Beef Bulgogi

This recipe for beef bulgogi is a Korean cuisine mainstay featuring delicious thin, marinated slices of beef that can be served in a variety of ways.

If you have clicked on to this recipe because you are curious about its name, you are going to be pleased to discover you've stumbled on a dish that is simply delicious!

Bulgogi is a Korean dish with such a great flavor we guarantee you'll be serving it up all the time.

In this article we will take a look at exactly what bulgogi is - and how to eat it the traditional way! 

What is Beef Bulgogi?

Bulgogi is one of Korea's most popular and best loved dishes. ‘Bul’ means ‘fire’ and ‘gogi’ means ‘meat.'

It is a dish that first came to life during the Goguryeo era, which spanned from the 1st century BCE to 7th century.

To make beef bulgogi, ribeye, tenderloin or sirloin cuts of beef are sliced thinly. They are marinated in a beautiful savory-sweet sauce, then cooked over a flame.

This helps to caramelize and crisp the exterior of the meat, whilst leaving it succulent and juicy on the inside.

Bulgogi can be made with more than just beef - in fact, you can use any cuts of meat that you would usually cook on a barbecue.

So think along the lines of ribs, brisket, pork belly or chicken.

Beef is one of the most popular options as the meat soaks up the lovely marinade and becomes full of flavor. Ribeye, tenderloin or sirloin are the best cuts to use as they offer a meaty flavor with a marbling of fat.

This produces a texture that just melts in your mouth. You can use flank or skirt steak, but the former definitely give better results.

Always slice your beef BEFORE marinating it, cutting against the grain into ultra thin slices. To make this easier, slice the beef as soon as you remove it from the freezer.

If you are using fresh beef from the butcher, ask the butcher to slice it for you. 

How to Eat Beef Bulgogi

If you want a truly authentic experience, you will want to eat bulgogi the proper way!

Bulgogi is meant to be shared, so at a Korean table you will find a range of little bites to enjoy alongside your beef.

In the centre of the table would be the meat (you can even find portable Korean barbecues to cook the meat at the table for a more authentic experience!).

Traditionally, the meat would be wrapped in a leafy green such as lettuce or steamed cabbage; this is referred to as ssam.

The wrap itself is meant to be eaten as one bite, so it is not meant to be packed out with food.

Instead, just add the meat, rice and vegetables to the wrap and enjoy it as a bitesized piece, along with condiments like kimchi.

Alternatively, you can serve it on top of, or mixed into, cooked rice. 

This eating experience makes a great night for guests at a dinner party or even for a bit of fun with your family.

So, what are you waiting for? Get cooking and whip up your very own beef bulgogi at home!

More Korean Dishes to Try

Korean cuisine offers a wide variety of delicious dishes such as Ssambap, Korean Spicy Chicken and Rice and this tasty Gluten Free Korean Turkey and Rice Bowl!