Bulgogi

Bulgogi is a popular Korean dish made from marinated beef that's grilled or pan-fried. The name “bulgogi” means “fire meat” in Korean, reflecting the traditional cooking method over an open flame. The marinade is sweet, savory, and umami-rich, making the beef incredibly flavorful. Here’s how to make classic bulgogi at home:

Bulgogi Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Marinade:

• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar or honey
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons rice wine or dry sherry
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red chili paste) or 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a bit of heat)
• 1/2 medium onion, grated or finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon chopped green onions (optional, for added flavor)
• 1 pear or apple, grated (optional, for sweetness and tenderizing the meat)

For the Beef:

• 1 pound (450 grams) beef ribeye or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain (about 1/8 inch thick)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)

For Garnish (Optional):

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds

For Serving:

• Steamed rice
• Sliced cucumbers or other vegetables
• Kimchi or other Korean side dishes (banchan)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade:

• In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice wine, garlic, ginger, gochujang (or red pepper flakes), grated onion, sesame seeds, and grated pear (if using). Mix well until the sugar is dissolved and the ingredients are fully incorporated.

2. Marinate the Beef:

• Place the thinly sliced beef in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag.
• Pour the marinade over the beef and toss to coat evenly.
• Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

3. Cook the Beef:

• Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
• Remove the beef from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and add it to the hot skillet or grill pan in a single layer. You may need to cook the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
• Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the beef is well-browned and cooked through. The exact time will depend on the thickness of the slices and your preferred level of doneness.

4. Garnish and Serve:

• Remove the cooked beef from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes.
• Garnish with chopped green onions and additional sesame seeds if desired.
• Serve hot with steamed rice and your choice of Korean side dishes like kimchi, pickled vegetables, or a fresh cucumber salad.

Tips:

• Beef Slicing: For easier slicing, partially freeze the beef before cutting. This firms up the meat and makes it easier to slice thinly.
• Marinating Time: The longer the beef marinates, the more flavorful it will be. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will still impart good flavor.
• Cooking Method: If you prefer grilling, you can cook the marinated beef over a charcoal or gas grill for a smoky flavor.

Enjoy your homemade bulgogi with its rich and savory flavors, perfect for a hearty meal or special occasion!