Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Korean BBQ Beef Stir-Fry?
It is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender top sirloin steak marinated in a blend of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, typically served over jasmine rice.
What cut of beef is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of top sirloin steak.
How should I prepare the beef for even slicing?
Partially freeze the top sirloin steak for about 30 minutes before cutting to make it easier to slice thinly.
How thin should the beef strips be?
The beef should be cut into approximately 1/16 inch strips.
What ingredients are used in the marinade?
The marinade consists of brown sugar, soy sauce, mirin, minced ginger, dark sesame oil, and minced garlic.
How long should the beef marinate?
The beef should be refrigerated in the marinade for 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
What is the best way to mix the marinade?
Combine the ingredients in a large zip-lock bag and stir or shake until the sugar dissolves.
What is mirin?
Mirin is a type of Japanese rice wine that adds a mild sweetness and depth of flavor to the marinade.
Can I cook this dish in a skillet?
Yes, heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat, coat with cooking spray, and cook the beef for about 8 minutes.
Can this recipe be prepared on a grill?
Yes, you can use a wire grilling basket coated with cooking spray and grill for 8 minutes, turning regularly.
Should I cook the beef with the excess marinade?
No, you should discard any excess marinade before adding the beef to the skillet or grill.
What kind of rice is suggested for serving?
The recipe suggests serving the beef over 2 cups of steamed jasmine rice.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 3 minced garlic cloves.
What type of sesame oil is used?
The recipe specifies dark sesame oil for its rich, toasted flavor.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is described as a quick and easy dish perfect for weeknight dinners.
How many ingredients are in the recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total, including the rice and cooking spray.
Can I use fresh ginger instead of bottled?
Yes, you can substitute bottled minced ginger with an equivalent amount of fresh minced ginger.
What is the total cooking time for the beef?
The beef takes approximately 8 minutes to cook through.
How do I ensure the beef is well-coated?
After adding the beef to the zip-lock bag, gently massage the meat to ensure it is evenly covered by the marinade.
What should the heat setting be for the skillet?
The skillet should be heated over medium heat.
What kind of cooking spray should I use?
Any standard cooking spray works well to lightly coat the skillet or grill basket.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
Yes, it uses 1 tablespoon of brown sugar in the marinade.
Is the beef cooked through or left rare?
The beef should be cooked for 8 minutes or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
Can I use a different type of rice?
While jasmine rice is recommended for its fluffiness, you can use any rice you prefer.
What is the purpose of the zip-lock bag?
The bag is used to contain the marinade and beef, making it easy to coat the meat and clean up.
Does the recipe require any special equipment?
A large non-stick skillet or a wire grilling basket is required for cooking.
How do I know the marinade is ready?
The marinade is ready when the brown sugar has dissolved and the ingredients are evenly mixed.
Is the ginger minced?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of bottled minced ginger.
Can this be served at a gathering?
Yes, the recipe description notes it is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings.
What makes the beef succulent?
The combination of the thin slicing, the 1-hour marinade, and the quick high-heat cooking keeps the beef tender and succulent.