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    Korean-Style Marinated Rib-Eye (Bulgogi)

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    Pixicook editorial team

    A savory and flavorful Korean-style marinated rib-eye served with tangy pickled daikon.

    Ingredients for Korean-Style Marinated Rib-Eye (Bulgogi)

    units in
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    units in
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    serves
    4 peoplechevron
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    Rice Vinegar

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    Sugar

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Table Salt

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Daikon Radish, peeled and cut into 1.5-inch-long matchsticks

    0 lb

    Substitute chevron-down

    Scallions, white and light green parts only, minced

    each

    Substitute chevron-down

    Doenjang

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    Gochujang

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Water

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Sugar

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Toasted Sesame Oil

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Garlic Clove, minced

    each

    Substitute chevron-down

    Rib-eye steak, cut crosswise into 1.5-inch-wide pieces and trimmed

    0 lb

    Substitute chevron-down

    Water

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Baking Soda

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Onion, chopped

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    Sugar

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    Soy Sauce

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Garlic Clove, peeled

    each

    Substitute chevron-down

    Toasted Sesame Oil

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Pepper

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Vegetable Oil

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Scallions, dark green parts only, cut into 1.5-inch pieces

    each

    Substitute chevron-down

    How to Make Korean-Style Marinated Rib-Eye (Bulgogi)

    1. Make Pickled Daikon

    In a medium bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1.5 teaspoons table salt until the sugar and salt have dissolved and the mixture is clear. Add the daikon radish matchsticks to the bowl, ensuring they are fully submerged in the vinegar mixture. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours, to allow the daikon to pickle and absorb the flavors.

    2. Prepare Sauce

    In a small bowl, combine the minced white and light green parts of the scallions, doenjang, gochujang, 1 tablespoon water, 2 teaspoons sugar, toasted sesame oil, and minced garlic. Stir the mixture until it is smooth and well-blended. Cover the bowl and set it aside. This sauce can be made up to three days in advance and refrigerated to allow the flavors to meld.

    3. Freeze and Slice Beef

    Place the rib-eye steak pieces in the freezer for 35 to 40 minutes. This will firm up the meat, making it easier to slice thinly. Once the beef is firm to the touch, use a sharp knife to shave it into very thin slices. This ensures that the beef will cook quickly and evenly.

    4. Tenderize Beef

    In a medium bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon water and 0.25 teaspoon baking soda, then add the shaved beef to this mixture and let it sit for about 5 minutes. The baking soda helps to tenderize the beef.

    5. Prepare Marinade

    In a food processor, combine the chopped onion, 0.25 cup sugar, soy sauce, peeled garlic cloves, toasted sesame oil, and pepper. Process the mixture for about 30 seconds or until it reaches a smooth consistency.

    6. Marinate Beef

    Transfer the beef to a medium bowl and pour the processed marinade mixture over it, ensuring the beef is evenly coated. Let the beef marinate while you prepare the cooking area.

    7. Cook Beef

    Heat the vegetable oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until the oil is shimmering. Add the marinated beef mixture to the skillet and cook it for 1 minute without stirring to let the beef brown. Then, stir the beef and continue cooking for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, or until the beef is no longer pink.

    8. Finish and Serve

    Add the dark green parts of the scallions to the skillet and cook for another 30 seconds to infuse the dish with their fragrance. Transfer the cooked beef and scallions to a platter and serve with the pickled daikon and the prepared chile sauce.

    Variations

    Bulgogi Rice Bowls

    Create a satisfying meal with bulgogi on steamed rice, vegetables, and a fried egg.

    Grilled Bulgogi

    Cook the meat on a grill or barbecue for added smokiness.

    Bulgogi Tacos

    Serve in tortillas with slaw, kimchi, sesame oil, and Sriracha for a Korean-Mexican fusion.

    Chicken Bulgogi

    Replace rib-eye with thinly sliced chicken for a quick-cooking alternative that readily absorbs the marinade.

    Play with the Heat

    Add gochujang, fresh chili peppers, hot pepper flakes, or smoky chipotle powder for different levels of spiciness.

    Pitfalls and tips

    High Heat Cooking

    Cook bulgogi quickly over high heat to sear the outside and keep the inside juicy, using a hot grill, cast-iron skillet, or wok.

    Select the Right Cut of Meat

    Choose rib-eye that is not too thick, ideally about 1/8-inch thick, to allow the marinade to penetrate effectively and for quick cooking.

    Marinade Mastery

    Use a grated Asian pear in your marinade for sweetness and to tenderize the meat. Marinate for at least an hour, or overnight for best results.

    Consistent Heat Source

    Maintain a consistent high heat when cooking to achieve the signature charred edges without overcooking.

    Balance the Sweet and Savory

    Ensure precise measurements of soy sauce, sugar, and seasonings in the marinade, and adjust to taste before adding the meat.


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