Bulgogi Beef
Tender, thinly sliced sirloin marinated in a sweet and savory blend of pear, soy sauce, and sesame oil. A quick and flavorful Korean-inspired beef dish, ready in under 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
Prepare the marinade ingredients.
In a medium bowl, combine the grated pear, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, the white parts of the scallions, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
TIPUsing a microplane for the garlic and ginger creates a fine paste that incorporates beautifully into the marinade.Marinate the beef.
Add the thinly sliced beef to the marinade. Use your hands or tongs to ensure every piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
TIPFor extra tender beef, slice it when it's partially frozen. This allows for paper-thin cuts.Cook the beef in batches.
- Heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until it shimmers.
- Carefully add about half of the marinated beef to the pan in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is just cooked through and has a nice caramelization.
- Remove the cooked beef from the pan and set aside. Repeat with the remaining beef.
TIPCooking in batches over high heat is key to getting a good sear rather than steaming the meat.Garnish and serve immediately.
Return all the cooked beef to the skillet for a moment to warm through. Transfer to a serving platter. Garnish generously with the green parts of the scallions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the thinnest slices, place the beef in the freezer for 20-30 minutes before slicing.
- 2Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking. This ensures the beef sears and caramelizes instead of steaming.
- 3Asian pear is traditional for its enzymes that tenderize the meat, but a Bosc or Anjou pear will also work well for sweetness.
- 4For a touch more sweetness without adding sugar, you can add a tablespoon of mirin to the marinade.
Adapt it for your goals.
Gluten free
Use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.
quickQuick
If you're short on time, you can marinate the beef for just 15 minutes at room temperature. The flavor will be less intense but still delicious.
high proteinHigh protein
Use a leaner cut of beef like flank steak and increase the portion size slightly to boost the protein content.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High-Quality Protein
Beef sirloin is an excellent source of complete protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Iron
This dish provides a good source of heme iron from the beef, which is easily absorbed by the body and helps prevent anemia.
Source of B Vitamins
Beef is a natural source of B vitamins, particularly B12, which is crucial for nerve function and the formation of red blood cells.
Frequently asked questions
Bulgogi can be a healthy choice as it's rich in protein from the beef. This version is made with lean sirloin and uses pear for natural sweetness. To keep it healthy, use low-sodium soy sauce and serve with plenty of vegetables.
