Grilled Korean-Style Skirt Steak is a flavorful, bulgogi-inspired beef recipe featuring tender skirt steak marinated in a sweet and savory mixture of soy sauce, cola, garlic, sesame oil, and brown sugar. Served with charred onions and peppers, this easy grilled steak makes a delicious dinner for anyone who enjoys bold, Korean-inspired flavors.
The secret to this recipe is the marinade. Cola and dark brown sugar provide sweetness, while soy sauce adds savory depth. Toasted sesame seeds, garlic, and sesame oil give the beef a rich, nutty aroma that complements the smoky flavor of grilling.
Start with 1¾ to 2 pounds of trimmed skirt steak, cut crosswise into four-inch pieces. Pierce the meat a few times with a fork to help the marinade reach the surface.
Toast the sesame seeds in a skillet for two to three minutes, then combine them with smashed garlic, cola, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper.
Add the skirt steak, thick onion wedges, and bacon to the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight for the best flavor.
When you’re ready to cook, remove the steak and onions from the marinade. Heat a grill pan over high heat and cook the onion wedges with banana or Cubanelle peppers until lightly charred, approximately eight to ten minutes.
A heavy-duty cast iron grill pan on Amazon works well for creating flavorful grill marks when outdoor grilling isn’t practical.
Grill the skirt steak for approximately four to five minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting for thickness and your preferred doneness. Let the meat rest briefly before slicing it thinly against the grain.
Serve with the grilled onions and peppers, steamed rice, or a refreshing Korean-style vegetable side dish. Like Korean Spinach or Sigeumchi-namul is a very popular and common side dish. Kimchi is a Korean staple. Maangchi will show you how to make classic, spicy, traditional napa cabbage kimchi.
For more Asian-inspired dinners, explore our Asian Recipes and Beef Recipes collections.
This Grilled Korean-Style Skirt Steak brings together sweet, savory, smoky, and nutty flavors for a memorable homemade meal.
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Grilled Korean-Style Skirt Steak
- Total Time: 4:40
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 to 2 pounds skirt steak, trimmed and cut crosswise into 4-inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 cup cola
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1/4 cup toasted sesame oil
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
- 1 large white onion, cut into 2-inch-thick wedges
- 6 to 8 slices thick-cut bacon
- 2 to 3 banana or Cubanelle peppers
Instructions
- Pierce the steak a few times with a fork. Toast the sesame seeds in a skillet over medium heat until golden, shaking the pan, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool.
- Combine the sesame seeds, garlic, cola, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a large bowl, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Add the steak, onion wedges and bacon, turning to coat. Cover and refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.
- Remove the steak and onion wedges from the marinade with a slotted spoon and transfer to a baking sheet. Heat a grill pan over high heat. Grill the onion wedges and peppers, turning, until charred, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a platter. Grill the steak until charred, 4 to 5 minutes per side for medium rare. Add to the platter.
Notes
- The marinated bacon is a tasty bonus to this recipe. Pat it dry and cut into ½-inch pieces. Cook the bacon until crisp and add it to one of our fried rice recipes for the perfect side dish.
- Prep Time: :20
- Marinade: 4:00
- Cook Time: :20
- Category: Entree
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Korean
The recipe recommends at least four hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
Cola contributes sweetness and flavor alongside soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and sesame oil.
Yes. The published recipe specifically uses a grill pan over high heat.
Avoid overcooking, let the meat rest briefly, and slice thinly against the grain.
No. It is inspired by bulgogi flavors but includes unconventional ingredients such as cola, bacon, and peppers.