Bulgogi Beef Udon Stir Fry
Bulgogi Beef Udon Stir Fry is a quick and savory Korean-inspired dish combining tender marinated beef, chewy udon noodles, and vibrant fresh vegetables. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers bold bulgogi flavors with a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami notes in one easy pan for a hearty, colorful, and satisfying weeknight meal.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free soy sauce and noodles)
Beef and Marinade
- 8 oz thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin beef
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (use low-sodium for lighter option)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp gochujang (optional, for spice)
Noodles
Vegetables
- 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), thinly sliced
- 3 green onions, sliced
For Cooking and Garnish
- 1 tbsp cooking oil (vegetable or neutral oil)
- 1 tsp sesame oil (extra for finishing)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
- Sliced chili peppers (optional, for garnish)
- Prepare the Beef Marinade: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar or honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and gochujang if using. Add the thinly sliced beef and mix well. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to develop authentic bulgogi flavors.
- Cook the Udon Noodles: Boil the udon noodles according to the package instructions until just tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and keep their chewy texture. Set aside.
- Stir Fry the Vegetables: Heat cooking oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add sliced carrots and bell peppers, sautéing until slightly tender but still crunchy, about 2-3 minutes. Add green onions near the end for a fresh finish.
- Cook the Marinated Beef: Push the vegetables to one side of the pan. Add the marinated beef to the empty side and stir fry quickly on high heat until cooked through and caramelized, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine and Finish: Add the drained udon noodles to the pan. Toss everything together thoroughly, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the beef, noodles, and vegetables evenly. Drizzle with a little extra sesame oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use very thinly sliced beef (about 1/8 inch thick) for quick cooking and tenderness.
- Marinate the beef for at least 15 minutes for best flavor infusion.
- Cook stir fry on high heat for quick searing and caramelization.
- Prep all ingredients ahead of time for smooth cooking process.
- Adjust sweetness and saltiness by tasting and modifying sugar or soy sauce as needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: bulgogi, beef stir fry, udon noodles, Korean recipe, quick dinner, one-pan meal, savory, spicy option, easy weeknight meal