Quick Beef Bulgogi
March 15, 2026 · Dinner
Quick Beef Bulgogi
This Beef Bulgogi recipe is a flavorful, protein-rich Korean-inspired dish made with tender ribeye steak marinated in a savory-sweet blend of soy sauce, applesauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and gochujang. The marinade helps create juicy, caramelized beef packed with bold umami flavor while keeping the preparation simple and approachable at home. Finished with green onions and sesame seeds, this easy beef bulgogi is perfect served over rice, quinoa, or alongside fresh vegetables for a balanced and satisfying meal. It’s a quick, restaurant-quality dinner that’s ideal for weeknights or meal prep.
Author: Alisse Larkin · Prep Time: 5 · Cook Time: 15 · Total Time: 20 minutes · Yield: 5 Servings
Ingredients
- 24 oz boneless ribeye steak
- 1/4 cup applesauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp honey
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp gochujang
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 Tbsp ginger, grated
- 1 pinch black pepper
- 1 Tbsp avocado oil
- 3 green onion stalks, whites removes and green chopped
- 2 Tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients – applesauce, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, gochujang, garlic, ginger, and black pepper.
- Thinly slice the ribeye steak into 1/4-inch pieces.
- Add the steak to the sauce, stirring until each piece of steak is evenly coated.
(OPTIONAL) Marinade the steak by combining the sauce and steak in a Ziploc bag. Keep in the fridge for 2 hours or up to overnight. - Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil and allow heat until shimmering.
- Remove half of the steak from the marinade. Place on the cast iron skillet, spreading out in an even layer. Cook for about 2 minutes or until the beef browns and begins to crisp. Flip the steak pieces and allow to crisp on the other side, about 1-2 minutes. Set aside the cooked steak.
- Add the remaining steak and cook the same way; 1-2 minutes on each side. Remove from heat and serve topped with green onion and sesame seeds.
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