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Whole30 Bulgogi (Healthy Korean Beef BBQ) Recipe

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3.8 from 14 reviews

This Whole30 Bulgogi recipe offers a healthy and delicious take on the classic Korean beef barbecue, using tender thinly sliced sirloin marinated in a flavorful blend of coconut aminos, fresh pear, sesame oil, and spices. Quick to prepare and stir-fried to perfection, it makes a perfect protein-packed meal served alone, over cauliflower rice, or wrapped in lettuce with dipping sauce.

Ingredients

Beef and Marinade

  • 1 lb beef sirloin (thinly sliced)
  • 6 tbsp coconut aminos
  • 1/2 medium pear (preferably Korean pear), diced into chunks
  • 2 tsp sesame oil
  • 1” knob fresh ginger
  • 3 cloves garlic (peeled)
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp sea or kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper

Vegetables and Garnish

  • 1 medium onion (sliced)
  • 2 green onions (sliced into 1″ pieces)
  • 1 large carrot (shaved and thinly sliced)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Freeze and Slice Beef: Place the beef in the freezer for 30 minutes to firm it up. Then remove and slice it thinly against the grain to about 1/16 to 1/8 inch thickness for optimal tenderness.
  2. Prepare Marinade: Add the coconut aminos, diced pear, sesame oil, fresh ginger, garlic, apple cider vinegar, sea salt, and cracked black pepper to a blender. Blend thoroughly until the mixture is liquified and smooth to create the marinade.
  3. Marinate the Beef: Combine the thinly sliced beef with the prepared marinade in a large bowl. Using clean hands, massage the marinade into the beef slices ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight to maximize flavor infusion.
  4. Combine with Vegetables: Once ready to cook, remove the beef from the marinade, shaking off excess liquid. Add sliced onions, green onions, and shaved carrot to the marinated beef and toss everything together evenly.
  5. Cook the Bulgogi: Heat the olive oil in a 10-inch cast iron skillet over high heat. Cook the beef and vegetable mixture in batches to avoid overcrowding, stir-frying until the beef is browned and fully cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes per batch.
  6. Serve and Garnish: Transfer the cooked bulgogi to a serving bowl. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for garnish. Enjoy the dish on its own, served over cauliflower rice, or wrapped in lettuce leaves with accompanying Ssamjang dipping sauce.

Notes

  • Freezing the beef slightly makes it easier to slice thinly and uniformly.
  • Korean pear adds natural sweetness and tenderness, but regular pear can be a substitute.
  • Marinating overnight enhances the depth of flavor but a minimum of 1 hour is sufficient.
  • Cook in batches to ensure even cooking and to avoid steaming the meat.
  • Serve with low-carb options like cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps to keep the meal Whole30 compliant.
  • Use a cast iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed pan for best stir-frying results.

Find it online: https://bitezly.com/whole30-bulgogi-healthy-korean-beef-bbq-recipe/