Bulgogi (Marinated Grilled Beef)

Name: Bulgogi (Marinated Grilled Beef)
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: South Korea
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs ribeye, thinly sliced; 1/2 Asian pear, grated; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tbsp sugar; 2 tbsp sesame oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp grated ginger; 2 scallions, sliced; 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds; Lettuce leaves, for serving

Bulgogi (Marinated Grilled Beef) photo 1

4 servings30 min prep10 min cookEasy South Korea

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The Story Behind It

The Tale of Bulgogi (Marinated Grilled Beef)

Story updated September 17, 2026

Bulgogi's grilled-meat tradition traces back to ancient dishes like maekjeok, eaten during the Goguryeo kingdom over a thousand years ago, though the soy-and-pear-marinated version known today developed more recently. Its name literally means 'fire meat,' and it became one of Korea's most recognized dishes as it spread internationally.

Ingredients

Scale:· 4 servings

1 1/2 lbs ribeye, thinly sliced
1/2 Asian pear, grated
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp sesame oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp grated ginger
2 scallions, sliced
1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Lettuce leaves, for serving

Instructions

1Blend the grated Asian pear with soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger to make the marinade.
2Toss the thinly sliced beef with the marinade, scallions, and sesame seeds.
3Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
4Heat a grill pan or skillet over high heat until very hot.
5Cook the beef in batches for 1-2 minutes per side until caramelized and just cooked through.
6Serve immediately with steamed rice and lettuce leaves for wrapping.

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