Spice Up Your Routine!
Even steak night needs a little change-up now and then, and this bulgogi recipe is our favorite way to do that! It’s easy, big on flavor, and definitely a break from the usual. ‘Bulgogi’ is beef sliced thin enough to absorb the maximum amount of flavor that the honey-sweetened and slightly spicy soy sauce marinade provides—and to absorb it quickly—that is then barbecued in the Korean tradition. The outcome is bulgogi beef that is slightly crispy in texture with a rich and complex flavor. There's really just nothing quite like it.
The Best Ever Beef Bulgogi Marinade
Any great bulgogi bowl is all about the beef itself, and bulgogi beef is all about the marinade. A beautiful balance of sweet, salty, spicy and sharp flavors is what you’re looking for, and our bulgogi recipe delivers that in spades! Here’s what goes into this simple bulgogi marinade:
- Soy sauce
- Honey
- Brown sugar
- red pepper flakes
- Fresh garlic
- Sesame oil
How to Make Bulgogi Beef
Korean beef bulgogi is not hard to make, but—like any recipe that’s all about the marinade—you’ve got to plan ahead. In a perfect world, you’d want to marinate the steak—rib-eye or sirloin steak are the best cuts to use for this bulgogi recipe—a day before grilling. However, in a pinch, two hours will do. Here’s how to make bulgogi beef!
- Cutting against the grain, slice your steak into thin strips. Arrange it in a pan with some super-thin sweet onion slices.
- Marinate your meat! Whisk together the soy sauce, honey, sugar, red pepper, garlic and sesame oil and pour it all over the steak strips.
- Wait. Overnight, or at least two hours.
- Grill time! Grilling the marinated bulgogi beef is the best way to achieve an authentic smoky flavor and crispy-edged texture. But, if the weather isn’t cooperating, no worries! You can also sear the steak strips in a hot, oiled pan on the stove top.
- Serve! Garnished with sesame seeds and diced green onions.
How to Assemble the Best Bulgogi Beef Bowl:
The only rule—as far as we’re concerned—is there are no rules! Begin with a bed of steamed white rice, and add:
- Store-bought kimchi (or homemade, if you’re feeling super adventuous.)
- Avocado! Creamy avocado would be a delicious contrasting texture and flavor.
- Vegetables! Julienned carrots, radishes, purple cabbage, bell peppers—all would lend color and bright, crisp texture.
- Sriracha or sambal oelek for an extra kick of spice.
- Shiitake mushrooms.
- A fried egg. A runny fried egg on top would definitely take this hearty bulgogi bowl over the top—and we are IN. TO. THAT.
Tools You’ll Need:
- Small mixing bowl.
- Sharp knife.
- Grill or large skillet.
- Baking dish (for marinating the steak).
More Bowl Recipes We Love
Healthy, customizable, and flavorful—what’s not to love about dinner in a bowl? Here are four recipes we love:
Commit to Mixing Up Your Dinner Routine!
Your family will thank you! And with ideas like this bulgogi beef recipe, it’s not even a tall order. If you try it, let us know! Snap a photo of your bulgogi bowl and maybe even a video of the beautiful people you feed it to. Tag us on Instagram using @themodernproper and #themodernproper. Happy eating!
