Bulgogi(Korean Style Marinated Thin Beef Steak)

Prep: 180 min Cuisine: Korean

Bulgogi is a flavorful Korean-style marinated beef dish featuring tender slices of steak infused with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Perfect for grilling or stir-frying, it offers a savory and slightly sweet profile that appeals to meat lovers and those exploring Korean cuisine.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 6 large cloves garlic, chopped
  • 2 small onions, chopped fine
  • 1 scant Tbsp. ginger
  • 4 Tbsp. soy sauce
  • 1 scant Tbsp. sesame oil
  • 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
  • 5 tsp. sugar
  • 2 Tbsp. sherry
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 3 lb. beef steak

Instructions

  1. Mix all sauce ingredients together.
  2. Add meat to the marinade and stir to coat.
  3. Allow mixture to set in refrigerator for 3 to 4 hours.
  4. Stir-fry in small to medium batches over medium heat until cooked.

Tips & Substitutions

For an authentic flavor, use Korean soy sauce and add more ginger if you love its warmth. If you don’t have sherry, a splash of rice vinegar or mirin can work as substitutes. Adjust the sugar based on your sweetness preference, or use honey for a different twist. Make sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain for the best texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your bulgogi with steamed rice and a side of kimchi for a complete meal. It also pairs well with a refreshing cucumber salad or mixed vegetables. For a twist, try it in lettuce wraps or as a filling for tacos. This dish complements other Asian-inspired meals beautifully.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so in a skillet over medium heat to prevent the beef from becoming tough. You can also add a little water or broth to keep the meat moist while reheating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Bulgogi(Korean Style Marinated Thin Beef Steak) contains roughly 415 calories, with 8g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).

415 kcal 21% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.3g 17% DV
Total Fat 22.3g 29% DV
Carbs 50.9g 19% DV
Fiber 8.7g 31% DV
Sugar 1.8g 4% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 3000mg 100% DV
Potassium 556.3mg 12% DV
Cholesterol 6.3mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 6.5mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 54.9mg 61% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 89.5mg 7% DV
Iron 1.8mg 10% DV
Diet fit 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 chicken or pork instead of beef for bulgogi?

Yes, you can use chicken or pork instead of beef. Just ensure to adjust the marinating time; thinner cuts of chicken may require less time to absorb the flavors, while pork can be marinated similarly to beef for the best results.

What can I serve with bulgogi?

Bulgogi is traditionally served with rice and side dishes like kimchi or pickled vegetables. You can also pair it with a simple salad or even serve it in lettuce wraps for a fun twist. It makes a great filling for stir-fried noodles too.

How can I make bulgogi spicy?

To add some heat to your bulgogi, consider mixing in gochujang (Korean chili paste) or adding sliced red chili peppers to the marinade. Adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance for the perfect kick.

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).

Beef recipes → All recipes →