When East meets West on a plate, the results can be spectacular. Enter Korean Bulgogi Beef Pizza, a bold fusion recipe that marries Korea’s beloved sweet-and-savory marinated beef (bulgogi) with the cheesy indulgence of pizza.

It’s a dish perfect for adventurous eaters, Friday night pizza parties, or when you’re craving something that feels both familiar and excitingly new. The first time I tasted bulgogi pizza was in Seoul, where international fast-food chains and trendy local spots alike serve their own renditions. What struck me was how seamlessly the flavors worked—the juicy, garlicky beef paired with gooey cheese, crisp veggies, and a drizzle of spicy-sweet sauce. It was love at first bite.

This recipe lets you recreate that magic at home. Whether you’re a bulgogi fan, a pizza lover, or just curious about global fusion cuisine, you’ll want to roll up your sleeves for this one.

What Is Bulgogi?

Bulgogi (불고기) literally means “fire meat” in Korean. It’s one of Korea’s most iconic dishes, made by marinating thinly sliced beef in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and other seasonings before grilling or pan-searing.

The marinade creates tender, flavorful beef that’s slightly sweet, savory, and umami-packed. Bulgogi is typically enjoyed with rice, wrapped in lettuce leaves, or as part of a barbecue spread. On pizza, it brings a unique Korean twist to a universally loved comfort food.

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Why This Recipe Works

• Fusion done right: Balances the umami of bulgogi with the creaminess of cheese and the crispness of pizza crust.

• Customizable: Play with toppings—classic veggies, kimchi, or even gochujang drizzle.

• Perfect for sharing: A conversation starter and crowd-pleaser.

• Restaurant-quality at home: Authentic bulgogi flavors meet homemade or store-bought pizza dough.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Bulgogi Beef:

• 1 lb ribeye or sirloin, thinly sliced (freeze slightly for easier slicing)

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 ½ tablespoons brown sugar (or honey)

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

• 2 scallions, chopped

• 1 tablespoon pear or apple, grated (traditional tenderizer and sweetener)

• 1 tablespoon rice wine (optional)

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Pizza Base:

• 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

• ½ cup pizza sauce (or try Korean-inspired gochujang-tomato sauce, see below)

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup provolone or Monterey Jack cheese (optional for richness)

Toppings:

• Cooked bulgogi beef (from above)

• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced

• ½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced

• ½ cup mushrooms, sliced (shiitake or button)

• 2 tablespoons kimchi, chopped (optional, for extra tang)

• Fresh scallions, sliced (for garnish)

• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Optional Drizzle:

• 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1 teaspoon soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

1. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, scallions, pear, rice wine, and pepper.

2. Add sliced beef and toss to coat thoroughly.

3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2–4 hours for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Bulgogi

1. Heat a cast-iron skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.

2. Add marinated beef in batches, cooking quickly until browned (about 2–3 minutes per side).

3. Transfer cooked beef to a plate and set aside.

Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan—browning is key for flavor.

Step 3: Preheat and Prep the Dough

1. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat.

2. Roll out dough on a floured surface to desired thickness (12–14 inches is standard).

3. Transfer to parchment paper for easy handling.

Step 4: Assemble the Pizza

1. Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough.

   • Option: Mix tomato sauce with 1 teaspoon gochujang for a spicy-sweet Korean base.

2. Sprinkle with mozzarella (and provolone if using).

3. Add bulgogi beef, onions, peppers, mushrooms, and kimchi (if using).

Step 5: Bake

1. Transfer pizza (on parchment) to the hot stone or baking sheet.

2. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

1. Drizzle with optional gochujang-honey sauce for a spicy kick.

2. Sprinkle with scallions and sesame seeds.

3. Slice and serve hot.

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Tips for Success

1. Slice Beef Thinly

Freezing beef for 20 minutes before slicing makes it easier to cut thin strips, ensuring tenderness.

2. Balance Flavors

Bulgogi is sweet and savory, so balance with fresh garnishes like scallions or tangy kimchi.

3. Use High Heat

Pizza thrives in a hot oven. A pizza stone helps mimic restaurant-style crispness.

4. Customize Toppings

Not a mushroom fan? Skip them. Want extra richness? Add dollops of cream cheese or shredded cheddar.

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Serving Suggestions

Pair your Korean Bulgogi Beef Pizza with:

• Pickled radishes or kimchi on the side

• Korean-style corn cheese as an appetizer

• Cold beer or makgeolli (Korean rice wine) for an authentic experience

• Simple cucumber salad for freshness

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How to Store and Reheat

Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing:

• Freeze baked pizza slices wrapped in foil and stored in freezer bags for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

• Reheat in a 375°F oven for 8–10 minutes, or on a skillet for crispy results. Avoid the microwave if possible.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken or pork instead of beef?

Yes! Bulgogi marinades work beautifully with chicken thighs or pork shoulder.

Do I need Korean pear for the marinade?

Traditional recipes use it for sweetness and tenderizing. If unavailable, substitute with grated apple, kiwi, or even a splash of apple juice.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. Use tofu, tempeh, or mushrooms in place of beef, marinating them the same way.

Is bulgogi pizza spicy?

Not inherently—the marinade is sweet-savory. The heat comes from Scotch bonnet or gochujang drizzle, which you can adjust.

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The Story Behind Bulgogi Pizza

Fusion dishes often tell stories of cultural exchange, adaptation, and creativity. Bulgogi pizza emerged in South Korea in the late 20th century, as pizza became popular and chefs looked for ways to blend Western food with local flavors.

Today, it’s a common menu item in Korean pizza chains and trendy cafes, often paired with unique toppings like corn, sweet potato mousse, or even mayonnaise. At its heart, though, it celebrates what makes bulgogi special—its irresistible marinade and tender texture—while leaning on the universal appeal of pizza.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Familiar yet adventurous: Combines a global favorite with a Korean twist.

• Fun to make and serve: Great for pizza night with friends.

• Customizable: Endless topping and flavor variations.

• Unforgettable: A dish that will wow your taste buds and spark conversation.

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Bring the Fusion Home

If you’re ready to take your pizza night to the next level, this Korean Bulgogi Beef Pizza is your ticket. Juicy, flavorful beef meets melty cheese and crispy crust, with optional heat from gochujang to keep things exciting.

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