Description
This Chicken Bulgogi recipe is a quick and flavorful Korean-inspired dinner featuring tender marinated chicken thighs, fresh crisp vegetables, and a balanced sweet, savory, and tangy marinade. Ready in under 30 minutes, it is easy to prepare, customizable, and perfect for family meals or busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 lb chicken thighs, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (natural)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (natural)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (natural)
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp natural gelling agent
Vegetables
- 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 4 green onions, sliced into thin strips
Garnish
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine soy sauce (natural), brown sugar (natural), minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar, and natural gelling agent. Whisk together until the sugar and thickener dissolve completely, creating a rich, smooth marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Trim and thinly slice the chicken thighs, then add them to the marinade. Toss well to coat every piece. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, preferably up to 1 hour, to allow deep flavor penetration.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the chicken marinates, slice the carrots, red bell peppers, and green onions into thin strips to add freshness and color to the dish.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of sesame oil (natural). Cook the marinated chicken pieces for 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, stirring occasionally for even cooking.
- Add the Vegetables: Add the sliced carrots, bell peppers, and green onions to the pan. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly but remain crisp and fresh.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the Chicken Bulgogi to a serving dish, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, and serve hot with steamed rice or your favorite sides.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more tender meat compared to lean cuts.
- Slice chicken thinly to speed cooking and enhance marinade absorption.
- Marinate for longer than 20 minutes when possible for deeper flavor.
- Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan and ensure even browning.
- Lightly toast sesame seeds before garnishing to release their nutty aroma.
- Adjust brown sugar quantity to balance sweetness according to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Chicken Bulgogi, Korean chicken recipe, quick dinner, marinated chicken, healthy dinner, family meal, plant-based adaptation
