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Minute Steak Bulgogi (Korean Fire Meat)

Bulgogi, meaning fire meat, is one of Korea’s most beloved dishes. Traditionally made with finely sliced ribeye or sirloin, this version uses British minute steak for a quick, flavour-packed supper. The thin beef soaks up a soy–sesame–garlic marinade, then cooks hot and fast, leaving it juicy, savoury, and perfect for wrapping in lettuce leaves or serving over rice.

INGREDIENTS
  • 500g British minute steak, sliced thinly against the grain
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1½ tbsp brown sugar or honey
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 spring onions, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 1 tbsp grated pear or apple (optional, for tenderness and sweetness)
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
  • ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp neutral oil (rapeseed or sunflower) for cooking
METHOD

  1. Prepare the beef: Slice the minute steak thinly across the grain. Place in a bowl.
  2. Make the marinade: Mix soy sauce, sugar, garlic, spring onion, sesame oil, ginger, pear/apple (if using), sesame seeds, and black pepper. Pour over beef. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge).
  3. Cook: Heat a cast iron pan or grill pan until smoking hot. Add a little oil, then cook the beef in small batches for 1–2 minutes, turning once, until caramelised but still tender.
  4. Serve: Sprinkle with extra sesame seeds and spring onion. Eat with rice, or wrap in lettuce leaves with kimchi and chilli sauce.

Sides

  • Steamed rice – the classic base.
  • Lettuce wraps – romaine or gem leaves for crunch.
  • Kimchi – spicy-sour contrast.
  • Pickled vegetables – carrot, cucumber, or daikon.
  • Stir-fried greens – pak choi or spinach with sesame oil.

Matches

  • Flavours like gochujang (Korean chilli paste), soy, sesame, ginger, garlic.
  • Fresh herbs like coriander and mint.
  • Sharp pickles, chilli sauce, and lime.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cooking Time: 5-10 minutes

Hot Tips

  • Don’t crowd the pan — cook in small batches for proper caramelisation.
  • Add a splash of water or stock at the end of cooking for extra sauciness if serving with rice.
  • Marinate overnight for the best depth of flavour.