The Best Authentic Korean Beef Bulgogi Recipe

⏲️ Shortcut to Bulgogi Beef

Using the pre sliced beef cuts the prep time in half! I love using Ribeye for this beef bulgogi recipe and buying pre-sliced beef is so convenient! Most Asian markets usually carry pre sliced beef that is 2-3 mm thick. This beef can be found in the freezer section and is commonly labeled for "hot pot" or "shabu shabu" and the slices are either rolled up or packaged flat. Costco even carries pre- sliced New York steak that works great for this beef bulgogi recipe too! Insure the meat is fully thawed before marinating and mixing or it will crumble in your hands.

🍐 Do I have to use Korean Pears?

Korean pears, also known as Asian pears or Pyrus pyrifolia, are often used as a tenderizing agent in Korean BBQ beef, including beef bulgogi. This fruit is prized for its crisp texture, juiciness, and subtly sweet flavor. When used in marinades, Korean pears can impart several benefits:

1. Natural Enzymes: Korean pears contain enzymes, such as bromelain and papain, which have tenderizing properties. These enzymes help break down the muscle fibers in the meat, resulting in a more tender and juicy texture.
2. Acidic Content: Like many fruits, Korean pears contain natural acids, such as citric acid and malic acid. These acids can help to partially denature the proteins in the meat, further contributing to its tenderness.
3. Moisture Retention: The high water content of Korean pears can also aid in keeping the meat moist during cooking. As the meat marinates, it absorbs some of the pear's juices, which helps prevent it from drying out, especially when grilled or cooked over high heat.
4. Flavor Enhancement: Beyond tenderizing, Korean pears can also add a subtle sweetness and flavor complexity to the marinade. This enhances the overall taste profile of the dish, balancing the savory flavors of the beef and other marinade ingredients.

In traditional Korean cooking, Korean pears are often grated and added to marinades for Korean BBQ beef dishes like Beef Bulgogi and Galbi Korean Short Ribs. This not only tenderizes the meat but also infuses it with a hint of sweetness and a refreshing quality.

If Korean pears are not available to you, Asian pears, Bartlet pears and apples are also a great substitute.

Overall, Korean pears serve as a natural and effective tenderizing agent that contributes to the deliciousness of Korean BBQ beef dishes.

🍗 Substitutions

• Beef: If ribeye is not available, you can use sirloin, flank steak, or even thinly sliced chicken or pork.
• Soy Sauce: Tamari or coconut aminos can be used as gluten-free alternatives to soy sauce.
• Brown Sugar: Honey or maple syrup can be substituted for brown sugar for a different sweetness profile.

🍽 Equipment

• Grill or skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Shallow dish or resealable plastic bag
• Tongs
• Serving platter

What to eat with Korean Beef Bulgogi?

1. Steamed Rice: Bulgogi is often served with steamed white rice or rice cooked with grains like barley or black rice. The rice serves as a neutral base that absorbs the flavors of the Bulgogi marinade and provides a satisfying, filling component to the meal.
2. Lettuce Wraps: Many people enjoy wrapping Bulgogi in fresh, crisp lettuce leaves along with some rice, sliced garlic, and ssamjang (Korean spicy dipping sauce). The combination of the tender beef with the refreshing crunch of lettuce creates a delightful contrast in texture and flavor.
3. Kimchi: No Korean meal is complete without kimchi, a staple fermented side dish made from seasoned vegetables, most commonly cabbage or radishes. The tangy, spicy flavor of kimchi complements the richness of Bulgogi and adds a refreshing acidity to the meal.
4. Pickled Vegetables: Alongside kimchi, you might find an assortment of pickled vegetables such as cucumbers, radishes, or carrots. These pickles offer a crunchy texture and a tangy-sweet flavor that helps balance the richness of the Bulgogi.
5. Namul (Seasoned Vegetables): Various seasoned and sautéed vegetables, known as namul, can accompany Bulgogi. Spinach, bean sprouts, mushrooms, and fernbrake (gosari) are common choices. They add color, texture, and additional nutrients to the meal.
6. Japchae (Sweet Potato Noodles): This popular Korean dish features sweet potato starch noodles stir-fried with vegetables and sometimes beef. Its sweet and savory flavor profile pairs well with Bulgogi and provides a satisfying carb component to the meal.
7. Tteok (Rice Cake): Grilled or pan-fried rice cakes, known as tteok, can be served alongside Bulgogi for a textural contrast. They are often chewy and slightly sticky, offering a different mouthfeel compared to rice or lettuce wraps.
8. Ssamjang (Spicy Dipping Sauce): A flavorful dipping sauce made from fermented soybean paste, chili paste (gochujang), sesame oil, garlic, and other seasonings, ssamjang adds a spicy and umami kick to Bulgogi when used as a condiment or dipping sauce.
9. Fresh Fruit: To refresh the palate and provide a contrast to the savory flavors of Bulgogi, fresh fruit such as sliced Korean pears, grapes, or watermelon can be served as a simple dessert or side dish.