Bulgogi

Nutrition · per serving

Steps

1. 1

   Freeze the beef for 10 minutes if needed so it is easier to slice, then slice it as thinly as possible across the grain. In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, grated pear, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, spring onion, black pepper, and erythritol or brown sugar until evenly mixed.

   300 g beef sirloin, very thinly sliced30 ml soy sauce80 g Asian pear, grated10 g garlic, finely grated5 g ginger, finely grated10 ml sesame oil30 g spring onion, finely sliced1 g black pepper4 g erythritol or brown sugar
2. 2

   Add the sliced beef to the marinade and toss thoroughly for 2 minutes so every piece is coated. Let it stand for 5 minutes at room temperature while you heat a large heavy frying pan or grill pan over high heat. A short marinade is enough here because the beef is thin and the pear helps tenderize it quickly.

   300 g beef sirloin, very thinly sliced30 ml soy sauce80 g Asian pear, grated10 g garlic, finely grated5 g ginger, finely grated10 ml sesame oil30 g spring onion, finely sliced1 g black pepper4 g erythritol or brown sugar
3. 3

   Add the neutral oil to the hot pan, then spread in half the beef in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes without moving too much so it sears rather than steams, then stir-fry for about 1 minute more until just cooked and lightly caramelised at the edges. Transfer out and repeat with the remaining beef.

   10 ml neutral oil300 g beef sirloin, very thinly sliced
4. 4

   Return all the beef to the pan for 30 seconds to reheat evenly and reduce any remaining juices to a glossy coating. The beef should be browned in spots, still juicy, and not swimming in liquid.

   300 g beef sirloin, very thinly sliced
5. 5

   Serve immediately topped with toasted sesame seeds, with lettuce leaves on the side for wrapping if you like.

   6 g toasted sesame seeds80 g lettuce leaves

Origin & History

Bulgogi is one of Korea's best-known meat dishes, descended from earlier forms of grilled marinated beef that date back centuries. The modern style features thinly sliced beef seasoned with soy sauce, aromatics, and often fruit such as Asian pear to add sweetness and tenderness.