Bul Koo Kee

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

Bul Koo Kee is a savory Korean-inspired beef stir-fry with soy, garlic, and sesame seeds, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or flavorful served over rice.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 lb. round steak
  • 4 Tbsp. soy sauce
  • 3 Tbsp. sugar
  • 5 Tbsp. chopped onion
  • 1/2 tsp. pepper
  • 2 Tbsp. water
  • 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
  • 2 Tbsp. sesame seed
  • 1 tsp. chopped garlic or garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Slice the beef into thin, bite-sized strips.
  2. Mix the beef with soy sauce, sugar, chopped onion, pepper, water, chopped garlic, and sesame seeds.
  3. Use your hands to thoroughly combine the mixture.
  4. Heat a frypan with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and add the mixed beef.
  5. Fry quickly until the beef is browned and tender.
  6. Serve the beef over cooked rice.

Tips & Substitutions

For a more intense flavor, marinate the beef for longer, up to overnight. If you don't have round steak, flank steak or sirloin can be good substitutes. Adjust sugar levels based on your taste preference, and feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for extra nutrition. Consider serving this dish with pickled cucumber for a refreshing contrast.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the bul koo kee over a bed of steamed rice for a hearty meal. It pairs wonderfully with a side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh salad. For a complete dinner, consider serving it alongside pickled fish (Pescado En Escabeche) to balance the flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the beef in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent it from drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Bul Koo Kee contains roughly 958 calories, with 30g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 85g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (60% of the Daily Value), iron (54% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. It also contributes 15g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

958 kcal 48% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 30.1g 60% DV
Total Fat 84.8g 100% DV
Carbs 34.7g 13% DV
Fiber 14.7g 52% DV
Sugar 1g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 131.4mg 6% DV
Potassium 794.4mg 17% DV
Cholesterol 11.5mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 18.7mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 19.7mg 22% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 214.1mg 16% DV
Iron 9.7mg 54% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
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 type of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute round steak with flank steak, sirloin, or even chicken for a different flavor profile. Just ensure that the meat is sliced thinly to achieve the best texture when cooked.

What can I serve with bul koo kee?

This dish goes well with steamed rice or noodles. You can also add a side of stir-fried vegetables or a simple green salad to enhance the meal. For a flavorful twist, pair it with pickled fish (Pescado En Escabeche) for a delightful contrast.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and marinate it in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight for deeper flavor. Just cook it fresh when you're ready to serve to ensure the meat remains tender.

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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