Low-Fat Korean Lentil Bulgogi (Korean BBQ Lentils)! If you’re looking for a fun way to spice up your dinner routine, this recipe is a delicious go-to for a fast, nutritious meal that’s sure to impress.
Bursting with the savory, umami-rich goodness that defines Korean cuisine, this Low-Fat Korean Lentil Bulgogi is not only easy to whip up on a busy weeknight, but it’s also healthy and satisfying. Picture this: tender lentils marinated in a mouthwatering blend of soy sauce, garlic, and a hint of sweetness, all sautéed to perfection. You can serve it over a fluffy bed of rice or in a crisp lettuce wrap for a fresh twist.
Whole Food Plant Based, Vegan, plant based, oil free, refined sugar free, no highly processed ingredients and gluten free.
Hi there, Ameera here!
Talk about FAST and DELICIOUS! This Low-Fat Korean Lentil Bulgogi is your new weeknight hero, delivering all the incredible flavors of Korean BBQ in a healthy, quick-cooking dish. With just a handful of simple ingredients and less than 30 minutes on the clock, you can create a satisfying meal that will leave you craving more. You gotta give this one a try!
Perfect for meal prep or a last-minute dinner, these Korean BBQ lentils are not just tasty—they’re also a guilt-free indulgence that’s bursting with nutrients. You gotta give this one a try!
Tips for Success:
- Flavor Profile: This Low-Fat Korean Lentil Bulgogi (Korean BBQ Lentils) is full of delicious Korean BBQ flavor. This dish comes together quickly making for the perfect weeknight dinner when a quick and tasty meal is needed due to busy schedules.
- Tenderness of the red bell peppers and onions: We found that the tenderness of the peppers and onions created a highly contentious argument in our family. Some family members wanted the onions and peppers perfectly tender to match the tenderness of the lentils while others preferred the tender crispness that is typically associated with Asian cuisine. Cook the peppers and onions to the desired tenderness before moving to Step 3.
- Sweetness: This dish is a wholesome nod to Korean BBQ with deliciously bold sweetness. If you wish for a less sweet dish, then adjust the maple syrup accordingly.
- Molasses: The molasses adds excellent depth of flavor and is reminiscent of brown sugar.
- Table Salt: If using table salt, you should use less table salt than the amount listed in the ingredients as sea salt crystals are larger than table salt crystals. Since table salt crystals are very fine, less table salt is required to season a dish. We would suggest starting with about 1/4 to 1/2 the amount of sea salt listed. You can always add more salt but cannot take it away. We recommend using sea salt as it is less refined than table salt.
Leftovers and Freezing:
Leftovers will generally keep 5 days in the refrigerator. Store in a covered container.
This dish can be frozen.
Pantry Products:
- Vegetable Stock: We use Pacific Organic Low Sodium Vegetable Stock. We love this brand because it is Whole Food Plant Based compliant, as it does not contain MSG, has no oil, and does not contain any highly-processed ingredients. Feel free to use your favorite vegetable broth.
- Tamari: We used San J Tamari Soy Sauce, Gluten Free, Reduced Sodium. You can substitute the tamari with reduced sodium soy sauce, Braggs Liquid Aminos, or Braggs Coconut Liquid Aminos. We recommend using reduced-sodium products.
- Canned Lentils: We used Delallo Imported Italian Lentils. They come in a 14 oz. can. Most grocery stores carry them in the specialty aisles. If using dry lentils, select lentils that hold their shape after cooking like a brown lentil such as small brown lentils called Pardina lentils. Cook dry lentils separately, adjust time accordingly. If cooking dry lentils, you want to end up with 1 2/3 cups of cooked
- Lentil Substitutions: You can substitute the lentils for beans, crumbled tofu, or soy curls with the understanding that the dining experience will change accordingly.
- Molasses: We used Grandma’s Unsulfured Original Molasses. Feel free to use your favorite molasses.
Kitchen Equipment:
- Large skillet
- Whisk (or fork)
If you try this delicious dish, we would love to know if you enjoy it as much as we do! Please leave us a review! Post a picture on Facebook or Instagram and tag us! We would love to hear from you.
PrintLow-Fat Korean Lentils Bulgogi (Korean BBQ Lentils)
- Prep Time: 10 Minutes
- Cook Time: 15 Minutes
- Total Time: 25 Minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Bursting with the savory, umami-rich goodness that defines Korean cuisine, this Low-Fat Korean Lentil Bulgogi is not only easy to whip up on a busy weeknight, but it’s also healthy and satisfying.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup reduced-sodium tamari *
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1 Tablespoon rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon molasses *
- 2 Tablespoons low-sodium vegetable broth *
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (+/-)
- 2 ½ teaspoons cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
Skillet Ingredients:
- ¾ cup finely diced yellow onions
- 1 cup finely diced red bell peppers
- 1 – [ 14 oz. can ] brown lentils, drained and rinsed *
Serving Ideas:
- Steamed rice
- Sliced green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Place all the Sauce Ingredients into a small bowl, whisk well to combine, set aside.
- Place the finely diced onions and red bell peppers into a large skillet, sauté over medium-high heat for approximately 4 to 6 minutes or until they reach the desired tenderness, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water, if needed, to prevent burning.
- Once the onions and red bell peppers reach the desired tenderness, then place the Sauce Mix into the skillet, simmer for several minutes over medium-high heat until thickened.
- Once thickened, low the heat to medium, then add the drained and rinsed lentils. Cook for several minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are heated through.
- Serve with steam rice and topped with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
Notes
*Please reference the blog post for Tips for Success, Pantry Products Used, Storage and Freezing, and Kitchen Equipment Used.
*Sea Salt: Please adjust the sea salt based upon your family’s sea salt preferences and/or based upon dietary needs.
*Serving: 4
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Three of us shared this for dinner tonight. We didn’t have any leftovers because it was delicious and we all needed seconds. It came together easily, which makes it a candidate for my regular dinner rotation.
Hi there Carrie,
WOOO HOOOO!!! We are so happy that you gave this recipe a try and enjoyed it. Thank you so much for taking time to leave us a fantastic review.
-Ameera and Robin
Quick, easy and delicious. I just wish I’d had cucumbers because I would have made your latest Cucumber salad to pair with it. (Next time!)