Bulgogi is Korean barbecued beef: paper-thin slices marinated in soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger and grated Asian pear, then seared quickly until caramelized. These bowls serve it over jasmine rice with carrots, zucchini, spinach and sesame seeds.
The Marinade
The grated pear’s natural enzymes tenderize the meat and add a gentle sweetness. A regular pear or grated apple works too. Freeze the beef for 30 minutes before slicing so you can cut it paper-thin. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, and cook in a very hot pan in batches so the meat sears and caramelizes rather than steaming.
Kosher Notes
This is a meat (fleishig) recipe. Rib eye is the practical choice; sirloin is from the hindquarter and rarely sold kosher outside Israel. Many kimchi brands contain fish sauce or shrimp, so check for a reliable hechsher. Check fresh spinach for insects.
Leftovers
Bulgogi keeps for 3 days and reheats well. A tablespoon of cornstarch in the marinade makes the beef extra tender.

Ingredients
What I use for this recipe
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Method
- Place beef in freezer for 30 minutes to firm up for easier slicing.
- Slice beef as thinly as possible against the grain, about 1/8-inch thick.
- In a large bowl, combine grated pear, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, ginger, and half the chopped scallions.
- Add sliced beef to marinade and mix thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
- Remove beef from marinade (reserve marinade) and cook in batches for 2-3 minutes per batch, until browned and cooked through.
- Transfer cooked beef to a plate and tent with foil.
- Add remaining oil to pan and quickly stir-fry carrots and zucchini for 2-3 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Add spinach and cook until just wilted, about 1 minute.
- Pour reserved marinade into pan and simmer for 1 minute until slightly thickened.
- Divide cooked rice among 4 bowls.
- Top each bowl with bulgogi beef and sautéed vegetables.
- Drizzle with the reduced marinade from the pan.
- Garnish with remaining scallions, toasted sesame seeds, and kimchi if using.
- Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
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