Korean BBQ beef marinade recipe for the BBQ. sweet, spicy, deeply savoury flavour profile. Marinate 4 hours-24 hours. Simple ingredients, incredible results.
By Bill Ohaire | Published: April 2026 | Last Updated: April 2026
Photo by Jonathan Borba on Pexels
Korean BBQ Beef Marinade: Combine 80ml soy sauce, 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chilli paste), 1 tbsp sesame oil, and more. Marinate 4 hours to 24 hours. Grill until internal temp reaches 54-63°C (130-145°F) depending on preference.
This korean bbq marinade brings a sweet, spicy, deeply savoury flavour profile to your beef. The grated pear is the secret — it tenderises the meat naturally. Gochujang is available at most Asian grocers.
10 minutes
4 hours - 24 hours
sweet, spicy, deeply savoury
rump steak, sirloin, skirt steak, flank steak, kebab cubes
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| soy sauce | 80ml |
| gochujang (Korean chilli paste) | 2 tbsp |
| sesame oil | 1 tbsp |
| brown sugar | 3 tbsp |
| garlic (minced) | 4 cloves |
| fresh ginger (grated) | 1 tbsp |
| Asian pear (grated) or 2 tbsp pear juice | 1 |
| spring onions (sliced) | 2 |
Tougher cuts like skirt and flank benefit most from marinating. Premium cuts like eye fillet need less time.
The best cuts of beef for this marinade are: rump steak, sirloin, skirt steak, flank steak, kebab cubes.
Tougher, more flavourful cuts like skirt and flank steak benefit most from marinating. The acid helps break down connective tissue.
Get precise cooking times for any meat, cut, and method. Never over-cook or under-cook your BBQ again.
Open CalculatorHow long should I marinate beef in korean bbq marinade?
Marinate beef in korean bbq marinade for 4 hours minimum for noticeable flavour, or up to 24 hours for deeper penetration. Overnight in the fridge is ideal for most cuts.
Can I use korean bbq marinade on other meats?
Yes! Korean BBQ marinade works well on chicken and lamb too. Adjust the marinating time based on the protein — prawns only need 15-30 minutes.
Should I marinate beef in the fridge or at room temperature?
Always marinate in the fridge for food safety. Bacteria multiply rapidly at room temperature. Take the meat out 20-30 minutes before cooking to take the chill off for more even cooking.
What temperature should I BBQ korean bbq marinated beef?
Grill korean bbq marinated beef over high heat (220-260°C / 425-500°F). Cook until the internal temperature reaches 54-63°C (130-145°F) depending on preference.