How to Make Flavorful Korean Marinated Beef (Yangnyeom Bulgogi) in 7 Easy Steps

Yangnyeom Bulgogi, or Korean Marinated Beef, is a classic dish featuring thinly sliced beef that has been marinated in a rich and flavorful sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, sugar, and various seasonings. This dish is known for its tender texture and sweet-savory taste, making it a popular choice for Korean BBQ or a simple, delicious dinner at home. Yangnyeom Bulgogi can be grilled, pan-fried, or cooked on a tabletop grill, and it pairs perfectly with steamed rice and an array of banchan (Korean side dishes).

Introduction to Yangnyeom Bulgogi

Yangnyeom Bulgogi is a staple in Korean cuisine that showcases the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. The marinade, typically made with soy sauce, garlic, sugar, sesame oil, and other aromatics, infuses the beef with deep flavor while also tenderizing it. The thin slices of beef cook quickly, making this dish an excellent option for a quick meal that still feels special. Yangnyeom Bulgogi is often served with lettuce or perilla leaves for wrapping, along with ssamjang (a savory dipping sauce), making each bite full of flavor and texture.

Ingredients for Yangnyeom Bulgogi (2-3 Servings)

To prepare Yangnyeom Bulgogi for two to three people, you'll need the following ingredients:

For the Marinade:

• Soy sauce: 4 tbsp
• Sugar: 2 tbsp
• Sesame oil: 2 tbsp
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
• Ginger: 1 tsp, minced
• Pear or apple: 1/2, grated (for natural sweetness and tenderizing)
• Rice wine (mirin): 1 tbsp (optional)
• Ground black pepper: 1/2 tsp

For the Beef:

• Beef (ribeye, sirloin, or tenderloin, thinly sliced): 300g (about 10 oz)
• Onion: 1 medium, thinly sliced
• Carrot: 1 small, julienned (optional)
• Green onions: 2 stalks, cut into 2-inch pieces
• Mushrooms: 100g, sliced (shiitake or button mushrooms work well)
• Sesame seeds: 1 tsp (optional, for garnish)

For Garnish (Optional):

• Sesame seeds: 1 tsp
• Sliced green chili pepper: 1 (optional, for added heat)
• Lettuce or perilla leaves: for wrapping

Step-by-Step Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a large mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, grated pear or apple, rice wine (if using), and ground black pepper. Stir well until the sugar is fully dissolved and the marinade is smooth. The pear or apple adds a natural sweetness and helps tenderize the beef.

Step 2: Marinate the Beef

Add the thinly sliced beef to the bowl with the marinade. Use your hands or a spoon to ensure that all the beef slices are evenly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the beef marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for a deeper flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

While the beef is marinating, prepare the vegetables. Thinly slice the onion and mushrooms, julienne the carrot (if using), and cut the green onions into 2-inch pieces. Set the prepared vegetables aside.

Step 4: Cook the Beef

Heat a large pan or grill pan over medium-high heat. If using a pan, you can add a small amount of vegetable oil. Once the pan is hot, add the marinated beef slices in a single layer, along with the sliced onions. Cook the beef for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until it is browned and cooked through. The beef should cook quickly due to its thinness.

Step 5: Add the Vegetables

Once the beef is almost fully cooked, add the sliced mushrooms, julienned carrot, and green onions to the pan. Stir-fry everything together for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp. The vegetables will absorb some of the marinade, enhancing their flavor.

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

Once the beef and vegetables are cooked, remove the pan from the heat. If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds over the top for added flavor and texture. You can also add sliced green chili pepper for a bit of extra heat. Transfer the Yangnyeom Bulgogi to a serving platter.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Yangnyeom Bulgogi hot, accompanied by steamed rice and lettuce or perilla leaves for wrapping. You can also serve it with a variety of banchan to create a complete Korean meal. To eat, place a piece of beef in a lettuce leaf, add some rice and banchan, wrap it up, and enjoy the flavorful combination in every bite.

Tips for Perfect Yangnyeom Bulgogi

1. Use Thinly Sliced Beef: Thin slices of beef cook quickly and absorb the marinade well, ensuring each bite is tender and flavorful.
2. Adjust the Sweetness: The grated pear or apple adds natural sweetness and helps tenderize the meat. You can adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste preferences.
3. Serve with Lettuce Wraps: Serving the beef with lettuce or perilla leaves allows you to enjoy the rich flavors while adding a fresh, crunchy element to the dish.

Conclusion

Yangnyeom Bulgogi is a tender and flavorful Korean dish that combines the rich taste of marinated beef with the sweetness of garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil. This dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a quick dinner or a special Korean BBQ night with friends and family. Follow these seven steps to create an authentic and delicious Yangnyeom Bulgogi at home, and enjoy the savory, satisfying flavors of this classic Korean favorite.