Delight in the flavors of Korea with this Heart-Healthy Korean Beef Bulgogi, a lighter spin on the classic dish designed for wellness without compromising taste. Made with lean beef sirloin, this recipe features a savory marinade of low-sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, and a touch of brown sugar for a perfectly balanced savory-sweet profile. The addition of freshly grated pear not only enhances the flavor but also tenderizes the beef naturally. Stir-fried with crisp julienned carrots, onions, and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, this dish offers a vibrant mix of textures and colors. Serve in fresh red leaf lettuce wraps for a refreshing, low-carb twist thatβs perfect for a satisfying lunch or light dinner. With just 35 minutes of total prep and cooking time, this heart-healthy version of bulgogi is a quick, delicious way to savor bold Korean flavors while prioritizing your health.
Start by thinly slicing the beef sirloin against the grain. This ensures tenderness.
In a large bowl, combine the low-sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and crushed black pepper to create a marinade.
Peel and grate the pear, and add it to the marinade. The enzymes in the pear help in tenderizing the meat and providing a subtle sweetness.
Add the sliced beef sirloin to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or ideally, for up to 2 hours.
Meanwhile, julienne the carrot, finely slice the onion, and chop the green onions.
Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. When hot, add the marinated beef in a single layer, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
Stir-fry the beef for about 5-7 minutes until fully cooked and slightly caramelized. If needed, add a splash of water to prevent sticking.
Add the sliced onions and carrots to the pan, stir-frying them with the beef for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.
Transfer the cooked bulgogi into a serving dish and sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Rinse the red leaf lettuce leaves and use them as wraps for the bulgogi. Serve each wrap with beef and vegetables nestled inside them.
Enjoy your heart-healthy Korean Beef Bulgogi either as a meal or appetizer.
Calories |
1617 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 71.9 g | 92% | |
| Saturated Fat | 23.2 g | 116% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 8.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 375 mg | 125% | |
| Sodium | 2753 mg | 120% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 87.0 g | 32% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.2 g | 58% | |
| Total Sugars | 46.3 g | ||
| Protein | 154.2 g | 308% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 299 mg | 23% | |
| Iron | 20.8 mg | 116% | |
| Potassium | 3057 mg | 65% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.