Mom's Best Recipes
Recipe

Spiced Beef Bulgogi Recipe

Sweet, savory, and gently spicy bulgogi with toasty sesame, warm ginger, and crisp-edged beef. Fast enough for weeknights, cozy enough for seconds.

Author By Matt Campbell
4.9
A real photograph of a cast iron skillet filled with caramelized beef bulgogi with crisp edges, sliced scallions, and toasted sesame seeds, with a small bowl of rice blurred in the background
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Bulgogi is one of those meals that feels like you did a lot, even when you absolutely did not. It is thin beef, a glossy marinade, a hot pan, and suddenly your kitchen smells like toasted sesame and garlic in the best way. This version is a spicy, modern-leaning twist on the classic profile, with extra ginger, a little gochujang for slow-building heat, and a quick sear that gives you those crisp, caramelized edges.

You can serve it the classic way with rice and lettuce wraps, or turn it into a weeknight power move: bulgogi bowls with cucumbers, kimchi, and a fried egg. No perfection required, but tasting as you go is encouraged.

A real photograph of thinly sliced raw beef in a bowl coated in a red-brown bulgogi marinade with visible grated pear and minced garlic

Why It Works

  • Big flavor, low drama: the marinade does the heavy lifting, and the cook time is quick.
  • Toasty depth: sesame oil plus toasted sesame seeds create that warm, nutty finish.
  • Crisp edges: a hot pan and cooking in batches keeps the beef from steaming.
  • Balanced heat: gochujang and gochugaru add warmth without blowing up your palate.

Pairs Well With

Storage Tips

Refrigerate: Cool bulgogi quickly, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. (Best texture is in the first 2 to 3.)

Reheat: Best in a hot skillet over medium-high with a tiny splash of water to loosen the sauce. Microwave works too, but the skillet brings back the crisp edges.

Freeze: Freeze cooked bulgogi for up to 2 months for best quality. Thaw overnight in the fridge. You can also freeze the raw beef in the marinade for up to 2 months, then thaw in the fridge and cook as directed.

Meal prep tip: Store toppings separately (cucumber, scallions, kimchi) so everything stays bright and crunchy.

Common Questions

What cut of beef is best for bulgogi?

Ribeye is the classic splurge, but sirloin and flank steak work great. The key is slicing thin across the grain, ideally about 1/8 inch (3 mm). If you can, pop the beef in the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes first to make slicing easier. Or skip the whole thing and grab pre-sliced Korean BBQ beef from an Asian market.

Do I have to use Asian pear?

No, but it helps tenderize (enzymes) and adds subtle sweetness. Best substitutes are ripe pear (like Bartlett), sweet apple, or even a little grated onion (great for tenderizing). If you are in a pinch, you can swap in 1 tablespoon brown sugar plus 1 tablespoon water for sweetness, but note it will not tenderize the beef the same way, so the meat may be a little chewier.

Is this very spicy?

It is warm, not wild. For mild: skip the gochugaru and use 1 teaspoon gochujang. For spicy: add more gochujang, a pinch of gochugaru, or finish with sliced chilies.

Why is my beef watery instead of caramelized?

Two common culprits: the pan was not hot enough, or it was overcrowded. Cook in batches and let the beef sit briefly before stirring so it can brown. Also, let excess marinade drip off before the beef hits the pan. Too much marinade at once turns searing into simmering.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes. Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce, and make sure your gochujang is labeled gluten-free (some brands contain wheat).

I started making bulgogi when I wanted something that felt like takeout but still let me play in the kitchen a little. The first time, I overcrowded the pan and basically boiled the beef in its own juices. It still tasted great, but it taught me my favorite bulgogi truth: this dish is all about heat and timing. Now I cook it in quick batches, crank the pan, and chase those crisp edges like a hobby. The warm ginger, toasted sesame, and sweet-salty glaze make it the kind of dinner that turns a random Tuesday into a very good idea.