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Flavorful Bulgogi Recipe Easy Tender Marinated Beef for Perfect Korean BBQ

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A quick and easy Korean BBQ recipe featuring tender, marinated beef with a sweet-savory flavor, perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin
  • 1 medium Asian pear, grated
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 stalks green onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Place beef in the freezer for about 15 minutes to firm up, then slice thinly against the grain into 1/8-inch (3mm) strips.
  2. Peel and grate the Asian pear into a bowl; add grated ginger if using.
  3. Add soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, sliced green onions, toasted sesame oil, and black pepper to the bowl; stir until sugar dissolves.
  4. Toss beef slices into the marinade, coat well, cover, and refrigerate for 1 to 4 hours.
  5. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  6. Add marinated beef in a single layer; cook 2-3 minutes per side until caramelized and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
  7. Remove beef from pan, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, and serve immediately with steamed rice or lettuce wraps.

Notes

Slice beef against the grain for tenderness. Marinate at least 1 hour for best flavor, up to 4 hours max to avoid mushiness. Cook in batches to avoid steaming. Use medium-high heat to prevent burning the sugar. Rest beef briefly after cooking to keep juicy. For gluten-free, substitute tamari for soy sauce. Asian pear can be replaced with grated apple or kiwi if unavailable.

Nutrition

Keywords: bulgogi, Korean BBQ, marinated beef, easy Korean recipe, tender beef, Korean marinade, quick dinner