Korean Bulgogi: Marinated Grilled Beef Delight
Experience the rich, savory flavors of Korean cuisine with this Bulgogi recipe, inspired by traditional Korean BBQ. Thinly sliced beef is marinated in a delectable mixture of soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and sesame oil, infusing each bite with an irresistible umami taste. Quick to grill or broil, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering. Serve it over fluffy steamed rice for a complete meal that will delight your taste buds and impress your guests!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
beef
1 lb (thinly sliced (ask your butcher to slice the beef 'bacon thin', or slice it 1/8-inch thick))
steamed rice
3 cups (optional, for serving)
soy sauce
3 tablespoons (none)
sugar
2 tablespoons (none)
honey
1 tablespoon (none)
garlic
2 tablespoons (chopped)
wine or beef broth
2 tablespoons (none)
sesame oil
1 tablespoon (none)
green onions
3 tablespoons (chopped)
salt
1 tablespoon (none)
black pepper
1 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, sugar, honey, chopped garlic, wine or beef broth, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper. Whisk together until fully combined.
2
Add the thinly sliced beef to the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
3
Preheat your grill or broiler to high heat. For optimal results, ensure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled.
4
Remove the marinated beef from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
5
Grill or broil the beef for 2-4 minutes on each side, or until it's cooked to your desired doneness. The beef will cook quickly due to its thin slicing, so keep an eye on it.
6
Once cooked, remove the beef from the heat and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve hot over a bed of steamed rice if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Korean Bulgogi?
Korean Bulgogi is a traditional Korean BBQ dish consisting of thinly sliced beef marinated in a savory and sweet mixture before being grilled.
What does the term Bulgogi mean?
The word Bulgogi literally translates to 'fire meat' in Korean, referring to the traditional method of cooking the meat over an open flame.
How long should the beef marinate?
For this recipe, you should marinate the beef for 1 to 2 hours in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.
What is the recommended thickness for the beef slices?
The beef should be sliced very thin, approximately 1/8-inch thick, or what is often referred to as 'bacon thin'.
What are the main ingredients in the Bulgogi marinade?
The marinade consists of soy sauce, sugar, honey, chopped garlic, wine or beef broth, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper.
How long does it take to cook the beef?
Because the beef is sliced so thin, it only takes about 2-4 minutes per side to grill or broil.
Can I use a broiler if I do not have a grill?
Yes, this recipe is designed to work perfectly with either a high-heat grill or a broiler.
What should I serve with Bulgogi?
Bulgogi is traditionally served over a bed of fluffy steamed rice, and it can also be accompanied by lettuce wraps.
Why should the meat sit at room temperature before cooking?
Letting the marinated beef sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes helps it cook more evenly once it hits the heat.
What is the purpose of honey in the recipe?
Honey acts as a natural sweetener that complements the savory soy sauce and helps create a beautiful glaze on the meat.
How much beef is needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of thinly sliced beef.
What kind of oil is used in the marinade?
One tablespoon of sesame oil is used to provide a rich, nutty aroma and flavor.
Is garlic a necessary ingredient?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of chopped garlic are essential for creating the signature savory flavor of the Bulgogi marinade.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 11 ingredients used in this recipe, including the optional steamed rice.
What garnish is recommended for this dish?
Chopped green onions are used as a fresh garnish to add color and a mild bite to the finished dish.
Can I use wine in the marinade?
Yes, the recipe suggests using 2 tablespoons of wine or beef broth as a liquid component for the marinade.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, while it requires marination, the actual cooking time is under 10 minutes, making it very convenient.
What flavor profile does Bulgogi have?
Bulgogi has a rich, savory, and slightly sweet flavor profile with deep umami notes from the soy sauce and garlic.
Should I oil the grill grates?
Yes, for optimal results, ensure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled before adding the beef.
How much rice is recommended for serving?
The recipe suggests serving the beef with 3 cups of steamed rice.
Does the recipe use both sugar and honey?
Yes, it uses 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 tablespoon of honey to balance the salty soy sauce.
Can I ask my butcher to slice the meat for me?
Absolutely, you can ask your butcher to slice the beef 'bacon thin' to save time and ensure the correct texture.
Is salt and pepper included in the marinade?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 tablespoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper for seasoning.
What should I use to mix the marinade?
A medium bowl and a whisk are recommended to ensure all marinade ingredients are fully combined.
Is Bulgogi considered a healthy meal?
Bulgogi is a protein-rich dish that uses fresh ingredients, though nutritional content varies by the specific cut of beef used.
Does the beef need to be covered while marinating?
Yes, the bowl should be covered with plastic wrap and kept in the refrigerator while the meat marinates.
Can this dish be served at special gatherings?
Yes, its impressive flavors and traditional presentation make it perfect for both casual meals and special events.
What heat setting should I use for the grill?
A high heat setting is required to quickly sear the thin slices of beef without overcooking the center.
Is the rice cooked with the beef?
No, the steamed rice is prepared separately and serves as a base for the grilled beef.
Can I use beef broth instead of wine?
Yes, the recipe allows for either wine or beef broth to be used in the marinade according to your preference.