Barbecued Beef(Pulgogi)

Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Korean

Barbecued Beef (Pulgogi) offers tender, flavorful slices of marinated beef grilled to perfection. Key flavors include soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, and green onion, creating a savory, slightly sweet, and aromatic dish. Ideal for those who enjoy Korean-style grilled meats or bold, savory flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/3 lb. top round or tenderloin of beef
  • 3 Tbsp. sugar
  • 2 tsp. rice wine
  • 5 tsp. chopped green onion
  • 2 tsp. chopped garlic
  • 6 tsp. soy sauce
  • 1 tsp. sesame salt
  • 2 tsp. sesame oil
  • black pepper

Instructions

  1. Slice the beef thinly and score lightly with a knife to make it more tender.
  2. Cut it into bite-sized pieces and marinate in the sugar and rice wine.
  3. Mix the marinated beef thoroughly with soy sauce, chopped garlic, sesame salt, and sesame oil.
  4. Broil the seasoned beef over hot charcoal on a grill or in a frypan.

Tips & Substitutions

For maximum flavor, let the beef marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably a few hours. If you don't have sesame salt, you can substitute it with regular salt mixed with toasted sesame seeds. To enhance the marinade, consider adding grated pear or apple for natural sweetness, which is common in Korean recipes. Always slice against the grain for tenderness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the barbecued beef with steamed rice and a side of pickled hot peppers for a tangy contrast. It also pairs beautifully with Roasted Maple Squash for a sweet and savory balance. Consider adding a refreshing Cool Lime Drink to complement the meal and enhance the flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover barbecued beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or use a microwave, but be careful not to overcook, as this can dry it out. For best results, serve it fresh.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Barbecued Beef(Pulgogi) contains roughly 215 calories, with 6g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (62% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 10g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

215 kcal 11% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.4g 13% DV
Total Fat 4.3g 5% DV
Carbs 44.4g 16% DV
Fiber 9.6g 34% DV
Sugar 0.2g

Electrolytes

Sodium 229.4mg 10% DV
Potassium 586.8mg 12% DV
Cholesterol 4.3mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 4.5mcg
Vitamin C 55.4mg 62% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 91.2mg 7% DV
Iron 2.2mg 12% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Soy Sesame

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Yes, while top round or tenderloin are ideal, you can use flank steak or sirloin as alternatives. Just ensure to slice against the grain to maintain tenderness. Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of the slices.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can marinate the beef in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before grilling. This allows the flavors to deepen. Just remember to cook it fresh for the best texture and taste.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! For a vegetarian option, substitute the beef with marinated tofu or tempeh. Follow the same marinating process and grilling instructions to achieve a similar flavor profile. This makes a delicious alternative while keeping the essence of the dish.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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