Laura Mariano
Beef Bulgogi is a popular Korean dish made with thinly sliced marinated beef, typically grilled or pan-fried. The marinade is sweet, savory, and garlicky, featuring soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and other seasonings. The beef is often served with rice and accompanied by side dishes like kimchi.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450 g) beef ribeye or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 small onion, grated
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or pear juice (optional, for tenderizing)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste, optional for heat)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the beef:
- Thinly slice the beef against the grain into strips. For easier slicing, partially freeze the beef for about 30 minutes beforehand.
2. Make the marinade:
- In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, grated onion, black pepper, sesame seeds, and green onions.
- Optional: Add rice vinegar or pear juice to tenderize the meat and give it a slightly sweet flavor. Add gochujang if you want some spiciness.
3. Marinate the beef:
- Add the beef slices to the marinade and mix well to ensure the beef is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours for the flavors to develop (overnight for maximum flavor).
4. Cook the beef:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and cook in batches (if needed) to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Stir-fry the beef for about 4-6 minutes, until it’s nicely browned and cooked through.
5. Serve:
- Serve the beef bulgogi hot over steamed rice. Garnish with additional sesame seeds and green onions if desired.
Tips:
- Cut of Beef: Ribeye or sirloin works best, but flank steak or brisket can also be used.
- Marinating Time: Marinating for at least 30 minutes enhances flavor, but longer marinating will make it even better.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side of lettuce leaves, steamed rice, and Korean side dishes (banchan) like kimchi or pickled vegetables.
Summary:
Beef Bulgogi is a delicious and flavorful Korean BBQ dish that’s easy to make at home. Thin slices of beef are marinated in a sweet and savory sauce and then quickly cooked to perfection. It’s typically served with rice and enjoyed with various side dishes, making it a fantastic meal for any occasion.
