Darn Good Bulgogi

Discover the bold and savory flavors of "Darn Good Bulgogi," a Korean-inspired dish that transforms tender ribeye or sirloin steak into a mouthwatering masterpiece. Marinated in a harmonious blend of soy sauce, mirin, sesame oil, garlic, and the unexpected sweetness of grated pear or apple, this recipe brings authentic umami to your table in just 25 minutes of prep and cooking time. The thinly sliced beef is pan-seared to perfection, creating caramelized edges that pair beautifully with hot steamed rice and vibrant side dishes like kimchi. Perfect for both weeknight dinners and social gatherings, this bulgogi recipe is a balance of simplicity and rich, authentic flavor. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions for a restaurant-quality finish. Whether you’re new to Korean cooking or a seasoned pro, "Darn Good Bulgogi" is your gateway to satisfying, homemade Korean cuisine.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound ribeye or sirloin steak
• 0.25 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons white granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons mirin (sweet rice wine)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons grated pear or apple
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
• 2 cups cooked white rice (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Begin by slicing the steak into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick. For easier slicing, place the meat in the freezer for 15–20 minutes beforehand.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sugar, mirin, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated pear or apple, and ground black pepper to create the marinade.

Step 3

Add the sliced beef into the marinade, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for the best flavor.

Step 4

Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and allow it to get hot.

Step 5

Working in batches if necessary, cook the marinated beef strips in the hot skillet for 2–3 minutes per side, or until nicely caramelized and cooked through.

Step 6

Transfer the cooked beef to a serving platter and sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired.

Step 7

Serve the bulgogi hot with cooked white rice and side dishes like kimchi or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1086.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2364.8

Total Fat 134.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 53.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 14.3g
Cholesterol 362.9mg	0%
Sodium 2567.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 172.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 4.2g	0%
Total Sugars 41.5g
Protein 128.2g	0%

Vitamin D 31.8IU	0%
Calcium 186.6mg	0%
Iron 19.0mg	0%
Potassium 1989.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 50.1%

Protein: 21.3%

Carbs: 28.6%