Looking for a quick and flavorful beef dish you can make at home?
This bulgogi-style stir-fried beef is a simple, weeknight-friendly recipe made with just a few ingredients and store-bought yakiniku sauce.
Bulgogi is a popular Korean dish made with marinated beef, but this version is an easy shortcut using Japanese BBQ (yakiniku) sauce.
It delivers a sweet and savory flavor without needing a long marinade.
Ready in about 15 minutes, it is perfect for busy days.
Ingredients (Serves 2–3)
- 200g (7 oz) thinly sliced beef
- 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
- 1/3 carrot, thinly sliced diagonally
- 3–4 tbsp yakiniku sauce (Japanese BBQ sauce)
- 1 tbsp sake (or water)
- Cooking oil
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the onion and carrot until slightly soft.
- Add the beef and stir-fry until it starts to brown.
- Pour in the sake (or water), then add the yakiniku sauce.
- Stir everything well and cook until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients evenly.
How I Like to Serve It
I usually serve this over a bowl of rice.
It also works really well wrapped in lettuce for a Korean BBQ-style meal.
The sweet and savory sauce pairs perfectly with fresh vegetables.
Why This Recipe Works
- No marinade needed
- Uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients
- Sweet and savory flavor from yakiniku sauce
- Ready in just 15 minutes
Optional Variations
- Add bell peppers or mushrooms for extra vegetables
- Use pork instead of beef for a budget-friendly version
- Add a little chili paste or chili oil for a spicy kick
Kuki Pure Sesame Oil (Rich Flavor)|Deep Aroma for Everyday Cooking
A high-quality sesame oil with a rich, nutty aroma. Perfect for stir-fries, dressings, and finishing dishes with authentic Japanese flavor.
Tomura Yakiniku Sauce (with Wine)|Rich, Flavorful All-Purpose Sauce
A popular yakiniku sauce from Miyazaki, enhanced with the richness of wine. Perfect for grilled meat, stir-fries, and marinades—an easy way to add deep flavor to any dish.

