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October 21, 2019 Updated September 14, 2020 By Rebecca Beef Dishes

Easy Korean Beef Bulgogi

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Korean bulgogi in a bowl with ingredients in background
Korean Bulgogi on a table with sauces

This easy Cupbop copycat Korean bulgogi with beef will get your tastebuds watering and meet all your wildest Korean food expectations. The marinated beef is versatile to repurpose in different dishes, but the two easy sauces & cabbage really make this bowl a flavor bomb.

Korean Bulgogi on a table with sauces

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[This recipe was originally posted in May 2018. It has been updated with new photos, cooking instructions, expert tips, FAQ, related recipes, video and ways to repurpose/use up ingredients]

How will this Korean Bulgogi make your life easier?

If you have or even if you haven’t been Cupbop, a Korean food truck & restaurant in Utah, you’ve really got to try this Korean bulgogi. It’s got the mixture of rice + sweet potato noodles, flavorful beef, crunchy cabbage, and two sauces.

Obviously this isn’t the traditional <30 minute recipe for one, but it’s so packed with flavor and would be a great easy meal to prepare for a dinner party because it’s super easy to double or triple so it’d be a fun and delicious party food. If you want a faster beef recipe, I’d recommend making beef & broccoli or Thai beef with spinach & fried garlic.

What makes this Cupbop copycat beef bulgogi so good?

This recipe does call for lesser used ingredients like oyster sauce, fish sauce, sesame oil. But the sauces are staples in Vietnamese & Thai dishes, so you can use them over and over again.

  • Oyster sauce
  • Soy sauce
  • Pear
  • Garlic
  • Ginger
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Dark brown sugar
  • Sesame oil
  • Flank steak
  • BBQ sauce
  • Rice vinegar
  • Mayonnaise
  • Sriracha
  • Jasmine rice
  • Sweet potato noodles
  • Cabbage

How do I make Korean Bulgogi?

hands holding a plastic bag full of beef with marinade ingredients in it

Start with the beef marinade: Mix together quarter of a pear (grated), 2 garlic cloves, 3 T soy sauce, 1 tsp red pepper flakes, 1 T ground ginger, 1 T brown sugar, 1 T sesame oil, and 1 tsp oyster sauce in a plastic bag. Add 1 lb sliced beef.

Expert Tip: buy presliced thin beef at the grocery store. Any pre-sliced thin cut will work. Ask your butcher for recommendations if you’d like.

two hands holding marinating beef in a plastic bag

Let beef sit out for at least 15 minutes.

Korean bulgogi beef cooking in a cast iron skillet

Heat up grill or skillet. Cook at least 3 minutes on each side, or until desired doneness. Pour remaining marinade over beef as it’s cooking to create a thick sauce.

Cook grains: Cook 4-6 oz noodles (&/or) 1 c rice according to package directions. Rinse noodles off well so they’re not sticky.

Expert Tip: Sweet potato noodles are usually just found at Asian markets and online, if you don’t have access to them definitely use rice noodles.

mixing Korean BBQ sauce in a small glass jar

Make Korean BBQ sauces by mixing together 1/2 c plain BBQ sauce, 1 T oyster sauce, 2 tsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp ground ginger, and 1 tsp sesame oil. Set aside.

Expert Tip: To save time, you can find premade Korean BBQ sauce, but this one is really good & easy so make this if you can!

mixing sriracha mayo in a small bowl

To make sriracha mayo, mix together 1tsp (or more) sriracha and 1/2 c mayonnaise, set aside. 

Korean bulgogi in a bowl with ingredients surrounding it

Remember to rinse noodles well after cooking. Make bowl by adding grains to bowl then layer in cabbage, beef, sauces last. Enjoy. 

Expert tips

sweet potato noodles for easy Korean bulgogi
  • You can find the sweet potato noodles at your local Asian market.
  • To save time in the kitchen, mix the marinade, add the beef and then set aside. The next thing I make is the rice & noodles. Then cook the beef and mix the sauces and chop the cabbage. Make sure to set timers for the rice & noodles so they don’t get overcooked.
  • You can sub out the sweet potato noodles for easier to find rice noodles, and many recipes call for rice noodles. But I love the texture of these noodles. Cupbob offers half noodles half rice in their bowls, so that’s why I include both in this recipe.
  • Increase the spice level by adding more sriracha or red pepper flakes to your dish.
  • Pre-slice the beef so that it absorbs the marinade quickly. You can start the beef right away, and let it marinade while you start the grains and sauces. Then cook it quickly and it’s ready to go.
  • Feel free to grab minute rice, pre-made Korean BBQ sauce, and pre-shredded cabbage to make the process quicker. Trader Joe’s carries a Korean BBQ sauce that’s almost as good.

FAQ

What cut of beef is beef bulgogi?

I have made this Korean beef bulgogi with flank steak a few times and really like it. Traditionally it’s made with sirloin, rib eye, or brisket. You can also use ground beef if that’s what you have. Essentially any cut of beef that cooks quickly & fits within your budget. Ask the butcher at your local grocery store to get a recommendation.

What are sweet potato noodles?

They’re really similar to rice noodles but made with sweet potatoes. I’d say the biggest difference is the size of the noodles, rice noodles are often really thin like angle hair pasta or they’re flat ribbons, the sweet potato noodles I’ve had are just a bit thicker than traditional spaghetti pasta. Sweet potato noodles are really mild in flavor, just as rice noodles. Make sure to rinse them out well to remove the starch that will make them stick together.

What is bulgogi beef?

Bulgogi beef is really thin sliced beef that’s been marinated and then cooked in a sweet and savory sauce, traditionally using pear to add sweetness . We use grated pear to add sweetness and help tenderize the meat.

Ways to repurpose this Korean Bulgogi

  • Swap out the rice for sweet potato noodles or the opposite
  • Stuff tortillas with the rice, beef, cabbage, & sauces
  • Serve over a bed of lettuce for an easy salad
Korean bulgogi in a bowl with ingredients in background

What can I make with leftover ingredients?

  • (beef, rice) Beef & Broccoli, Thai Beef w/ Garlic & Spinach (use remaining sliced beef instead of ground), Stuffed Squash with Beef & Rice (use remaining sliced beef instead of ground)
  • (cabbage) Corned beef & cabbage, Rainbow coleslaw, 5 min Asian coleslaw
  • (rice) Warm harvest bowl

Did you make this Korean bulgogi recipe? Leave me a comment & rating to share how it turned out!

Korean bulgogi in a bowl with ingredients in background
Print Pin
5 from 10 votes

Korean Beef Bulgogi

This easy Korean beef bulgogi will get your tastebuds watering and meet all your wildest Korean food expectations. 
Course dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Korean
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4 people
Author Rebecca

Equipment

  • knife
  • cutting board
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Measuring Cups
  • tongs
  • Medium skillet or grill
  • 2 small bowls
  • Medium sized pot

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1/4 whole pear grated
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger or 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 pound flank steak sliced thinly
  • oil
  • salt & pepper
  • 1/2 cup plain BBQ sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (BBQ sauce)
  • 2 teaspoons rice vinegar (BBQ sauce)
  • 1 teaspoon ginger powder (BBQ sauce)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (BBQ sauce)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1+ teaspoons sriracha
  • 1 cup jasmine rice
  • 4-6 ounces sweet potato noodles
  • 1 cup cabbage thinly sliced
  • sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

  • Mix together grated quarter of a pear, 2 garlic cloves, 3 T soy sauce, 1 tsp red pepper flakes, 1 T ginger, 1 T brown sugar, 1 T sesame oil, and 1 tsp oyster sauce in medium mixing bowl. Add 1 lb sliced beef, and let sit out for at least 15 minutes. 
  • While beef is marinating, cook 4-6 oz noodles (&/or) 1 c rice according to package directions.
  • Make Korean BBQ sauces by mixing together 1/2 c BBQ sauce, 1 T oyster sauce, 2 tsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp ginger powder, and 1 tsp sesame oil. Set aside. Mix together 1tsp + sriracha and 1/2 c mayo, set aside. 
  • After about 15 minutes, heat up grill or medium skillet. Cook beef until desired doneness. Cook at least 3 minutes on each side. Pour remaining marinade over beef as it's cooking. 
  • Rinse noodles well after cooking. Add grains to bowl then layer in cabbage, beef, sauces last. Enjoy. 

Video

Easy Korean Beef Bulgogi

Notes

  • You can find the sweet potato noodles at your local Asian market.
  • To save time in the kitchen, mix the marinade, add the beef and then set aside. The next thing I make is the rice & noodles. Then cook the beef and mix the sauces and chop the cabbage. Make sure to set timers for the rice & noodles so they don’t get overcooked.
  • You can sub out the sweet potato noodles for easier to find rice noodles, and many recipes call for rice noodles. But I love the texture of these noodles. Cupbob offers half noodles half rice in their bowls, so that’s why I include both in this recipe.
  • Increase the spice level by adding more sriracha or red pepper flakes to your dish.
  • Pre-slice the beef so that it absorbs the marinade quickly. You can start the beef right away, and let it marinade while you start the grains and sauces. Then cook it quickly and it’s ready to go.
  • Feel free to grab minute rice, pre-made Korean BBQ sauce, and pre-shredded cabbage to make the process quicker. Trader Joe’s carries a Korean BBQ sauce that’s almost as good.
Recipe inspiration from Bon Apetite & The Stay at Home Chef

Want to get more single serving recipes delivered to your inbox? Click here to download my Single Serving Cookbook.

Categories: Beef Dishes

About Rebecca

Welcome! I’m Rebecca, a food loving dietitian. On Nourish Nutrition, you’ll find real, quick, and nourishing recipes for one that'll get you to want to cook for yourself, because you deserve it.

Previous Post: « Pear Arugula and Prosciutto Pizza
Next Post: Easy Dark Chocolate Halloween Bark with Quinoa »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. kelly says

    May 23, 2018 at 9:27 am

    I love bulgogi flavors. They’re a family favorite

    Reply
    • Rebecca says

      May 23, 2018 at 10:30 am

      same! right?!

      Reply
  2. Calleigh K says

    May 23, 2018 at 9:50 am

    My husband is a Korean and bulgogi is one of the staple food in our house. my family loves it.

    Reply
    • Rebecca says

      May 23, 2018 at 10:29 am

      oh that’s awesome! I bet he has some great family recipes!

      Reply
  3. Danielle says

    May 23, 2018 at 10:08 am

    5 stars
    I have never tried Korean food, but this looks amazing and really simple too.

    Reply
    • Rebecca says

      May 23, 2018 at 10:29 am

      try it, it’s really easy & delicious! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Jessica Formicola says

    May 23, 2018 at 10:18 am

    5 stars
    My mouth is watering! Adding this to the dinner menu this week!

    Reply
    • Rebecca says

      May 23, 2018 at 10:28 am

      thanks! it’s awesome. LMK how it turns out if you make it

      Reply
  5. christine hadden says

    May 23, 2018 at 10:19 am

    5 stars
    This sounds amazing. I used to be very intimidated by those long lists of Asian ingredients but I’ve slowly built up and I have everything for this!!! Yay!

    Reply
    • Rebecca says

      May 23, 2018 at 10:27 am

      yay! yes me too! but they’re pretty versatile and make such delicious dishes!

      Reply
  6. Tina Dawson | Love is in my Tummy says

    May 23, 2018 at 10:33 am

    5 stars
    I just recently had bulgogi and was fascinated by the flavors in them. Can’t wait to try my hand at it at home.

    Reply
  7. Abbey Sharp says

    May 23, 2018 at 11:23 am

    5 stars
    I’ve only ever tried bulgogi while eating out, so I definitely need to try homemade with this recipe!

    Reply
  8. Rachel says

    May 23, 2018 at 5:11 pm

    I admit I’ve never heard of bulgogi but it sure looks yummy!

    Reply
  9. Jessica Levinson says

    May 23, 2018 at 9:48 pm

    Love how easy it is to make this! No need for take-out – this will do just fine!

    Reply
  10. Chrissy says

    May 24, 2018 at 10:18 am

    5 stars
    This looks SO good! I don’t think I’ve ever tried making this myself at home so I can’t wait to try out this recipe next week.

    Reply
  11. Suzy says

    October 21, 2019 at 9:39 am

    5 stars
    This was so good! We were looking for something a little different to make and it came out great!

    Reply
    • Rebecca says

      October 22, 2019 at 10:33 am

      that’s great to hear! thanks

      Reply
  12. Cookilicious says

    October 21, 2019 at 10:04 am

    Wow this looks so appetizing..nice recipe

    Reply
    • Rebecca says

      October 22, 2019 at 10:33 am

      thanks!

      Reply
  13. Sue says

    October 21, 2019 at 10:06 am

    5 stars
    I love love love these flavors…and I’ve never tried sweet potato noodles, so heading out to my Asian market today to track them down. I’m suddenly very hungry!

    Reply
    • Rebecca says

      October 22, 2019 at 10:32 am

      yes! they don’t have a strong flavor, but the texture is awesome!

      Reply
  14. Tara says

    October 21, 2019 at 11:30 am

    5 stars
    This sounds flavorful and delicious! Any recommendations on a substitute for oyster sauce? I’m allergic to shellfish.

    Reply
    • Rebecca says

      October 22, 2019 at 10:32 am

      Bon Appetite says to mix 1:1 soy sauce & hoisin sauce. Try that!

      Reply

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Welcome! I’m Rebecca, a dietitian & lazy home cook. On Nourish Nutrition, you’ll find quick, delicious recipes for one person to get you excited to cook at home.

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