Pairing Wine With Bulgogi

Bulgogi, meaning “fire meat”, is a popular and delectable Korean dish that is known for its deliciously marinated, thinly sliced beef. The beef is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and other flavorful ingredients, which infuses it with a balance of sweet and savory tastes. Once marinated, the beef is grilled or pan-fried to perfection, resulting in tender, juicy, and caramelized slices of meat. Often served with a variety of accompaniments such as lettuce leaves, rice, and kimchi, bulgogi offers a delicious combination of textures and flavors, making it a beloved dish both in Korea and around the world.

Bulgogi wine pairing requires consideration of its bold, savory flavors and the marinade’s sweet undertones. We have recommendations for both red and white wines to suit lovers of both.

Wine Characteristics To Pair With Bulgogi

White Wine Characteristics
Characteristic	Detail
Acidity	Medium – High
Tannins	Low
Fruitiness	Medium
Spiciness	Low
Body	Medium – Full

Red Wine Characteristics
Characteristic	Detail
Acidity	Medium
Tannins	Medium
Fruitiness	Medium
Spiciness	Low
Body	Medium

Best Red Wine to Pair With Bulgogi

For red wines, choose those with moderate tannins and fruit-forward characteristics. These wines complement the richness of the beef and harmonize with the sweet and savory marinade.

Malbec

Malbec has ripe fruit flavors of plum and blackberry with notes of spice. These flavors are a lovely complement to the sweet and savory flavors of bulgogi.

Zinfandel

Zinfandel’s bold fruit-forward profile with hints of black pepper and spice pairs wonderfully with the complex flavors of bulgogi, especially if the dish has a slightly spicier marinade.

Shiraz

The bold and spicy flavors of Shiraz match perfectly with the smoky, sweet, and savory notes of bulgogi. The wine’s peppery and dark fruit characteristics can stand up to the richness of the dish.

Rosé

A dry or off-dry rosé wine can be a great choice with bulgogi. Its bright acidity and fruitiness can balance the dish’s richness and provide a refreshing contrast.

Best White Wine to Pair With Bulgogi

If you prefer white wines, dry, acidic whites can balance the boldness of the dish while still offering a refreshing contrast.

Riesling

For those who prefer white wines, an off-dry Riesling can be an excellent option. Its slight sweetness and acidity can complement the sweet and savory flavors of bulgogi while refreshing the palate.

Chenin Blanc

Chenin Blanc brings notes of yellow apple, pear, and lime, as well as crisp acidity to pair with the sweet and savory flavors of the meat.

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is an excellent choice if your bulgogi has a spicier marinade. The crisp acidity and notes of white peach, honeydew and grapefruit make a lovely contrast to the dish.

Gewurztraminer

With its aromatic and exotic fruit flavors like lychee and apricot, Gewürztraminer can add a refreshing contrast to the meal, enhancing the flavors of the dish.