Korean Barbecue

Prep: 510 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Korean

Korean Barbecue offers tender, flavorful beef slices marinated in soy sauce, garlic, sugar, and green onions. Perfect for grilling or oven baking, this dish delivers rich umami flavors with a hint of sweetness, making it ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests with a taste of Korea.

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Ingredients

  • 3 lb. beef, sliced into thin strips
  • 3 tsp. sugar
  • soy sauce, enough to cover beef
  • 2 tsp. garlic
  • 3 green onions or 1 large onion, chopped

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients; mix well.
  2. Marinate overnight or for 8 hours in a covered dish.
  3. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  4. Bake for 1 hour in a covered dish.

Tips & Substitutions

For the best flavor, use a well-marbled cut of beef like ribeye or sirloin. If you're short on time, marinate for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is ideal. For a sweeter sauce, consider adding a splash of honey or a bit more sugar. Adjust the soy sauce based on your salt preference. If you want to add heat, include a bit of gochujang or red pepper flakes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Korean barbecue with steamed rice and a side of kimchi for a complete meal. It also pairs wonderfully with grilled vegetables or lettuce wraps for a fresh crunch. You can even use leftovers in dishes like Saucy Skillet Pasta for a fusion twist. Garnish with additional chopped green onions for a pop of color.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, use the oven at 350°F until warmed through to retain moisture, or you can sauté in a pan on medium heat with a little oil. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the meat.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Korean Barbecue contains roughly 598 calories, with 14g protein, 112g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (138% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (60% of the Daily Value), and protein (28% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 695mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).

598 kcal 30% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 13.9g 28% DV
Total Fat 14.8g 19% DV
Carbs 112.1g 41% DV
Fiber 16.9g 60% DV
Sugar 2.9g 6% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 695.5mg 30% DV
Potassium 937.8mg 20% DV
Cholesterol 1.7mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 11.3mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 123.9mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 103.6mg 8% DV
Iron 4.4mg 24% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Soy

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?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs or pork belly can be great alternatives. Adjust the marinating time based on the protein; chicken may need less time, while pork can benefit from a longer soak to enhance the flavor.

Is it necessary to marinate overnight?

While marinating overnight gives the best flavor, you can marinate for as little as 30 minutes if you're pressed for time. Just keep in mind that the longer the meat marinates, the more flavorful it will become.

What can I serve with Korean barbecue?

Korean barbecue is delicious with sides like pickled vegetables, steamed rice, and a fresh salad. You can also serve it with traditional Korean side dishes such as japchae or bibimbap. For a twist, try pairing it with Coney Island Topping For Hot Dogs for a fun fusion meal.

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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