Costco Korean BBQ Bulgogi
"The raw marinated beef from the deli that turns any grill or skillet into a Korean BBQ joint. Now you control the marinade."
Costco Copycat — This is a homemade version of the Costco Deli & Prepared Foods item. See it in store →
The Game Plan
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Whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, grated Asian pear, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, black pepper, and the white parts of the green onions in a large bowl.
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Taste the marinade — it should be savory-sweet with a little tang. Adjust the sugar or soy sauce to your liking.
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Slice the beef as thinly as you can against the grain. Pop it in the freezer for 15-20 minutes first — partially frozen meat cooperates much better with a sharp knife.
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Toss the beef into the marinade and make sure every piece is well coated. Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Overnight is even better — the flavors deepen beautifully.
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When you're ready to cook, pull the beef from the fridge 15 minutes before cooking to take the chill off.
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Get your largest skillet, cast iron, or grill ripping hot over high heat. We're talking smoking hot — this is not a gentle sauté situation.
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Add a thin layer of vegetable oil. Cook the beef in small batches — single layer, absolutely no crowding. About 2 minutes per side until caramelized and slightly charred at the edges.
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Between batches, wipe out any burnt bits and add fresh oil. Crowding the pan steams the meat instead of searing it, and steamed bulgogi is a sad thing.
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Cook your jasmine rice according to package directions while the beef rests.
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Serve the bulgogi over fluffy rice, topped generously with sliced green onion tops and a heavy sprinkle of sesame seeds.
