Korean BBQ Beef Skewers (Bulgogi Style)
Indulge in the authentic flavors of Korea with these delicious grilled beef skewers! This Bulgogi-inspired recipe showcases tender strips of marinated boneless sirloin, infused with a blend of savory soy sauce, aromatic garlic, and fresh ginger. The subtle heat from crushed red pepper flakes complements the sweetness of sugar, creating an irresistible marinade. Perfect for a summer barbecue or a cozy dinner, these skewers can also be made with pork tenderloin for a delightful twist. Serve with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an eye-catching presentation. Don’t forget to soak your wooden skewers to prevent burning – the result will be perfectly charred, flavorful bites that everyone will love!
4
Servings
300
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless sirloin beef
1 1/2 lbs (Thinly sliced)
Toasted sesame seeds
1 tablespoon (Toasted)
Crushed garlic
1-2 cloves (Crushed)
Grated fresh ginger
1/2 tablespoon (Grated)
Green onions
3-4 (Finely chopped)
Soy sauce
1/3 cup
Dry sherry
2 tablespoons
Sesame oil
2 tablespoons
Sugar
2 teaspoons
Crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
Instructions
1
Begin by toasting the sesame seeds in a dry frying pan over medium heat until they turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. Allow the seeds to cool.
2
While the sesame seeds cool, slice the beef into thin strips. Freezing the meat for about 30 minutes beforehand can simplify this process.
3
In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, dry sherry, sesame oil, sugar, crushed garlic, grated ginger, crushed red pepper flakes, and the toasted sesame seeds. Mix all the ingredients until well blended.
4
Add the sliced beef to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably a few hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
5
After marinating, preheat your grill or barbecue. Thread the marinated beef onto the soaked wooden skewers, leaving a little space between pieces for even cooking.
6
Grill the skewers for about 2-4 minutes on each side, basting with the remaining marinade during cooking. Once the meat is beautifully charred and cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove from the heat.
7
Serve the skewers garnished with additional toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions for a burst of flavor and color.
Nutrition Information
17.5g
Fat
7.5g
Carbs
25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Korean BBQ Beef Skewers?
Korean BBQ Beef Skewers, or Bulgogi-style skewers, are thin strips of beef marinated in a savory and sweet sauce, then grilled on skewers for a charred, flavorful finish.
What cut of beef is best for these skewers?
This recipe specifically uses 1 1/2 lbs of boneless sirloin beef for its tenderness and flavor.
How should I prepare the beef for slicing?
To make slicing easier, freeze the meat for about 30 minutes before cutting it into thin strips.
What ingredients are in the Bulgogi marinade?
The marinade consists of soy sauce, dry sherry, sesame oil, sugar, crushed garlic, grated fresh ginger, crushed red pepper flakes, and toasted sesame seeds.
How long should the beef marinate?
The beef should marinate for at least 30 minutes, but refrigerating it for a few hours or overnight will provide a much deeper flavor.
Do I need to soak the wooden skewers?
Yes, you should soak wooden skewers in water before threading the meat to prevent them from burning on the grill.
How long do I cook the beef skewers?
Grill the skewers for approximately 2 to 4 minutes on each side until they reach your desired level of doneness.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, pork tenderloin is a recommended alternative if you prefer a different protein than beef.
Are these skewers spicy?
They have a subtle heat from 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, which can be adjusted to your personal taste.
How do I toast sesame seeds?
Toast them in a dry frying pan over medium heat, stirring constantly until they turn golden brown.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 300 calories per serving of these Korean BBQ beef skewers.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 25 grams of protein.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What is the fat content?
Each serving contains 17.5 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 7.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What garnish should I use?
The recipe suggests garnishing with additional toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions.
How do I prevent the meat from cooking unevenly?
When threading the beef onto skewers, leave a little space between the pieces to allow for even heat distribution.
Can I baste the meat while grilling?
Yes, you should baste the skewers with the remaining marinade during the grilling process for extra moisture and flavor.
What is the role of dry sherry in the recipe?
Dry sherry is used in the marinade to add a layer of complexity and depth to the flavor profile.
Is fresh ginger necessary?
The recipe calls for 1/2 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger to provide an authentic aromatic quality.
How much garlic should I use?
The recipe recommends using 1 to 2 cloves of crushed garlic.
Can I use sugar substitutes?
While the recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of sugar, you could experiment with other sweeteners, though it may slightly alter the traditional flavor.
Is sesame oil important?
Yes, sesame oil is a key ingredient that provides the nutty aroma characteristic of Korean barbecue.
What should I serve with these skewers?
These skewers go well with steamed rice, kimchi, or a fresh Asian-style cucumber salad.
How do I know when the beef is done?
The beef is done when it is beautifully charred on the outside and cooked to your preferred internal temperature, usually after 4-8 total minutes of grilling.
Can I cook these indoors?
Yes, if a grill is not available, you can use an indoor grill pan or a heavy skillet over high heat.
How do I store leftover skewers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Is the marinade reused?
The marinade used for basting should be applied during the early stages of cooking; ensure any marinade that touched raw meat is cooked thoroughly.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute the soy sauce with tamari and ensure your dry sherry is gluten-free.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
The recipe requires 10 main ingredients including the beef and various marinade components.