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Bulgogi Beef

Thin beef slices soak up a savory pear-free soy, garlic, and sesame marinade, then sear quickly for a tender Korean dinner.

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Bulgogi Beef plated Korean meal

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Bulgogi Beef

Yield4
Prep40 min
Cook10 min
Total50 min

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Ingredients

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Method

6 steps

  1. 1

    If your beef isn't already shaved thin, stick it in the freezer 20–30 minutes so it firms up, then slice against the grain as thin as you can manage.

  2. 2

    Whisk the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, grated onion, and black pepper in a bowl until the sugar mostly dissolves.

  3. 3

    Add the beef and toss so every strip gets coated. Cover and chill at least 30 minutes (overnight is even better if you're planning ahead).

  4. 4

    Heat a large skillet or grill pan until it's properly hot — a drop of water should dance and vanish. Add a little neutral oil, then cook the beef in small batches 1–2 minutes per side so the edges brown instead of steaming. Don't walk away; thin slices go fast.

  5. 5

    When the last batch is done, pile all the beef back in for 20–30 seconds just to warm through. Kill the heat, then shower on the scallions and sesame seeds.

  6. 6

    Serve over hot rice with lettuce leaves for wrapping. Spoon a little pan juice over the meat if you want it glossier.

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