Korean Kimchi Beef Bulgogi Skewers

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Marinated beef skewers with kimchi, served with soy-glazed radish and steamed rice. This korean-inspired beef (vegetarian-friendly) ready in about 45 minutes pairs beef sirloin, kimchi, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 470 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (8 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 470 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Slice the 300g beef sirloin into 1cm-thick strips and place in a large bowl. Add 1 cup chopped kimchi and 2 tbsp soy sauce, then use a wooden spoon to mix thoroughly until the beef is evenly coated, ensuring the marinade penetrates the meat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  2. Step 2: Soak 8 wooden skewers in water for 15 minutes to prevent burning during grilling. Thread the marinated beef strips and kimchi pieces alternately onto the skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece to ensure even cooking. Ensure the skewers are tightly packed but not overcrowded.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a gas grill to medium-high heat (around 200°C) or preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly brush the skewers with a thin layer of oil to prevent sticking. Place them on the grill and cook for 8–10 minutes, turning every 2–3 minutes until the beef is deeply browned on all sides and the kimchi is slightly charred and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: While the skewers grill, prepare the radish by peeling and julienning the 1 radish into 5mm-thick matchsticks. Transfer the radish to a shallow bowl and drizzle with 1 tbsp soy sauce, tossing gently to ensure even coating. Set aside.
  5. Step 5: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Add the soy-glazed radish matchsticks and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and develop a golden-brown caramelized crust, releasing a sweet, roasted aroma. Remove from heat and set aside.
  6. Step 6: Cook the 2 cups of rice by steaming in a rice cooker or boiling in a pot with 2 cups of water, following the manufacturer’s instructions until the rice is fluffy and fully cooked, typically around 20 minutes. Fluff the rice with

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Korean Kimchi Beef Bulgogi Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Korean Kimchi Beef Bulgogi Skewers?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep beef sirloin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Korean Kimchi Beef Bulgogi Skewers?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Korean Kimchi Beef Bulgogi Skewers for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Korean Kimchi Beef Bulgogi Skewers vegetarian-friendly?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian-friendly based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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