kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 18gFat: 12.1gSaturated Fat: 3.9gCholesterol: 54mgSodium: 643mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6g

Notes

  • Thinly Slice the Beef: A sharp knife is paramount. If it’s easier, freeze the beef for about 30 minutes before slicing. This firm texture helps create even slices.
  • Marinate Longer for Flavor: If you have time to spare, 4 hours or overnight marinating will deepen the flavors dramatically.
  • Do Not Overcrowd the Pan: Giving the beef space while cooking helps caramelize the meat beautifully.
  • Customize Your Heat Level: If you love spice, don’t shy away from more gochugaru. You can also use red pepper flakes as a substitute.
  • Try Different Proteins: This recipe isn’t limited to beef; try it with chicken or pork for a tasty twist.

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