Bulgogi, meaning "fire meat" in Korean, is a beloved dish featuring thinly sliced beef marinated in a sweet-savory sauce, then grilled or stir-fried to perfection. This flavorful Korean barbecue classic is tender, juicy, and perfect for serving over steamed rice or in lettuce wraps.
1½ pounds (680g) ribeye steak, thinly sliced
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean red pepper paste)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)
2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Prepare the Beef: Wrap the ribeye steak in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to slice thinly.
Slice the Beef: Once firm, unwrap the steak and slice it against the grain into ¼-inch thick pieces.
Make the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and gochujang. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved and the marinade is well blended.
Marinate the Beef: Add the sliced beef to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for more intense flavor.
Cook the Beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef in batches, cooking each batch for about 2-3 minutes until browned and cooked through.
Garnish and Serve: Transfer the cooked beef to a serving platter. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds, if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice and, optionally, lettuce leaves for wrapping.
Calories: 394
Total Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 154mg
Sodium: 1084mg
Total Carbohydrate: 17g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 14g
Protein: 53g
Calcium: 22mg
Iron: 6mg
Potassium: 930mg