Korean-Style Stir-Fried Beef (Bulgogi) Dinner Recipe
This Korean-style stir-fried beef recipe, known as Bulgogi, is a quick and flavorful dinner option. The thinly sliced marinated beef is infused with a savory, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce, making it perfect for wrapping in lettuce leaves with fresh herbs, carrots, and chilies.
Equipment
- Blender or mini food processor
- Large skillet or wok
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 4 large garlic cloves
- 1 small onion thickly sliced
- 1 1-inch-thick slice peeled fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 pound beef sirloin cut into 1/8-inch-thick slices (Note: Freeze the steak for 30 minutes before slicing for ease.)
- 1 scallion white and green parts, chopped
- ½ teaspoon sesame seeds plus more for garnish
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup doenjang (Korean fermented soybean paste)
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 garlic clove grated or minced
- 1 scallion white and green parts, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 to 2 teaspoons gochujang Korean red chile paste, to taste
For Serving:
- Grated carrots
- Sliced green or red fresh hot chilies e.g., serrano, jalapeño, or fresno
- Fresh herbs e.g., mint, basil, cilantro, and/or shiso leaves
- Crisp romaine or Bibb lettuce
Instructions
- Prepare the beef marinade: Combine the garlic, onion, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, and black pepper in a blender or mini food processor. Blend until smooth. Pour the paste over the beef slices in a bowl. Stir in the scallions and sesame seeds. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the doenjang, sesame oil, garlic, honey, vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of water. Stir well and add the gochujang chile paste to taste.
- Cook the beef: Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat until smoking hot, about 5 minutes. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 2 to 5 minutes, until the juices have evaporated and the meat is cooked through and browned in spots.
- Serve: Arrange the beef on a platter, garnished with sesame seeds. Serve alongside grated carrots, sliced chilies, fresh herbs, and lettuce leaves for wrapping. Pass the sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For tender and uniform slices, chill the beef in the freezer for 30 minutes before slicing.
- Feel free to customize the wraps with your favorite vegetables and herbs.
- This dish is best enjoyed family-style, with everyone building their own lettuce wraps.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!