Best Bulgogi Recipe – Korean BBQ Beef Loved by Foreigners

Best Bulgogi Recipe – Korean BBQ Beef Loved by Foreigners

Meta Description: Discover the ultimate bulgogi recipe tailored for international tastes. This Korean BBQ beef dish features tender slices of meat marinated in a sweet and savory sauce. Try this golden bulgogi recipe today!

What is Bulgogi?

Bulgogi, which literally means "fire meat, " is a traditional Korean dish made by marinating thinly sliced beef in a soy sauce-based mixture and stir-frying it. Thanks to its sweet and savory flavor profile and tender texture, bulgogi is one of the most beloved Korean dishes among foreigners.




Why Foreigners Love Bulgogi

Sweet and savory soy sauce marinade

Tender, juicy slices of beef (typically sirloin or tenderloin)

Simple and quick cooking process

Served with vegetables for a healthy, balanced meal





Ultimate Bulgogi Recipe (Golden Ratio)

Ingredients – Serves 2~3

Beef and Vegetables

Thinly sliced sirloin or tenderloin beef (shabu-shabu style): 400g

Onion: 1 (thinly sliced)

Green onion: 1 stalk (sliced diagonally)

Carrot: 1/3 (julienned, optional)

Shiitake or button mushrooms: 3~4 (sliced)

Asian pear (optional): 1/4 (grated for tenderness)

Mainade

Soy sauce: 4 tbsp

Sugar: 2 tbsp

Sesame oil: 1 tbsp

Minced garlic: 1 tbsp

Minced ginger: 1 tsp

Cooking wine (or mirin): 2 tbsp

Ground black pepper: a pinch

Sesame seeds: 1 tsp

Corn syrup or honey: 1 tbsp (for deeper sweetness)

Pear or apple juice: 2 tbsp (optional, for tenderizing)

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef

Use pre-sliced beef or slightly freeze and thinly slice it yourself.

Pat the beef with a paper towel to remove excess blood for better flavor.


2. Make the Marinade

Mix all marinade ingredients in a bowl until well combined.

Adding pear or apple juice helps tenderize the meat.


3. Marinate

Add the beef and vegetables into the marinade and mix thoroughly.

Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, marinate overnight in the fridge.


4. Stir-fry

Heat a pan over medium heat with a little oil.

Add the marinated meat and stir-fry for about 5–7 minutes until the onions turn translucent and the meat is fully cooked.

If too much liquid forms, increase the heat to reduce the sauce.







Tips for the Best Bulgogi

Choose quality beef: Marbled sirloin or tenderloin ensures tenderness.

Control the heat: Medium to high heat helps preserve the juices.

Add toppings: Pair with shredded green onion, perilla leaves, or chili peppers for a more authentic experience.

Serve with rice or lettuce wraps: Enjoy bulgogi over steamed rice or wrapped in fresh lettuce for a satisfying meal.



Conclusion

Bulgogi is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that introduces the true flavors of Korea. Try serving it to your international friends—they’ll fall in love with Korean cuisine after just one bite!