If you’re looking to spice up your weeknight dinners with something flavorful, colorful, and downright addictive, then you’re in for a treat with this Easy Chicken Bulgogi Stir-Fry Recipe. This dish brings together tender chicken slices soaked in a sweet and savory marinade, quickly stir-fried with crisp veggies, creating a perfect balance of tastes and textures. It’s a brilliant way to enjoy Korean-inspired flavors without the fuss, making it a go-to recipe when you want something satisfying yet simple to whip up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Chicken Bulgogi Stir-Fry Recipe lies in its straightforward list of ingredients, each playing a vital role in delivering that authentic flavor and vibrant color. From the salty depth of soy sauce to the natural sweetness of brown sugar, and the aromatic punch of garlic and ginger, every element works harmoniously.
- Chicken breast: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and tender bites.
- Soy sauce (1/4 cup): The salty backbone that brings rich umami to the marinade.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Adds a mellow sweetness that balances the savory flavors.
- Sesame oil (2 tablespoons): Infuses a nutty aroma and distinctive Korean flair.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Delivers an essential fragrant kick.
- Ginger (1 teaspoon, grated): Brightens the marinade with zesty warmth.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A subtle spice to keep things interesting.
- Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): For a quick stir-fry that locks in flavor.
- Onion (1, thinly sliced): Adds sweetness and crunch.
- Green bell pepper (1, thinly sliced): Brings fresh, crisp notes and bright color.
- Red bell pepper (1, thinly sliced): Adds vibrant hue and juicy texture.
How to Make Easy Chicken Bulgogi Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breast into thin, bite-sized slices. This allows the marinade to perfectly coat every piece and ensures speedy cooking, making each bite tender and flavorful.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a mixing bowl, combine your soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and black pepper. Stir everything until the sugar dissolves and the ingredients are well mixed, setting the stage for that iconic bulgogi flavor.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken slices to your marinade bowl, tossing them so each piece is thoroughly coated. Then cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step is key—it lets the chicken soak up all those irresistible sweet and savory notes.
Step 4: Heat Your Skillet
Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add your vegetable oil. The oil gets hot quickly, perfect for giving your chicken a beautiful sear while keeping it juicy inside.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken
Pour the marinated chicken and any leftover marinade into the skillet. Allow the chicken to cook thoroughly, stirring occasionally so it cooks evenly and develops a lovely caramelized color.
Step 6: Add the Vegetables
Once your chicken is nearly done, toss in the thinly sliced onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Stir-fry them together for 3-4 minutes. The veggies soften just enough to retain their crunch, adding a fresh contrast to the tender chicken.
Step 7: Serve It Up
Your Easy Chicken Bulgogi Stir-Fry Recipe is ready to be enjoyed! Serve it steaming hot over fluffy white rice or pile it into crisp lettuce leaves for a hands-on meal. Either way, it’s a satisfying feast loaded with flavor and color.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Bulgogi Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your Chicken Bulgogi with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions adds a burst of crunch and fresh aroma. These simple additions brighten the dish visually and elevate its taste even further.
Side Dishes
Pair this stir-fry with classic sides like steamed jasmine rice or a cooling cucumber salad. Kimchi or pickled radishes also make fantastic accompaniments, adding that authentic Korean zing that complements the sweet-savory chicken perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra fun serving idea, try wrapping the bulgogi in crisp lettuce leaves with a dab of ssamjang sauce. It’s like a mini Korean taco that’s both flavorful and fresh. Alternatively, serve it atop a bed of stir-fried noodles or even inside a warm pita pocket for an inventive fusion twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying this Easy Chicken Bulgogi Stir-Fry Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making for convenient and tasty next-day lunches or dinners.
Freezing
If you want to freeze, cool the stir-fry completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container. Frozen, it’s best eaten within 1 month for optimal flavor and texture. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your chicken bulgogi in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent drying out. You can add a splash of water or soy sauce if it seems too dry. Microwave reheating works too, but the skillet method retains the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option for this recipe since they’re naturally juicier and more flavorful. Just slice them thinly like the breast and follow the same marinating and cooking steps for a delicious twist.
How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavor?
While 30 minutes is sufficient to infuse great flavor, marinating for 1 to 2 hours can deepen the taste even more. Just avoid going longer than 4 hours to maintain the chicken’s texture.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?
Yes, you can swap the chicken for sliced tofu or mushrooms to create a vegetarian version. Marinate and stir-fry them using the same sauce, adjusting cooking times since tofu and mushrooms cook faster.
What can I use instead of sesame oil if I don’t have any?
If you don’t have sesame oil on hand, you can use a subtle nut oil like walnut or avocado oil for some nuttiness, though sesame oil’s unique flavor is hard to replicate exactly. As a last resort, a neutral oil like vegetable oil will work but won’t add that distinct aroma.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! To make this Easy Chicken Bulgogi Stir-Fry Recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Everything else stays the same for a safe and tasty dish.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like this Easy Chicken Bulgogi Stir-Fry Recipe to turn an ordinary dinner into a flavor-packed celebration. It’s quick, accessible, and bursting with sweet and savory goodness that never fails to impress. Give it a try tonight—you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.
Print
Easy Chicken Bulgogi Stir-Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 20m
- Total Time: 0h 30m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
Description
This Chicken Bulgogi recipe is a delicious twist on the classic Korean dish, featuring tender chicken breast marinated in a sweet and savory sauce made from soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fried with colorful bell peppers and onions, this dish is quick to prepare and perfect for a flavorful weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 pound chicken breast, thinly sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Cooking
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breast into thin, bite-sized slices for even cooking and better absorption of the marinade.
- Make the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and black pepper. Stir well to blend all the flavors.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the sliced chicken to the marinade, coat thoroughly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat to prepare for stir-frying the chicken and vegetables.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken along with the marinade to the hot skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate the thinly sliced onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper into the skillet. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until vegetables are slightly softened but still crisp.
- Serve: Serve the chicken bulgogi hot, ideally over steamed rice or wrapped in lettuce leaves. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for longer than 30 minutes (up to 2 hours) will deepen the flavor.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a more tender and juicy variation.
- Adjust the brown sugar amount for desired sweetness.
- Serve with steamed rice or lettuce wraps for an authentic Korean experience.
- Optional toppings like sesame seeds or green onions enhance the dish’s flavor.
