Easy Korean Beef Bulgogi Recipe (Sweet and Savory Korean BBQ Beef)

Bring the flavors of Korean barbecue into your kitchen with this easy Korean beef bulgogi recipe. Thinly sliced sirloin is marinated in a savory-sweet mixture of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and green onions, then cooked until beautifully browned and flavorful.

Bulgogi is a popular Korean dish known for its tender marinated beef and delicious balance of sweet, salty, and savory flavors. This homemade version uses simple ingredients and a skillet or wok, so you can enjoy Korean-inspired BBQ without needing a grill.

Serve your bulgogi over steamed rice, wrap it in crisp lettuce leaves, or add it to a bibimbap bowl for a satisfying meal that's easy to customize.

Why You'll Love This Korean Bulgogi Recipe

• Sweet and savory flavor: Soy sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil create a rich, balanced marinade.

• Tender, flavorful beef: Thinly sliced sirloin absorbs the marinade and cooks quickly.

• Quick cooking: Once marinated, the beef takes only about 10 minutes to cook in batches.

• Easy to customize: Adjust the sweetness and spice level to suit your preferences.

• Versatile serving options: Enjoy it with rice, lettuce wraps, kimchi, or your favorite Korean-inspired sides.

• Great for meal prep: Marinate the beef ahead of time for a convenient dinner.

Korean Bulgogi Recipe

Guiseppe

Servings

6

Prep Time

85 minutes

Cook Time

10 minutes

Calories

226

Cuisine

Korean

Category

Main Dish

Make authentic Korean BBQ at home with this Easy Bulgogi recipe! Tender beef slices marinated in soy, sesame, and garlic — perfect with rice or lettuce wraps.

Ingredients

• ⅓ cup soy sauce
• 2 green onions, chopped (dark green parts separated)
• ¼ yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 3 tbsp white sugar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• ¼ tsp Korean red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
• ¼ tsp fresh ginger, minced
• ⅛ tsp ground black pepper
• 1½ lbs sirloin steak, very thinly sliced
• 1 tsp honey (optional, for caramelization)

Directions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, sesame seeds, pepper flakes, black pepper, and the white and light green parts of the green onions. Add the sliced yellow onion and mix well.
2. Add the thinly sliced sirloin to the marinade and toss until evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour (up to 24 hours for richer flavor).
3. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Working in batches, cook the beef and marinade together for about 5 minutes, until the beef is browned and caramelized. Add honey while cooking for extra sweetness and shine.
4. Top with the dark green parts of the green onions and extra sesame seeds. Serve hot with steamed rice, lettuce leaves, or kimchi for an authentic Korean BBQ experience.