Korean BBQ Beef Recipe

Introduction

Korean BBQ Beef, or “Bulgogi,” is one of the most beloved dishes in Korean cuisine. It’s known for its sweet, smoky, and savory flavors that come from a perfectly balanced marinade infused with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and gochujang. This dish is incredibly versatile—you can enjoy it over a steaming bowl of jasmine rice, wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves, or even tucked into tacos or burritos for a fusion twist.

My first experience with Korean BBQ was at a bustling Seoul street market, where I watched a skilled chef expertly grill thinly sliced beef over an open flame. The aroma alone was intoxicating, a blend of caramelized soy sauce and sesame, with just the right amount of spice. When I finally took a bite, I knew this was a recipe I had to recreate at home.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of Korean flavors or trying something new, this high-protein, meal-prep-friendly dish is sure to be a hit. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and offers a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are a few reasons why you’ll be obsessed with this Korean BBQ Beef:

• High in Protein & Flavor-Packed: With 55g of protein per serving, this dish keeps you full and fueled, making it perfect for muscle-building meals.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This beef stores well and reheats beautifully, making it an excellent option for weekly meal planning.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it traditionally with rice, go low-carb with lettuce wraps, or mix it up by adding it to tacos, burritos, or even a Korean BBQ-inspired rice bowl.
• Easy to Make: The marinade does most of the work, and the cooking process takes just a few minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
• Bold, Sweet, & Savory: The combination of soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and gochujang creates an addictively rich and balanced flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 680g (1.5 lb) lean beef (sirloin or flank steak), sliced thin
• 80g (4 Tbsp) soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
• 40g (2 Tbsp) honey (or brown sugar for a deeper caramelization)
• 30g (2 Tbsp) sesame oil
• 1 tbsp garlic paste (or 4 cloves minced)
• 1 tbsp ginger paste (or 1-inch piece grated)
• 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste, adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 480g (~2.5 cups) cooked jasmine rice (for serving)

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

• In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic paste, ginger paste, gochujang, black pepper, and rice vinegar until well combined.
• Add the thinly sliced beef to the marinade and toss to coat evenly.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, marinate for 2-4 hours or overnight.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

• Heat a large skillet or grill pan over high heat.
• Working in batches, sear the beef for 2-3 minutes per side until caramelized and cooked through.
• Transfer to a plate and repeat until all the beef is cooked.

Step 3: Serve & Garnish

• Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the beef for an extra burst of flavor.
• Serve over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or wrap in lettuce leaves for a low-carb alternative.

Variations & Substitutions

• Protein Options: Swap beef for chicken, tofu, or shrimp for a different take.
• Low-Carb: Replace jasmine rice with cauliflower rice or simply enjoy it as lettuce wraps.
• Extra Heat: Increase gochujang or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Sweeter Variation: Use brown sugar instead of honey for deeper caramelization.
• Korean-Mexican Fusion: Use the BBQ beef as a filling for tacos or burritos.

How to Serve Korean BBQ Beef

1. Classic Bowl: Serve over jasmine rice with kimchi and sautéed vegetables.
2. Lettuce Wraps: Wrap in crisp butter lettuce with sliced cucumbers and carrots.
3. BBQ Beef Tacos: Load into corn tortillas, topped with slaw and a drizzle of sriracha mayo.
4. Korean-Inspired Sandwich: Pile onto a toasted brioche bun with pickled onions and a fried egg.
5. Over Rice Noodles: Serve over vermicelli rice noodles for a refreshing twist.

Recipe Tips

• Slice Against the Grain: Cutting beef against the grain ensures a tender bite.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches to achieve a nice sear.
• Marinate Longer for More Flavor: Overnight marination makes the beef even more flavorful.
• Use a Hot Pan: A hot surface helps caramelize the marinade, adding depth of flavor.
• Balance Sweet & Spicy: Adjust honey and gochujang to suit your taste preference.

Cooking Notes

• Storage: Store cooked beef in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.
• Freezing: Marinated raw beef can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before cooking.
• Reheating: Warm in a pan over medium heat or microwave for 1-2 minutes.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 720
• Protein: 55g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fats: 28g
• Sodium: Moderate (adjust by using low-sodium soy sauce)

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 35 minutes (including marination)
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes! Flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye all work well. Just ensure you slice thinly against the grain.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a mild kick from the gochujang, but you can adjust the heat level by adding more or less.

Can I grill the beef instead of pan-searing?

Absolutely! Grilling over charcoal adds a delicious smoky flavor.

How do I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce.

What sides go well with this dish?

Kimchi, pickled radish, sautéed spinach, or a Korean cucumber salad make great sides.

Conclusion

Korean BBQ Beef is a must-try dish that delivers bold, smoky, and sweet flavors in every bite. Whether you serve it over rice, wrap it in lettuce, or add it to tacos, it’s a protein-packed, meal-prep-friendly option you’ll keep coming back to.

Try it out and let me know how you enjoyed it! Happy cooking!