Description
A beloved Korean dish featuring tender marinated beef infused with umami flavors, perfect for sharing and wrapping in lettuce.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ribeye or sirloin steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 6 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 Asian pear or red apple, grated
- 2 tbsp mirin (optional)
- 1 tbsp gochujang (optional, for spice)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp finely chopped green onions
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp neutral oil (for cooking)
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 cup mushrooms (shiitake or white button), sliced
- 2 tbsp honey butter (1 tbsp melted butter + 1 tbsp honey, mixed)
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Lettuce leaves or perilla leaves, for wrapping
- Extra sesame seeds and sliced green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, prepare your marinade by whisking together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and grated Asian pear or red apple. If you choose, add mirin and gochujang for an extra kick. Finish with the black pepper.
- Add the thinly sliced beef to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Allow the beef to marinate for at least 30 minutes or longer for enhanced flavor.
- Heat a grill pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of neutral oil.
- Remove the beef from the marinade and cook it in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Sear each piece for 2–3 minutes per side until caramelized.
- Just before finishing, drizzle the honey butter over the beef to enhance the caramelization. Toss quickly to coat the beef.
- Remove the cooked beef from the pan and set aside while you prepare the veggies.
- Add sliced onions, julienned carrots, and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until they are tender yet crisp.
- Serve the cooked beef over a bed of rice, accompanied by the sautéed vegetables. Wrap portions of bulgogi in crisp lettuce leaves or perilla leaves for a delightful treat.
Notes
For optimal tenderness, always slice your beef against the grain and consider marinating overnight for richer flavor.