Soy-Free Korean BBQ (Bulgogi)

Experience the bold, savory-sweet flavors of Korean barbecue with a modern twist in this Soy-Free Korean BBQ (Bulgogi) recipe. Perfectly tender beef ribeye or sirloin is marinated in a luscious blend of pureed Asian pear, onion, garlic, and ginger, combined with coconut aminos and toasted sesame oil to create a soy-free yet authentic-tasting alternative. Brown sugar and rice vinegar add a delicate balance of sweetness and tang, while black pepper and scallions enhance the dish with a subtle kick and freshness. Ready in just 30 minutes (plus marinating time), this gluten-free and paleo-friendly bulgogi is cooked to perfection on a hot skillet, caramelized for irresistible flavor. Serve it alongside fluffy steamed rice and your favorite Korean side dishes for a crowd-pleasing meal that’s as wholesome as it is delicious. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, this recipe delivers all the bold umami you crave without the soy!

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams Beef ribeye or sirloin
• 1 large, peeled and cored Pear (preferably Asian pear)
• 1 medium Onion
• 4 Garlic cloves
• 1 tablespoon, freshly grated Ginger
• 100 ml Coconut aminos
• 2 tablespoons Rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Toasted sesame oil
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 3 chopped Scallions
• 1 tablespoon Sesame seeds

Directions

Step 1

Thinly slice the beef ribeye or sirloin against the grain into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

Step 2

In a blender or food processor, combine the pear, onion, garlic cloves, and freshly grated ginger. Blend until smooth to create a marinade base.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, add the pureed pear mixture, coconut aminos, rice vinegar, brown sugar, toasted sesame oil, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.

Step 4

Add the sliced beef into the bowl with the marinade. Make sure all the pieces are well-coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for better flavor.

Step 5

Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.

Step 6

Once hot, add the marinated beef slices in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until the beef is cooked through and caramelized.

Step 7

Garnish with chopped scallions and toasted sesame seeds.

Step 8

Serve hot with steamed rice and Korean side dishes if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1034.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1963.6

Total Fat 134.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 51.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.1g
Cholesterol 430mg	0%
Sodium 2120.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 79.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 10.4g	0%
Total Sugars 58.6g
Protein 111.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 172.2mg	0%
Iron 15.5mg	0%
Potassium 1936.0mg	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: 61.4%

Protein: 22.6%

Carbs: 16.1%