Spicy Korean Beef Bulgogi

Korean cuisine has taken the world by storm, captivating taste buds with its rich flavors, vibrant colors, and diverse ingredients. In recent years, dishes like Kimchi, Bibimbap, and Tteokbokki have become household names, but few can claim the title of signature dish quite like Bulgogi. This mouthwatering dish, which translates to "fire meat," embodies the essence of Korean culinary tradition, showcasing the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors that make Korean food truly unique.

Discover the vibrant world of Korean cuisine with this Spicy Korean Beef Bulgogi recipe! This beloved dish showcases mouthwatering marinated beef infused with sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. Learn about the origins of Bulgogi, key ingredients like beef sirloin and Gochugaru, and traditional preparation methods. Perfect for family gatherings or casual weeknight dinners, this dish brings people together. Get ready to delight your taste buds and impress your loved ones with this authentic recipe!

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Ingredients

1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon sesame oil

2 tablespoons Gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 inch fresh ginger, grated

2 green onions, finely chopped

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)

1 small carrot, julienned

1 small onion, sliced

Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Additional green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, Gochugaru, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped green onions, and rice vinegar. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved. Add the thinly sliced beef, ensuring all pieces are coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours for deeper flavor integration.

Prepare Vegetables: While the beef is marinating, prepare the carrot and onion. Set aside.

Cook the Beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated beef, reserving the marinade for later. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the beef is browned and cooked through.

Add Vegetables: Incorporate the sliced onion and julienned carrot into the skillet. Continue to stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender and mixed well with the beef and juices.

Finish with Sauce: Pour any remaining marinade into the skillet, cooking for another minute while stirring to coat the meat and vegetables evenly.

Serve: Transfer the beef bulgogi to a serving dish. Garnish with sesame seeds and additional chopped green onions. Serve hot with steamed rice and optional side dishes like kimchi or pickled radishes.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4