Beef Bulgogi (Korean) Beef Bulgogi is a popular Korean dish known for its savory-sweet flavor and tender, marinated beef. The name “Bulgogi” translates to “fire meat,” referring to the traditional grilling method. This dish features thinly sliced beef marinated in a blend of soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and various seasonings, then cooked until caramelized and delicious.

Table Of Content

Beef Bulgogi (Korean) The name “Bulgogi” translates to “fire meat,” referring to the traditional grilling method. This dish features thinly sliced beef marinated in a blend of soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and various seasonings, then cooked until caramelized and delicious.

Ingredients

• Beef: 1 pound of ribeye or sirloin, thinly sliced
• Marinade:
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 3 tablespoons grated pear (or apple)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
  • 2 tablespoons rice wine or mirin
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetables: 1 onion, thinly sliced; 1 bell pepper, sliced (optional)
• Garnish: Additional green onions and sesame seeds

Preparation

• Slice the Beef: Use a sharp knife to slice the beef thinly against the grain. This ensures tenderness.
• Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, grated pear, minced garlic, ginger, rice wine, honey, and black pepper. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved.
• Marinate the Beef: Add the sliced beef to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.

Cooking Instructions

• Preheat the Grill or Skillet: Heat a grill or a large skillet over medium-high heat. If using a skillet, lightly coat it with cooking oil.
• Cook the Beef: Remove the beef from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Grill or pan-fry the beef slices for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are nicely caramelized and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
• Cook the Vegetables (Optional): If using vegetables, cook them in the same skillet or on the grill alongside the beef, until tender.

Serving Suggestions

Serve beef bulgogi over steamed rice or alongside a bed of lettuce. It pairs well with Korean side dishes such as kimchi, pickled vegetables, or a simple cucumber salad. Garnish with additional green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and presentation.

Tips and Variations

• For extra tenderness, try using a meat tenderizer or lightly pounding the beef slices.
• Add Spice: If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the marinade.
• Grill Option: For an authentic touch, cook the beef on a charcoal grill for a savory flavor.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover beef bulgogi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. If the beef appears dry, add a splash of water or additional marinade.

Conclusion

Beef Bulgogi is a beloved Korean dish characterized by its sweet and savory flavors and tender, marinated beef. By following the steps of marinating thinly sliced beef in a mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and other seasonings and then cooking it to a delicious caramelized perfection, you can recreate this iconic dish at home.