Beef is a heavy hitter in Korean BBQ. Grilled, marinated, or dunked in broth, it’s always a sizzling sensation. The aroma alone is enough to get you salivating! Classics like galbi and bulgogi are so quick and easy to fry up, you’ll be thinking – why haven’t I made this more? Of course, there’s more to Korean beef than just your favorite barbeque go-tos. From fried rice to tacos, there’s plenty to get excited about. So, dive into this mix-match of traditional and creative Korean beef recipes.
1. Bulgogi (Korean Beef BBQ 불고기)
Why not kick things off with the most popular Korean barbecue beef dish? Bulgogi is made from thinly sliced marinated beef that’s grilled over an open flame. This historic dish dates back to the 1800s. It must be good, because the recipe hasn’t changed much for over a couple hundred years! The secret to this tasty dish is the almost drinkable bulgogi sauce. You’ll need soy sauce, mirin, Asian pear, garlic, sugar, honey, sesame oil, sesame seeds and black pepper. Yum.
2. Galbijjim (Braised Beef Short Ribs)
I bet you never thought you could make these braised beef short ribs at home. Well, you can! And this galbijjim recipe makes the process pretty simple. These tender, succulent short ribs practically fall off the bone. Instead of searing the ribs, they’re parboiled in water with aromatic vegetables. This removes any excess fat from the ribs, making them a whole lot tastier and fun to eat. Then, it’s all up to the braising to infuse the meat with delicious flavors.
3. Galbitang (Beef Short Rib Soup)
Hearty, nourishing, and delicate, you’re going to love devouring every spoonful of this soup. It’s perfect for warming you up on those cold and wet days. Galbitang is a clear soup made from beef short ribs. That’s a fairly expensive cut of beef, so this soup is considered to be a bit of luxury. But you deserve a little decadence! This soup does take a little while to cook, but it really is worth it. So much flavor develops across the time it’s allowed to simmer away. Grab a bowl and get stuck in.
4. LA Galbi (Korean BBQ Short Ribs)
One taste of the galbi marinade, and you won’t be able to stop eating these Korean BBQ short ribs! The sweet and savory marinating sauce caramelizes perfectly on the tender short ribs. It’s mouthwateringly addictive. This recipe uses the flanken cut, or “LA galbi” for the short ribs. It’s said this dish got its name after the city where Korean immigrants came up with this style of cut. Pretty neat, right?
5. Doenjang Jjigae (Korean Soybean Paste Stew)
Hearty and comforting, this doenjang jjigae will warm you up from the inside. This dish is one of the most popular Korean stews made with soybean paste. Beef brisket adds a wonderful savory flavor to this stew. It’s best to use the fatty part of the beef so the meat doesn’t get too tough. No one likes chewy beef. Surprisingly, this stew only takes 25 minutes to come together. You really wouldn’t believe it with the complex, deep flavors every mouthful brings. Delish!
6. Sweet Rice Bulgogi (찹쌀불고기 Chapssal Bulgogi)
This uncommon, sweet rice bulgogi is so crispy and delicious, you have to give it a try! The best part about this dish is that it only takes 30 minutes to make. Cooking Korean cuisine doesn’t have to be difficult or take a huge amount of time. This sweet rice bulgogi is as easy as can be. By frying the beef in rice flour, it gets an addictive crunch without an excessive amount of batter. Yum!
7. Bibimbap
You can never go wrong with a classic bibimbap! It’s fresh, flavorful, and packed with goodies. Bibimbap is a large bowl of rice topped with lots of different kinds of prepared veggies and meat. It’s typically served with a spicy gochujang sauce. The trick is to mix everything together. It’s even in the name! Bibim means mixing, and bap means rice. You can use any kind of veggies and meat you like. But you can’t go wrong with beef!
8. Beef And Kimchi Fried Rice
Looking to jazz up your everyday weeknight dinners? Try out this beef and kimchi fried rice. It’s packed with kimchi, minced beef, and spicy Sriracha. Fried rice is always a quick, easy, and flavorful meal go-to when you’re strapped on time. And this recipe is no different. You can have this dish on the table in just 18 minutes. Tangy, sweet, and sour, this fried rice is brimming with amazing flavors. Serve it with a sunny side-up egg or any kind of grilled meat. Yum!
9. Yukgaejang (Spicy Beef Soup with Vegetables)
Warm up with a hit of spice! This yukgaejang is a savory, hearty, and spicy beef soup that’s perfect for cold days. This soup is brimming with shredded beef, scallions, and veggies. It’s the perfect meal to keep you full and satisfied. Beef brisket adds so much flavor to this soup. It’s a typically tough cut, making it perfect for boiling. Just watch how it turns pull-apart tender. Gorgeous.
10. Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls
Sometimes, it’s the simple meals that pack all the flavor. These Korean ground beef and rice bowls are bound to be a hit with the whole family. The first time I made these, everyone was begging me to make them again! They’re now an almost weekly occurrence, and I always look forward to this easy weeknight meal. Browned ground beef is seasoned with tasty Korean flavors and piled onto rice. Minimal ingredients and maximum taste, what more could you ask for?
11. Instant Pot Korean Beef Tacos
Taco Tuesday just got a whole lot more exciting! These Instant Pot Korean beef tacos are sensational. Pillowy taco shells and loaded with pull-apart beef, kimchi, peanuts, and spicy mayo. Thanks to the instant pot, the meat only takes about an hour to cook. Splurge on some quality beef, taco shells, and toppings! Because premium tacos are always far superior, especially when they’re homemade.
12. Mandu (Korean Dumplings)
Have you ever tried to make homemade dumplings? They’re a whole lot simpler than you might think – especially with store-bought wrappers. Mandu is the name for Korean dumplings that have a savory filling and are wrapped in a thin wrapper. They’re delicious and are definitely worth the effort. Getting a hang of folding dumplings is pretty rewarding. You can always make a bunch and freeze them. Then, they’re ready for whenever you need them!
13. Korean Beef Hot Pot (Bulgogi Jeongol)
Hot pot is a fun and interactive way to get the whole family excited at dinner times. It’s great for sharing and making meals more interesting. Onions, vegetables, tofu, konnyaku noodles, and marinated bulgogi are placed in a large pot and topped with sauce and boiling water. Place a lid on top and cook. That’s it! Bulgogi jeongol is traditionally eaten at the table while it’s still cooking. It’s so fun to help yourself to the simmering beef and veggies. Dive right in!
14. Korean Rib Eye Steak Salad with Soy Plum Dressing
This Korean rib-eye steak salad with soy plum dressing is the perfect light lunch for when you’re craving beef. The freshness of the crisp veggies works wonderfully with the savory, grilled beef. And don’t even get me started on the plum syrup dressing. It’s zingy, it’s zesty, it’s delicious. For the perfect bite, you want to wrap the bite-sized steak pieces with a lettuce leaf. Then, top them with onions, lettuce, ssukat, roasted garlic, and that yummy dressing.
15. Wanjajeon (Pan-fried Meatballs in Egg Batter)
Do you have a holiday celebration coming up? Bring something a little different and serve these wanjajeon! These pan-fried meatballs in egg batter are a Korean holiday favorite. These meatballs are made with a combo of ground beef and pork. They’re shaped in small round patties and dipped into an egg wash before being pan-fried. Delicious, easy, and great for preparing ahead, these meatballs are a must-try. They make great additions to your packed lunches and on holiday tables.
16. Tteok Mandu Guk (Rice Cake Soup with Dumplings)
A hearty, warm bowl of soup always hits the spot as great comfort food. And this tteok mandu guk, or rice cake soup with dumplings, is no different. Although you can eat this delicious soup all year round, it’s traditionally served as a New Year dish. To make this soup a little easier, this recipe uses a beef soup base instead of cooking brisket. This shaves off a whole lot of time without sacrificing any flavor.
17. Korean Sizzling Beef
Is there anything more appetizing than a plate of sizzling beef? I would argue no! Especially this Korean sizzling beef which is based on bulgogi. Flank steak is cut into quarter-inch thick slices and marinated in a savory, flavor-rich sauce. This speedy meat dish is ready to lighten fast. Simply fry the steak for just 30 seconds on each side. That’s all it needs.
18. Jangjorim (Soy Braised Beef)
If you’re on the hunt for a meaty marvel of a side dish, look no further than this jangjorim, or soy-braised beef. It’s sweet, salty, and a little goes a long way. This delicious, meaty side dish is perfect for making ahead of time. It can stay in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Making it great for packed lunches. Jangjorim is great for when you’re craving a bite of something meaty without wanting a whole meal.
19. Korean Beef Patties (Jang Sanjeok)
Forget about burgers, you need to give these Korean beef patties a try! Jang sanjeok are broiled meat patties that have been simmered in sweet and salty teriyaki sauce. They’re simple, juicy, and delicious! Serve these beef patties as a side dish, as a main meal, as a burger patty, or even at a barbecue. In Korea, it’s typically served with some steamed rice as a side dish. Delish!
20. Korean Beef Stir Fry
Stir fries are the perfect option for busy bees. So, the next time you’re short on time, whip up this Korean beef stir fry! In just 5 short minutes you can have this exceptional dish on the table. It’s also a great recipe to use up leftover veggies. So, whatever you’ve got lying about, toss it in. Tonight: Dig into melt-in-your-mouth rib eye steak strips, tossed with an incredible sauce. Click on a star to rate it!
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