With a few minutes of prep work, this recipe can be prepared ahead of time raw, stored in the freezer for months, and brought out when you are in ned of a quick, delicious meal.
Come a little closer..can you smell it? The delicate, flavorful, joyful delight of a Korean Bulgogi cooking in your slow cooker? The tender beef slices, full of jam packed flavor that will have your taste buds screaming for joy. That is what this recipe promises, deliciousness served the way you like it. And the best part is, this recipe is a freezer meal, raw prepped, and stored away for when you need a saving grace.
With just a few minutes of prep work, this recipe can be prepared ahead of time raw, stored in the freezer for months, and brought out when you are in need of a quick meal. Let the slow cooker do the cooking, and go about your day, taking care of your family, or doing some self care that you normally do not have the time for. This is the joy and benefit of freezer meals, simple preps, and easy dinners. Cannot beat that during those busy seasons of life.
Are you ready to come along on a prepping journey that will give you back so much more than just delicious dinners? Join me as we share tips and tricks to make a delicious Korean Bulgogi in a flash. Lets get cooking!!!
Why You’ll Love this Easy Korean Bulgogi Freezer Recipe
Family-Friendly: Appealing to both adults and kids, ensuring everyone enjoys dinner.
Delicious Flavor: Authentic Korean taste that brings variety to the dinner table
Consistent Quality: Enjoy restaurant-quality meals at home without the hassle.
Cultural Exposure: Introduce children to new cuisines and flavors without leaving home.
Balanced Meals: Often includes protein, vegetables, and carbs for a well-rounded dinner.
Korean Bulgogi Freezer Meal Recipe
With a few minutes of prep work, this recipe can be prepared ahead of time raw, stored in the freezer for months, and brought out when you are in ned of a quick, delicious meal.
Substitute the beef chuck roast with pork tenderloin. Pork tenderloin is tender and absorbs marinades well, providing a different but equally delicious flavor.
Substitute tamari with regular soy sauce. Soy sauce is more commonly available and has a similar flavor profile. Choose a low-sodium version if desired.
Substitute brown sugar with honey for a natural sweetness and slightly different texture in the marinade.
Additions:
Add 1 cup of shredded carrots to the marinade. Carrots add a touch of sweetness and extra nutrition.
Add 1 cup of thinly sliced bell peppers (any color) to the mixture. Bell peppers add a crunchy texture and vibrant color.
Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms (such as shiitake or button mushrooms) to the recipe. Mushrooms add umami and a meaty texture.
How to Reheat and Store Korean Bulgogi Freezer Meal Recipe
Best Way To Store Authentic Korean Bulgogi Slow cooker Leftovers?
The best way to store your leftovers is to allow your leftover Korean Bulgogi to come to room temperature. Too much heat change in your storage containers will create excess moisture buildup which will change the flavor and texture. When you have a cooled leftover, go ahead and place it in the airtight storage container in the fridge.
How long will Korean Bulgogi Freezer Meal Recipe last in the fridge?
When you have properly allowed your leftovers to cool to room temperature and have used proper storage devices, your leftovers will remain fresh in the fridge for three to five days.
Can I freezer Quick and Delicious Bulgogi Freezer Recipe?
Yes, if you have not consumed your leftovers within the proper storage time frame in the fridge, the freezer is a great next storage center.
Allow your leftovers to come to room temperature, place leftovers in a freezer safe bag. Store for up to three months. We recommend making this recipe as a raw freezer meal, by adding all ingredients, except day of ingredients, to a labeled gallon freezer bag. Then remove excess air, seal, and store for 3 months.
How to Reheat Family-Friendly Korean Bulgogi Freezer Meals?
The best way to reheat your leftovers is in the stovetop or in the microwave.
If you wish to use the stovetop, add a splash or broth or water into a skillet, and heat over medium heat. Place desired amount of leftovers into the skillet and stir occasionally until heated evenly through.
You may also wish to microwave your leftovers. This is the quickest route, but may also be the easiest way to overcook and change the flavor/texture of your dish. Heat on a safe plate for 30-60 seconds, stirring between each internal, until heated through.
Best Beef Bulgogi Recipe for Meal Prep FAQs
What is a fun fact about Korean Bulgogi?
A fun fact about Korean Bulgogi is what the meaning of the name is. It literally means “Fire meat” in korean. This dish dates back to the Goguryeo era (37 BC- 668 AD) and was traditionally grilled over an open fire, which gives it a distinctive flavor and name. This is a surprisingly easy, yet super flavorful freezer meal to try to incorporate into your weekly meal prep.
Why do Koreans eat Bulgogi?
Koreans eat Bulgogi for its delicious, yet savory and slightly sweet flavor profile. It is a family favorite dish, beloved by all who try it. This dish is often a celebratory dish, served at gatherings and celebrations. Bulgogi represents comfort and tradition in Korea. Making it a staple in many households. It is a super versatile dish, perfect for busy families needing quick freezer meals to use in the slow cooker.
What makes Korean Bulgogi different from others?
Korean Bulgogi is distinct due to its unique marinade, which includes soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic and pears. This combination helps to tenderize the beef as it cooks, and infuses it with a rich-savory-sweet flavor, making it very distinctive. Unlike other grilled beef dishes, Bulgogi is thinly sliced meat, which makes it exceptionally tender and flavorful, ideal for slow cooking.
What cultures make a Bulgogi recipe?
While Bulgogi is typically a Korean dish, it has gained global popularity. Variations can be found in Korean restaurants worldwide, and it’s often adapted into fusion cuisines. Some cultures have incorporated Bulgogi flavors into their dishes.
Who created a Bulgogi Recipe first?
The exact origins of the Bulgogi are unclear, but it has been a part of Korean cuisine for centuries, evolving from ancient marinated beef dishes. Over time, home cooks and chefs have refined the recipe, leading to the delicious, modern version we enjoy today.
What substitutions can I make for a Korean Bulgogi?
If you are out of certain ingredients, you can make substitutions without compromising the flavor. Swap beef chuck roast for pork tenderloin, tamari for soy sauce and brown sugar for honey. These adjustments still create a flavorful dish, perfect for a freezer meal or slow cooker recipe.
Why is Bulgogi so chewy?
When you are making a Korean Bulgogi, and you have a super chewy meat, it may be because the meat is not sliced thinly enough or it is overcooked. You want to have very tender beef, so slice thinly against the grain of the meat, and marinate it thoroughly. Using a slow cooker can help maintain the meat’s tenderness, making it a fantastic option for your Freezer Meal arsenal.
What is the best beef to use in a Bulgogi?
The best, best, beef for Bulgogi is tender cuts like a ribeye, or a sirloin, or even a chuck roast. These cuts are flavorful and become incredibly tender when marinated and cooked properly.
As a full time working mom of four, I know how hard it is to find time (or energy) to cook. That’s why I’ve spent over a decade perfecting freezer meal recipes to make sure they’re not only quick to prepare but packed with flavors the whole family will love!
Debra says:
Can you tell me if there is any substitutions for the sugar
Hannah Stewart says:
Hi, you can use date sugar or maple syrup in place of the coconut sugar.