Korean Beef Bulgogi Recipe
Discover the secrets to making mouthwatering Korean beef bulgogi recipe at home. Quick, delicious, and perfect for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of thinly sliced beef ribeye or sirloin
- 1 medium onion thinly sliced
- 2 green onions chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small carrot julienned (optional)
- 1/2 medium pear grated (or 1/4 cup applesauce)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for cooking
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, sugar, honey, grated pear (or applesauce), minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, sesame seeds, and black pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
- Place the thinly sliced beef in a ziplock bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the beef and ensure it's well-coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours for more flavor).
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef slices and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they're nicely caramelized and cooked through.
- Add the sliced onions and julienned carrots to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender yet still slightly crisp.
- Serve the Korean Beef Bulgogi hot, garnished with chopped green onions. It's traditionally enjoyed wrapped in lettuce leaves or served with steamed rice.
Notes
- Meat Selection: While ribeye or sirloin are traditional choices for Korean Beef Bulgogi, you can use other cuts of beef as well. Just ensure it's thinly sliced to absorb the flavors and cook quickly.
- Marinating Time: Marinating the beef is a crucial step for flavor infusion. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but if time allows, marinate for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator for the most flavorful results.
- Grilling Option: If you have access to a barbecue grill, consider grilling the marinated beef for a smoky, charred flavor. This enhances the dish's authenticity.
- Serving Suggestions: Korean Beef Bulgogi is versatile. Serve it in lettuce wraps, on top of steamed rice, or even in a bowl with vegetables for a delicious bibimbap-style meal.
- Vegetable Variations: Get creative with your veggies. In addition to onions and carrots, you can add bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the mix for added color and texture.
- Control Spice Level: Adjust the amount of garlic and ginger to your taste preferences. If you love a bit more heat, consider adding a touch of Korean red pepper flakes (gochugaru) to the marinade.
- Leftovers: Korean Beef Bulgogi makes fantastic leftovers. Reheat it in a pan or microwave, or use it as a filling for sandwiches, tacos, or wraps.
- Traditional Side Dishes: Complement your meal with traditional Korean side dishes like kimchi, pickled radishes (kkakdugi), and spinach (sigeumchi namul).
- Safety Tip: Ensure the beef is cooked thoroughly to avoid any risks associated with undercooked meat. The high-heat cooking process in this recipe typically achieves this.
- Experiment and Enjoy: Don't hesitate to personalize your Bulgogi. Try different vegetables, tweak the marinade, or experiment with protein alternatives like chicken or tofu. Cooking is an adventure; embrace it!