This must-try Korean Bulgogi marinade is excellent on beef, pork, tofu, and more. Its warm and savory flavors will have you coming back for more!
What is Bulgogi?
Bulgogi is a popular beef dish found on Korean restaurant menus across the U.S. Thin slices of beef are submerged in a flavorful bulgogi marinade made of soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and rice wine, then cooked over high heat on an indoor grill or skillet. Common beef cuts used for bulgogi include sirloin, ribeye steak, or brisket. In addition to beef, Korean chefs may opt for pork belly, chicken breast, and meat substitutes like tofu.
Ingredients
- Soy sauce
- Chopped Asian pear or a red apple
- Green onions
- Garlic
- Sake (sub with rice wine or dry sherry)
- Brown sugar
- Toasted sesame oil
- Black pepper
How to Make Bulgogi Marinade
- Place all of the bulgogi marinade ingredients in a blender or food processor, and blend until mixture is smooth. Add 1-2 tablespoons of water to mixture if it becomes too thick.
- Place strips of meat in a large baking dish. Pour the bulgogi marinade over top and toss to coat with tongs. Cover dish with tight fitting lid or plastic wrap, and place it in the refrigerator to marinate.
- See below for marinating times.
Marinating times
- For thin strips of steak, chicken, or pork: marinate 4 hours
- Pork belly: 3-4 hours
- Tofu: 2 hours
- Vegetables: 1 hour
- Fish and seafood: 1 hour
Tips
- Make this Korean bulgogi marinade ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Slice the meat thin for best results. If you are using an outdoor grill to cook your bulgogi, slice the meat thin but wide. Use a flat top griddle for easy cooking
- Want to amp up the flavor of this bulgogi marinade? Add a few teaspoons of my Korean Rub.
More Korean Recipes!
Korean Bulgogi Marinade
This easy bulgogi marinade will add amazing flavor to meats, veggies, and tofu!
Print Pin RateServings: 1 Cup
Calories: 478kcal
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup chopped Asian pear or a red apple
- 4 large green onions, white parts only rough chopped
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons sake (sub with rice wine or dry sherry)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Toasted sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Place all of the bulgogi marinade ingredients in a blender or food processor, and blend until mixture is smooth. Add 1-2 tablespoons of water to mixture if it becomes too thick.
- Place strips of meat in a large baking dish. Pour the marinade over top and toss to coat with tongs. Cover dish with tight fitting lid or plastic wrap, and place it in the refrigerator to marinate.
- For thin strips of steak, pork and chicken, marinate for 4 hours.
- For meat substitutes like tofu, marinate for 2 hours.
Nutrition
Calories: 478kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Sodium: 6498mg | Potassium: 555mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 33g | Vitamin A: 516IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 113mg | Iron: 4mg
