Name: Chicken Bulgogi Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free); 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 green onions, chopped; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional); Toasted sesame seeds; Extra chopped green onions

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Introduction

Chicken Bulgogi is a flavorful Korean dish that features tender, marinated chicken strips cooked to perfection. It’s quick to prepare and packed with a savory-sweet taste that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

A black pan filled with cooked golden-brown chicken pieces covered in a shiny sauce with small bits around them, garnished with bright green sliced scallions and fresh cilantro leaves. A wooden spoon rests inside the pan on the right side, partially covered by chicken. On the white marbled surface around the pan, there is a bunch of live green cilantro leaves on the top left, a small white bowl with white and black sesame seeds below it, a white bowl with fluffy white rice filled to the top on the upper right, and another white bowl with finely sliced green scallions on the bottom right. A white and black striped cloth is underneath the pan on the lower left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 green onions, chopped
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
Toasted sesame seeds
Extra chopped green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, chopped green onions, black pepper, and optional chili flakes until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture is smooth.
Step 2: Slice the chicken into thin, even strips for quick cooking and better flavor absorption. Toss the chicken strips in the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
Step 3: Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and caramelized around the edges.
Step 4: Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving plate. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and additional chopped green onions. Serve immediately while warm and juicy.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a splash of rice wine or a teaspoon of gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the marinade.
Use chicken thighs for more juiciness and tenderness compared to breasts.
Serve over steamed rice or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a traditional Korean experience.
To make it vegetarian, substitute chicken with tofu or mushrooms and adjust cooking time accordingly.

Storage

Store leftover chicken bulgogi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through to retain juiciness and flavor. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the chicken.

How to Serve

A white oval dish filled with cooked pieces of browned meat layered close together, topped with thin slices of bright green onions and sprinkled with white sesame seeds. Surrounding the main dish are small white bowls containing different side items: to the left, a bowl of kimchi with orange and red colors, above it a bowl of napa cabbage kimchi with red spices, above right a pale pinkish bowl with light vegetable pieces in a clear broth, and to the right, a small white bowl with chunky dark red spicy sauce. In the bottom right corner, there is a white plate with fresh bright green lettuce leaves. All is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the marinade in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the marinade ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just mix the ingredients fresh chicken before cooking for the best flavor.

Is it necessary to marinate for 2 hours?

Marinating for at least 20 minutes allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken, but 2 hours will give a deeper, more intense taste. If you’re short on time, even a quick 20-minute marinade works well.