Bulgogi Recipe

Bulgogi, meaning “fire meat” in Korean, is a beloved dish known for its savory-sweet flavor and tender texture. This recipe combines thinly sliced beef marinated in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, sugar, and other seasonings, creating a delicious dish that can be enjoyed with rice, wrapped in lettuce leaves, or served with side dishes (banchan).

Ingredients

• 1 lb thinly sliced beef sirloin or ribeye (you can ask your butcher to slice it thinly)
• 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
• 3-4 green onions, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice wine or mirin (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, for cooking

Optional:

• 1 pear, grated (helps tenderize the meat and adds sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted (for garnish)
• Sliced mushrooms or other vegetables (for variation)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade:
   • In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, sesame oil, rice wine or mirin (if using), and black pepper. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Marinate the Beef:
   • Place the thinly sliced beef in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag.
   • Add the sliced onions and chopped green onions to the bowl.
   • Pour the marinade over the beef and vegetables, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
   • Optional: If using grated pear, add it to the marinade mixture to help tenderize the meat.
3. Marinate the beef in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, ideally up to 4 hours, to allow the flavors to meld and the meat to tenderize.
4. Cooking Bulgogi:
   • Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil to coat the pan.
   • Remove the beef from the marinade, shaking off any excess liquid.
   • Cook the beef in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through.
   • Remove cooked beef from the skillet and set aside. Repeat with remaining batches if needed.
5. Serve Bulgogi:
   • Transfer the cooked Bulgogi to a serving platter.
   • Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and additional chopped green onions, if desired.
   • Serve Bulgogi hot with steamed rice and your favorite Korean side dishes (banchan) like kimchi, pickled radish, or lettuce leaves for wrapping.

Tips for Perfect Bulgogi:

• Slice the Beef Thinly: This helps the beef absorb the marinade and cook quickly.
• Marinate Long Enough: Marinate the beef for at least 1 hour to enhance flavor and tenderness.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the beef in batches to ensure it browns evenly without stewing.

Conclusion

Enjoy the savory-sweet flavors of Bulgogi with this authentic recipe. Whether grilled, pan-fried, or stir-fried, Bulgogi is a versatile dish that is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Serve it with rice and an array of Korean side dishes for a complete and satisfying meal.