Authentic Korean BBQ Recipe Beef – Homemade Bulgogi

This mouthwatering Korean BBQ recipe beef is the perfect introduction to Korean cuisine for anyone who loves tender, flavorful meat dishes. Bulgogi, which translates to “fire meat” in Korean, features thinly sliced beef marinated in a sweet and savory sauce that caramelizes beautifully when cooked.

Korean BBQ Beef Bulgogi served on a plate with rice

Why This Korean Beef Bulgogi Recipe Works

Bulgogi is beloved worldwide for good reason. The marinade perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors, while the thin-slicing technique ensures the beef cooks quickly and remains tender. This homemade version brings authentic Korean flavors right to your kitchen with ingredients you can find at most grocery stores.

The secret to great bulgogi lies in three elements:

Proper meat selection – ribeye or sirloin work best
Thin slicing – freeze partially for easier cutting
Marination time – allowing flavors to fully penetrate

Key Ingredients for Authentic Korean BBQ Beef

This bulgogi recipe uses a balance of traditional Korean ingredients to create that signature sweet-savory flavor profile:

1½ pounds ribeye steak, thinly sliced
⅓ cup soy sauce
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
2 tablespoons Asian pear, grated (or substitute apple)
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon neutral oil for cooking

About Asian Pear in Bulgogi

Asian pear is a traditional ingredient that serves two purposes: it adds natural sweetness and contains enzymes that help tenderize the meat. If you can’t find Asian pear, a regular apple works as a substitute.

Step-by-Step Korean BBQ Beef Instructions

Freeze the beef for 30 minutes to firm it up, then slice it across the grain into very thin pieces (about 1/8 inch thick). Set aside.
In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, Asian pear, half of the green onions, half of the sesame seeds, and black pepper. Whisk until sugar dissolves.
Add the sliced beef to the marinade and mix well to ensure all pieces are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 4 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
When ready to cook, heat a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the oil and swirl to coat.
Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, use tongs to place a single layer of beef in the hot pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until the meat is caramelized and cooked through.
Transfer cooked beef to a serving plate and repeat with remaining meat.
Garnish with remaining green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Serving Suggestions for Your Korean BBQ Beef

Traditionally, Korean bulgogi is served with several accompaniments:

Steamed white rice – The perfect canvas for soaking up the delicious sauce
Lettuce leaves – For making ssam (wraps) with the meat
Kimchi – Fermented vegetables that add tang and spice
Banchan – Small side dishes like pickled vegetables or spinach namul
Gochujang sauce – For those who want to add extra heat

The Korean BBQ Experience at Home

For an authentic Korean BBQ experience, serve all components family-style. Everyone can build their own lettuce wraps filled with rice, bulgogi, and desired toppings. This interactive dining style makes it perfect for gatherings!

Tips for Perfect Korean Beef Bulgogi

Meat selection: Ribeye and sirloin offer the best balance of tenderness and flavor, but you can also use other tender cuts like tenderloin.
Slicing technique: Always slice against the grain. Partially freezing the meat first makes this much easier.
Cooking surface: While a traditional Korean BBQ grill is ideal, a cast-iron skillet or wok works perfectly at home.
Don’t overcrowd: Cook in batches to ensure each piece gets properly caramelized.
Make ahead: The marinade can be prepared up to 3 days in advance, and the meat can marinate overnight for convenience.

Common Questions About Korean BBQ Recipe Beef

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes! While ribeye is traditional, any tender cut like sirloin, tenderloin, or flank steak (sliced very thin) will work well.

How do I slice the meat thinly enough?

Partially freezing the beef for about 30 minutes firms it up, making it much easier to slice thinly. Use a sharp knife and cut against the grain.

Can I cook bulgogi on a grill?

Absolutely! Use a grill basket or foil to prevent the thin slices from falling through the grates. The smoky flavor adds wonderful dimension.

Is bulgogi spicy?

Traditional bulgogi is not spicy. It’s more sweet and savory, but you can add gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the marinade or as a side sauce if you prefer heat.

Perfect Your Korean BBQ Recipe Beef at Home

This delicious Korean BBQ recipe beef is surprisingly simple to make at home but delivers restaurant-quality flavors. The sweet-savory marinade transforms ordinary beef into something extraordinary, and the quick cooking time makes it perfect for weeknight meals and special occasions alike. Try this authentic bulgogi recipe tonight and bring the vibrant flavors of Korean cuisine to your table!

Recipe adapted from Allrecipes