Name: Beef Bulgogi Stir-Fry Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 4cm (1 ½ in) piece of ginger, peeled; 4 tbsp soy sauce; 4 tbsp mirin; 3 garlic cloves; 2 tbsp chopped pineapple; 2 tsp red chilli flakes or Korean chilli powder; 3 tbsp golden caster sugar; 3 tsp sesame oil (divided, 1 tsp for marinade, 2 tsp for cooking); 500g sirloin or rump steak, trimmed of fat and sliced thinly; 1 large onion, cut into half moons; 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds; 200g cooked basmati rice; Chopped spring onions, to serve

Introduction

Beef bulgogi stir-fry is a vibrant and flavorful Korean-inspired dish that’s quick to prepare and packed with sweet, spicy, and savory notes. Tender slices of beef are marinated in a delicious blend of ginger, garlic, and chili before being stir-fried to perfection. Serve it with fluffy basmati rice for a satisfying meal any day of the week.

A white bowl holds a dish with three main layers: a base of fluffy white rice at the bottom, topped with chunks of cooked meat coated in a dark reddish-brown sauce mixed with seeds, and garnished with chopped green onions scattered on top. The bowl sits on a matching white plate with a silver spoon resting inside. Draped casually next to the plate is a soft light blue cloth napkin, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4cm (1 ½ in) piece of ginger

4 tbsp soy sauce

4 tbsp mirin

3 garlic cloves

2 tbsp chopped pineapple

2 tsp red chilli flakes or Korean chilli powder

3 tbsp golden caster sugar

3 tsp sesame oil

500g sirloin or rump steak, trimmed of fat and sliced

1 large onion, cut into half moons

1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

200g cooked basmati rice

Chopped spring onions, to serve

Instructions

Step 1: Put the ginger, soy sauce, mirin, garlic, pineapple, chilli flakes, golden caster sugar, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil into a food processor. Blend until the marinade is smooth and well combined. Pour the marinade into a bowl.

Step 2: Add the sliced beef to the marinade and mix well to coat all the pieces. Leave the beef to marinate while you prepare the onion.

Step 3: Heat the remaining 2 teaspoons of sesame oil in a large wok or frying pan over high heat until very hot.

Step 4: Add the sliced onion to the hot pan and stir-fry for a few minutes until it starts to soften.

Step 5: Add the marinated beef along with the marinade to the pan. Stir-fry constantly until the beef is cooked through, about 5 minutes.

Step 6: Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the stir-fry. Serve immediately with cooked basmati rice and chopped spring onions.

Tips & Variations

For extra depth of flavor, marinate the beef for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the fridge.

Swap sirloin or rump steak for thinly sliced chicken or pork for a different protein option.

Add assorted vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms for more color and nutrition.

If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of chilli flakes or omit them entirely.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of chopped pineapple?

Yes, fresh pineapple works well and adds natural sweetness and tenderness to the meat. Just chop it finely so it blends into the marinade smoothly.

What cut of beef is best for bulgogi stir-fry?

Sirloin or rump steak is ideal because they are tender and slice easily into thin strips, which cook quickly and absorb the marinade evenly.

Dinner

Beef Bulgogi Stir-Fry Recipe