How to Make Savory and Sweet Korean Soy Sauce Marinated Beef (Ganjang Bulgogi) in 7 Easy Steps

Ganjang Bulgogi, or Korean Soy Sauce Marinated Beef, is a popular Korean dish featuring thinly sliced beef marinated in a savory and slightly sweet soy sauce-based marinade. Unlike its spicier counterpart, this version of bulgogi highlights the rich umami flavor of soy sauce, making it a perfect dish for those who prefer milder but deeply flavorful meals. Ganjang Bulgogi is typically grilled or pan-fried and served with steamed rice and various side dishes (banchan).

Introduction to Ganjang Bulgogi

Ganjang Bulgogi is a classic Korean dish that brings out the natural flavor of beef through a balanced marinade of soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and sesame oil. The result is tender, flavorful beef that is both sweet and savory, with a rich depth of flavor. This dish is often cooked on a tabletop grill or in a hot pan, making it a versatile option for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal with family and friends. Ganjang Bulgogi pairs beautifully with rice, lettuce wraps, and a variety of Korean banchan, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Ingredients for Ganjang Bulgogi (2-3 Servings)

To prepare Ganjang 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 or sirloin, 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 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 Ganjang Bulgogi to a serving platter.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Ganjang Bulgogi hot, accompanied by steamed rice and lettuce 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 Ganjang 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 leaves allows you to enjoy the rich flavors while adding a fresh, crunchy element to the dish.

Conclusion

Ganjang 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 Ganjang Bulgogi at home, and enjoy the savory, satisfying flavors of this classic Korean favorite.