Beef Bulgogi with Rice

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Recipe Intro From erinscozykitchen

This comforting Korean classic features tender, thinly sliced ribeye marinated in a savory-sweet blend of soy sauce, Korean pear, garlic, and sesame oil. Paired with fluffy, USA-grown short-grain rice, this Beef Bulgogi is rich in flavor and simple to prepare—perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal. With just a bit of planning ahead for marination, this dish delivers bold, crowd-pleasing taste in under 30 minutes of active cooking.

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  • Recipe Card
Prep time: 15mins
Cook time: 15mins
Serves or Makes: 4 servings

Recipe Card

ingredients

Marinade:

  • 1/4 onion
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1/2 Korean pear (or use Bosc pear if unavailable)
  • 6 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons mirin
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon starch syrup (or corn syrup)
  • 3 tablespoons sesame oil

ingredients

Beef & Rice:

ingredients

For Garnish:

  • Green onion, thinly sliced
  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Drizzle of sesame oil

Method

  • Step 1

    Make the marinade: In a food processor or blender, combine onion, garlic, Korean pear, soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, pepper, and starch syrup. Blend until smooth.

  • Step 2

    Marinate the beef: In a large bowl, add ribeye and sliced onion. Pour marinade over the mixture and toss until fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.

  • Step 3

    Cook the rice: Rinse short-grain rice until the water runs clear. Add 2 cups of water and cook in a rice cooker or on the stovetop until tender and fluffy.

  • Step 4

    Cook the beef: Heat a lightly oiled large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef mixture and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8–10 minutes or until the liquid has mostly evaporated. For crispier beef, continue to cook until browned; for saucier bulgogi, leave some marinade in the pan. Drizzle in sesame oil at the end.

  • Step 5

    Serve: Plate the beef over warm rice. Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and an extra drizzle of sesame oil if desired. Serve with your favorite banchan (Korean side dishes).