Heart-Healthy Korean Bulgogi

Savor the irresistible flavors of "Heart-Healthy Korean Bulgogi," a modern twist on the classic Korean favorite designed to nourish your body and delight your taste buds. This recipe swaps traditional ingredients for lean beef sirloin or a plant-based beef alternative, combined with a rich marinade of grated pear, low-sodium soy sauce, and fragrant ginger and garlic for a naturally sweet, savory, and tangy profile. Cooked to caramelized perfection in a single skillet and finished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions, this dish is packed with bold flavor yet low in sodium and saturated fat. Perfectly paired with steamed brown rice or quinoa, it’s a wholesome, protein-packed option that’s ready in just 35 minutes. Whether you're embracing a heart-healthy lifestyle or exploring global flavors, this Korean-inspired meal is a must-try!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams Lean beef sirloin or plant-based beef alternative
• 1 large Pear, grated
• 60 ml Low-sodium soy sauce
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Ginger, minced
• 2 tablespoons Rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Sesame oil
• 1.5 tablespoons Brown sugar
• 4 pieces Green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon Sesame seeds
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon Vegetable oil

Directions

Step 1

If using beef sirloin, thinly slice the meat against the grain. If using a plant-based beef alternative, crumble or slice as needed.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated pear, low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and brown sugar.

Step 3

Add the sliced beef or plant-based alternative to the marinade, mixing well to ensure all pieces are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 4

Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil.

Step 5

Once the oil is shimmering, add the marinated beef or plant-based protein in a single layer. Cook for about 3-5 minutes on each side, or until the beef is cooked through and caramelized or the plant-based alternative is heated and browned.

Step 6

Lower the heat, add the chopped green onions, sesame seeds, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes, stirring to combine and heat through.

Step 7

Serve hot, garnished with additional sesame seeds and green onions if desired, alongside steamed brown rice or quinoa for a heart-healthy meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	902.6 grams (902.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1389

Total Fat 72.40g	93%
Saturated Fat 19.60g	98%
Polyunsaturated Fat 16.30g
Cholesterol 350mg	117%
Sodium 2309mg	100%
Total Carbohydrate 55.40g	20%
Dietary Fiber 9.00g	32%
Total Sugars 33.70g
Protein 142.40g	285%

Vitamin D 35IU	175%
Calcium 158mg	12%
Iron 18mg	97%
Potassium 2080mg	44%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.2%

Protein: 39.5%

Carbs: 15.4%