Sugar-Free Korean BBQ Beef (Bulgogi)

Elevate your weeknight dinners with this Sugar-Free Korean BBQ Beef (Bulgogi) recipe—a healthier spin on the beloved classic. Using thinly sliced sirloin steak marinated in a blend of low-sodium soy sauce, fresh pear, garlic, and sesame oil, this dish achieves a perfect balance of savory, tender, and naturally sweet flavors without any added sugar. The grated pear not only provides a subtle sweetness but also acts as a natural tenderizer, giving the beef its signature melt-in-your-mouth texture. Quick to prepare and cook, this dish is ready in just 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep. Serve over steamed rice or wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves for a low-carb option, and finish with a sprinkling of sesame seeds for a nutty crunch. Perfect for fans of Korean cuisine looking for a sugar-free alternative, this dish brings bold flavors to the table with a guilt-free twist.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams Beef sirloin steak
• 60 ml Soy sauce (low sodium)
• 1 medium-sized Pear
• 3 pieces Garlic cloves
• 2 stalks Green onion
• 15 ml Sesame oil
• 0.25 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Sesame seeds
• 1 medium Onion

Directions

Step 1

Slice the beef sirloin steak into thin strips, about 1/8 inch thick. To make slicing easier, partially freeze the meat for about 20 minutes prior to cutting.

Step 2

Peel and core the pear, then grate it finely into a mixing bowl. This will add natural sweetness and tenderize the meat.

Step 3

Mince the garlic cloves and thinly slice the green onions, adding them to the bowl with the grated pear.

Step 4

Thinly slice the onion and set aside.

Step 5

In the mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, and ground black pepper with the grated pear, minced garlic, and sliced green onion. Stir well to form the marinade.

Step 6

Add the thinly sliced beef to the marinade, making sure all pieces are well coated. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes at room temperature or up to 12 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.

Step 7

Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced onion and stir-fry until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 8

Add the marinated beef to the pan, spreading it out in a single layer. Cook the beef without moving it until it begins to brown, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 9

Turn the beef strips and cook the other side until fully cooked and lightly caramelized, about another 1-2 minutes.

Step 10

Sprinkle sesame seeds over the cooked bulgogi just before serving.

Step 11

Serve hot with a side of lettuce for wraps or alongside steamed rice for a hearty main dish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(951.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1443.3

Total Fat 73.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 24.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 8.2g
Cholesterol 350mg	0%
Sodium 2299.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 53.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 9.9g	0%
Total Sugars 25.4g
Protein 140.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 183.2mg	0%
Iron 13.3mg	0%
Potassium 2566.0mg	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: 46.1%

Protein: 39.1%

Carbs: 14.8%