When it comes to weeknight meals, we’re always on the lookout for new and exciting ways to get dinner on the table quickly. And what better way to do so than with a delicious Bulgogi recipe? For those who may not be familiar, Bulgogi is a popular Korean dish that typically involves marinating thinly sliced beef in a sweet and savory sauce before grilling or stir-frying it. But what if we told you that there’s more to Bulgogi than just the classic beef version? In this article, we’ll explore 20 mouth-watering Bulgogi recipes that are perfect for weeknights – from vegetarian options to creative twists on the original dish. Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or prefer something milder, we’ve got a Bulgogi recipe that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
Classic Beef Bulgogi with Soy Marinade
Savor the bold flavors of Korea with this iconic beef dish, marinated in a sweet and savory soy-based mixture.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef (thinly sliced), such as ribeye or sirloin
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp sugar
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 2 tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 tsp garlic, minced
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– 1 cup beef broth
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, Gochujang, garlic, and sesame oil.
2. Add the sliced beef to the marinade, ensuring it’s fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the beef from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
4. Add 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the pan and swirl it around. Cook the beef in batches, if necessary, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes per batch).
5. Combine the cooked beef with beef broth and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
6. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spicy Pork Bulgogi with Gochujang Glaze
This Korean-inspired dish combines tender pork, sweet and spicy gochujang glaze, and crunchy vegetables for a flavorful and aromatic meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pork shoulder, sliced into thin strips
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1/4 cup gochujang paste
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp ground ginger
– 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together gochujang paste, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Add the pork strips and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Remove the pork from marinade, letting excess liquid drip off. Cook the pork for 3-4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through.
3. Add bell peppers to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until tender.
4. Serve the spicy pork with gochujang glaze spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chicken Bulgogi with Honey Garlic Sauce
Discover the harmonious balance of sweet and savory flavors in this Korean-inspired dish, where tender chicken is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and sesame oil, then served with a sticky honey garlic sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– 1 cup honey garlic sauce (see below for recipe)
– Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and sesame oil.
2. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, making sure they are coated evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
3. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess liquid drip off.
4. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Serve with honey garlic sauce spooned over the top and garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Honey Garlic Sauce:
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
Whisk all ingredients together until smooth. Store in refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Vegetarian Mushroom Bulgogi with Sesame Oil
A flavorful and aromatic Korean-inspired dish that combines tender mushrooms, savory soy sauce, and nutty sesame oil.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– Salt to taste
– Chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are tender and caramelized.
5. Season with salt to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds, if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Quick Bulgogi Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers
This flavorful Korean-inspired stir-fry is a quick and easy meal solution that combines tender beef, sweet bell peppers, and savory soy sauce. Whip it up in no time for a satisfying dinner!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef (sirloin or ribeye), sliced into thin strips
– 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp sugar
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook beef strips in a hot skillet with sesame oil until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from pan.
2. Add bell peppers and garlic to the same skillet; cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce and sugar. Pour into the skillet and stir to combine.
4. Return beef to the skillet and stir-fry everything together for an additional minute.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Bulgogi Tacos with Kimchi Slaw
Experience the bold flavors of Korean cuisine in a new and exciting way with these Bulgogi Tacos, served with a spicy kick from Kimchi Slaw.
Ingredients:
For the Bulgogi Beef:
– 1 lb beef (thinly sliced), such as ribeye or sirloin
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp sesame oil
For the Kimchi Slaw:
– 1 cup kimchi, chopped
– 1/2 cup red cabbage, shredded
– 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
– 2 tbsp lime juice
– 1 tsp honey
Instructions:
1. Marinate beef in a mixture of soy sauce, chili flakes, brown sugar, garlic, and sesame oil for at least 30 minutes.
2. Grill or cook the beef to desired doneness.
3. In a separate bowl, combine kimchi, red cabbage, cilantro, lime juice, and honey. Mix well.
4. Warm tortillas according to package instructions.
5. Assemble tacos by placing cooked beef onto tortillas and topping with Kimchi Slaw.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Bulgogi Fried Rice with Scallions
A flavorful twist on traditional fried rice, this recipe combines the sweet and savory flavors of bulgogi beef with crunchy scallions. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1/2 cup diced bulgogi beef (see note)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g. peas, carrots, corn)
– 2 green onions, thinly sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1 egg, beaten (for added protein)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 2 minutes.
3. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add mixed vegetables and cooked bulgogi beef; stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
5. Add cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
6. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until rice is heated through and starting to brown.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Garnish with thinly sliced scallions; serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Bulgogi Bibimbap with Fried Egg
This Korean-inspired dish combines the savory flavors of marinated beef and vegetables with a runny fried egg, all served over a bed of warm white rice. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup Bulgogi marinade (or store-bought)
– 1 lb beef (thinly sliced), such as ribeye or sirloin
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., zucchini, carrots, mushrooms, bell peppers)
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 2 eggs
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: sesame seeds, chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the rice according to package instructions.
2. Marinate the beef in Bulgogi marinade for at least 30 minutes.
3. Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
4. In the same pan, add mixed vegetables and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
5. Crack an egg into the pan and cook until the whites are set and yolks are still runny, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Assemble the Bibimbap by placing a scoop of cooked rice in a bowl, followed by the beef, vegetables, and fried egg.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Enjoy your delicious Bulgogi Bibimbap with Fried Egg!
Slow Cooker Bulgogi with Pineapple Juice
This recipe takes the classic Korean dish, Bulgogi, and gives it a twist by adding pineapple juice for a sweet and tangy flavor. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef (such as ribeye or sirloin), sliced into thin strips
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 teaspoon crushed black pepper
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
2. Add the sliced beef to the slow cooker and toss to coat with the marinade.
3. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in pineapple juice and black pepper.
5. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 4-8 hours
Bulgogi Lettuce Wraps with Sriracha Mayo
Elevate your wrap game with this sweet and spicy Korean-inspired recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef (thinly sliced), marinated in Bulgogi sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 4-6 lettuce leaves
– 2 tbsp Sriracha mayonnaise (or regular mayonnaise with a dash of Sriracha)
– 1/4 cup kimchi slaw (store-bought or homemade)
– Sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
1. Grill the marinated beef to desired doneness.
2. Assemble the wraps by placing a lettuce leaf on each plate, then adding sliced grilled beef, a dollop of Sriracha mayonnaise, and a spoonful of kimchi slaw.
3. Garnish with green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (includes marinating time)
Tips:
– Use leftover Bulgogi sauce for the beef marinade to save time.
– Adjust the level of spiciness in the Sriracha mayonnaise to your liking.
– Substitute other leafy greens like collard or napa cabbage if desired.
Bulgogi Pizza with Mozzarella and Green Onions
Experience the flavors of Korea on a classic pizza with this unique Bulgogi-inspired combination. Sweet and savory, this dish is sure to delight!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pizza dough
– 1/2 cup Bulgogi sauce (Korean-style BBQ sauce)
– 8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions
– 1/4 cup sliced beef strips (Bulgogi-style marinated beef)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roll out pizza dough to desired thickness.
3. Spread Bulgogi sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around edges.
4. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
5. Arrange sliced beef strips and chopped green onions on top of cheese.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Bulgogi Sliders with Pickled Radish
These bite-sized Bulgogi sliders pack a punch of flavor, combining the sweet and savory taste of marinated beef short ribs with a tangy kick from pickled radish. Perfect for a quick snack or gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef short ribs, sliced into thin strips
– 2 tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– 4 hamburger buns
– Pickled radish (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together Gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and sesame oil.
2. Add sliced beef short ribs to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
3. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Cook beef for 3-4 minutes per side or until cooked through.
4. Assemble sliders by placing cooked beef on hamburger buns.
Pickled Radish:
– 1 cup thinly sliced radish
– 1/2 cup rice vinegar
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup water
Combine ingredients in a bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Bulgogi Noodle Bowl with Udon
Experience the bold flavors of Korea with this easy-to-make Bulgogi Noodle Bowl featuring udon noodles and savory beef. This dish is a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and savory notes.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup udon noodles
– 1 lb beef (thinly sliced), cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp sesame oil
– 1 tsp ground black pepper
– Salt to taste
– Scallions, thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook udon noodles according to package instructions and set aside.
2. In a large skillet or wok, combine beef, garlic, soy sauce, Gochujang, brown sugar, sesame oil, and black pepper.
3. Stir-fry the mixture for 5-7 minutes, or until the beef is cooked through and caramelized.
4. Add the cooked udon noodles to the skillet and stir-fry for an additional minute.
5. Season with salt to taste.
6. Garnish with thinly sliced scallions (if using).
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Bulgogi Quesadillas with Cheese and Jalapeños
Experience the bold flavors of Korean bulgogi beef in a crispy Mexican quesadilla, paired with melted cheese and spicy jalapeños.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb bulgogi beef (thinly sliced), cooked according to package instructions
– 4 large tortillas
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup diced jalapeños
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix cooked bulgogi beef with soy sauce and sesame oil. Set aside.
3. Place a tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half of it with shredded cheese.
4. Add 1/4 cup of the bulgogi beef mixture on top of the cheese.
5. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
8. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
9. Cut into wedges and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Bulgogi Stuffed Peppers with Rice
Elevate your dinner game with this flavorful Korean-inspired recipe that combines sweet and savory bulgogi beef, juicy peppers, and creamy rice. Perfect for a weeknight meal or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 bell peppers (any color), seeded and chopped
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1 lb beef (thinly sliced), marinated in 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp garlic, and 1 tsp sesame oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook rice according to package instructions.
3. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Stuff each pepper with cooked rice, beef mixture, onion, garlic, and ginger.
5. Place peppers in a baking dish and drizzle with remaining oil. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Bulgogi Hot Pot with Tofu and Vegetables
This Korean-inspired hot pot recipe combines the flavors of marinated tofu, beef, and vegetables in a savory broth, perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion. Serve with a bowl of steaming rice to soak up all the juices.
Ingredients:
• 1 block firm tofu, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons Bulgogi sauce (Korean BBQ sauce)
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms, zucchini)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 4 cups beef broth
• Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the tofu and cook until golden brown on all sides (about 3-4 minutes).
3. Add the mixed vegetables and garlic; cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Pour in the beef broth and Bulgogi sauce; bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let it cook for 10-15 minutes or until the flavors meld together.
6. Serve hot with steamed rice.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Bulgogi Meatballs with Sweet Chili Glaze
Get ready for a flavorful fusion of Korean BBQ and Italian-style meatballs! These bite-sized treats are marinated in a sweet and savory bulgogi sauce, then topped with a sticky sweet chili glaze.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/4 cup bulgogi sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Sweet chili glaze ingredients:
+ 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
+ 2 tablespoons honey
+ 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bulgogi sauce, breadcrumbs, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Form into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
5. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sweet chili glaze by whisking together sweet chili sauce, honey, and rice vinegar.
6. Remove the meatballs from the oven and brush with the sweet chili glaze. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Bulgogi Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Elevate your grilled cheese game with the sweet and savory flavors of bulgogi, a popular Korean marinade.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
– 1/4 cup of butter
– 1/2 cup of grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup of sliced Bulgogi beef (see below for marinating instructions)
– 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
Bulgogi Beef Marinating Instructions:
– 1 pound of thinly sliced beef (such as ribeye or sirloin), cut into strips
– 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
Assembly and Grilling:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place one bread slice, butter-side down, in the skillet.
4. Top with grated cheese, sliced Bulgogi beef, and a sprinkle of soy sauce.
5. Place the second bread slice, butter-side up, on top.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes
Bulgogi Spring Rolls with Dipping Sauce
Elevate your snack game with these crispy spring rolls filled with sweet and savory Bulgogi beef, all wrapped up in a delicate wrapper. Serve with a tangy dipping sauce for the ultimate flavor combination.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of spring roll wrappers (about 20-24 wrappers)
– 1/2 cup Bulgogi beef (cooked and shredded)
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Salt to taste
– Dipping sauce ingredients: 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the filling by mixing Bulgogi beef, scallions, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
2. Lay a spring roll wrapper on a flat surface with one corner pointing towards you.
3. Place about 1 tablespoon of the beef filling in the center of the wrapper.
4. Fold the bottom half of the wrapper over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll up to form a tight cylinder.
5. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
6. Fry the spring rolls until golden brown (about 2-3 minutes per side).
7. Serve hot with the dipping sauce made by whisking together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and Gochujang.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Bulgogi Pasta with Creamy Gochujang Sauce
Experience the bold flavors of Korean cuisine with this unique pasta dish that combines tender bulgogi beef with a creamy gochujang sauce. This recipe is perfect for adventurous eaters looking to spice up their pasta game.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta of your choice
– 1 lb bulgogi beef (thinly sliced), cooked according to package instructions
– 2 tbsp gochujang paste
– 1 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tbsp honey
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine gochujang paste, soy sauce, honey, heavy cream, and garlic. Blend until smooth.
3. Add cooked bulgogi beef to the creamy sauce and stir to combine.
4. Toss cooked pasta with the bulgogi-beef mixture.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Discover the flavors of Korea with these 20 delicious Bulgogi recipes, perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. From classic beef to vegetarian options, there’s something for everyone in this diverse collection of dishes. Get inspired by creative twists like Bulgogi tacos, pizza, and quesadillas, or stick to traditional favorites like bibimbap and fried rice. Whatever your taste buds crave, you’ll find it here!