Description

There are few dishes that transport me straight back to the bustling, aromatic kitchens of my childhood quite like Best and Easiest Beef Bulgogi. The thin slices of tender beef, soaked in a rich, savory-sweet marinade, sizzling on a hot pan, always bring back memories of family gatherings, laughter echoing through the house, and the warmth of a shared meal. Bulgogi, which translates to “fire meat,” holds a cherished place in Korean culinary tradition. Originally cooked over an open flame, it has evolved into a beloved dish served at family dinners, street markets, and festive celebrations. It embodies both comfort and festivity, especially in the cooler months when its sweet and smoky flavors seem to wrap you in a cozy embrace.

Growing up, my mother would marinate the beef in the early morning, letting it soak in all the beautiful flavors of soy, garlic, and sesame. By evening, the house would be filled with a mouthwatering aroma that had us impatiently hovering by the kitchen. Whether wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves or piled atop a bowl of steaming rice, Best and Easiest Beef Bulgogi was always a centerpiece of our table, a dish that needed no special occasion to make any evening feel special.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb thinly sliced beef ribeye or sirloin

5 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium onion, thinly sliced

2 green onions, chopped

3 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp sesame oil

1 tbsp sugar

1 tbsp honey

1 tsp ground black pepper

1 tbsp sesame seeds

2 tbsp neutral cooking oil (like vegetable oil)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start with very thin slices of beef. If you find it tricky to slice thinly, partially freeze the beef first for about 30 minutes—it makes slicing much easier.

Step 2: Create the Marinade
In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, honey, ground black pepper, and minced garlic. Stir well until the sugar dissolves completely. This marinade will infuse the beef with its rich, layered flavors.

Step 3: Marinate the Beef
Add the sliced beef to the marinade along with the sliced onions and chopped green onions. Toss everything together until the beef is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, marinate for 2-4 hours or overnight if possible.

Step 4: Cook the Bulgogi
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the cooking oil, then place the marinated beef in a single layer. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Sear the beef for about 2-3 minutes per side or until cooked through and caramelized at the edges.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle sesame seeds on top and serve hot with steamed rice, lettuce wraps, or your favorite Korean side dishes.

When I make this dish, I always love sneaking a little taste right out of the pan—the sizzling meat, the sticky glaze, the little pop of sesame seeds—it’s absolutely irresistible.

Notes

For a slightly spicy kick, add a spoonful of gochujang (Korean red pepper paste) to the marinade.

You can substitute the beef with thinly sliced chicken or lamb for different variations.