Gluten Free Korean Bulgogi Marinade
Sweet, savory, and deeply aromatic, this Korean-inspired bulgogi marinade delivers the kind of bold, layered flavor that makes thinly sliced beef almost impossible to stop eating. The secret weapon here is grated Asian pear, which brings natural sweetness and enzymes that tenderize the meat beautifully — no special equipment or hard-to-find ingredients required. Tamari stands in for traditional soy sauce, making this completely safe for anyone avoiding gluten without sacrificing a single drop of that rich, umami depth. Toasted sesame oil, fresh ginger, and four cloves of garlic round out the base, while sliced green onions and sesame seeds add a little texture and brightness. A pinch of red pepper flakes is optional if you want a gentle kick. The whole marinade comes together in one bowl in just a few minutes, and it keeps in the fridge for up to three days — so you can prep ahead and have weeknight dinner basically handled. Marinate your ribeye or sirloin for anywhere from 30 minutes to 8 hours depending on how much time you have, and get ready for seriously restaurant-worthy results at home.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- ¼ cup tamari
- ¼ cup asian pear, grated (about ¼ of a medium pear)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Grate the Asian pear on a microplane or the fine holes of a box grater into a medium mixing bowl, collecting all the juice along with the pulp.
- 2
Add the tamari, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, sesame seeds, green onions, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the bowl with the pear.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!