Savory Korean Beef Udon Bowl
Indulge in this delectable Savory Korean Beef Udon Bowl, where tender slices of beef flank steak are marinated in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar, imbuing every bite with umami-rich goodness. Paired with earthy shiitake mushrooms, vibrant carrots, and aromatic garlic, this dish delivers a satisfying balance of textures and flavors. The thick udon noodles serve as the perfect foundation for this hearty meal, ensuring each mouthful is packed with nourishing ingredients and comfort. It's a delightful introduction to Korean cuisine that will warm your soul and leave you craving more.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
beef flank steak
1 1/2 lbs (sliced thinly against the grain)
peanut oil
3 tablespoons (for cooking mushrooms and stir-fry)
shiitake mushrooms or cremini mushrooms
1/2 lb (caps sliced)
soy sauce
1/2 cup (for marinade)
sesame oil
2 tablespoons (for marinade)
sugar
2 tablespoons (for marinade)
Chinese wheat noodles (or udon)
12 ounces (cooked according to package instructions)
garlic
4 cloves (minced)
scallions
4 (thinly sliced)
dried hot red chili pepper
1-3 small (to taste)
carrots
2 (grated)
Instructions
1
Start by slicing the beef flank steak thinly against the grain into pieces about 3 inches long. For ease of slicing, partially freeze the meat for about 30 minutes before cutting.
2
Allow the sliced beef to come to room temperature while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
3
In a small mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Stir until the sugar fully dissolves. Set this marinade aside for later use.
4
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the Chinese wheat noodles (or udon) and cook according to package instructions, typically around 8-10 minutes, or until tender. Drain and set aside.
5
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the peanut oil and sauté the sliced shiitake mushrooms for about 5 minutes or until they are softened. Remove from the skillet and drain any excess liquid.
6
Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic, thinly sliced scallions, and dried hot Red Chili Pepper. Cook on high heat for about 1 minute, allowing the spices to release their aromatic qualities.
7
Next, add the grated carrots, cooked beef, and sautéed mushrooms to the skillet. Stir-fry the mixture for 2-3 minutes, taking care not to overcook the beef—ideally, it should remain slightly rare.
8
Pour the prepared soy sauce marinade over the beef and vegetable mixture, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
9
On a large serving platter or individual bowls, place the cooked noodles as the base. Top with the beef and vegetable mixture, tossing gently to combine everything together.
10
Serve immediately, garnishing with additional scallions if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein used in the Savory Korean Beef Udon Bowl?
The primary protein used in this recipe is 1 1/2 lbs of beef flank steak, sliced thinly against the grain.
How should I prepare the beef for easier slicing?
For ease of slicing, it is recommended to partially freeze the meat for about 30 minutes before cutting it into 3-inch long pieces.
What ingredients make up the marinade?
The marinade consists of a flavorful blend of 1/2 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of sesame oil, and 2 tablespoons of sugar.
What kind of noodles can be used for this recipe?
You can use 12 ounces of either Chinese wheat noodles or thick udon noodles for this dish.
Which mushrooms are best for this Korean beef bowl?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of shiitake mushrooms, though cremini mushrooms can be used as an alternative.
How long should the udon noodles be cooked?
The noodles should be cooked in boiling water according to package instructions, which is typically around 8-10 minutes until tender.
What oil is recommended for sautéing the vegetables?
Peanut oil is recommended for sautéing the mushrooms and for the general stir-fry process.
How should the carrots be prepared for the stir-fry?
The recipe specifies using 2 carrots that have been grated.
How much garlic is needed for this dish?
You will need 4 cloves of garlic, which should be minced before cooking.
What provides the heat in the Savory Korean Beef Udon Bowl?
The heat comes from 1-3 small dried hot red chili peppers, added to taste.
How do you prepare the scallions for the recipe?
Four scallions should be thinly sliced; they are used both in the stir-fry and as an optional garnish.
What is the recommended cooking time for the mushrooms?
The sliced shiitake mushrooms should be sautéed in peanut oil for about 5 minutes or until they have softened.
How long should the aromatics be cooked?
The minced garlic, sliced scallions, and dried chili pepper should be cooked on high heat for about 1 minute to release their aromatics.
What is the ideal doneness for the beef in this stir-fry?
The beef should be stir-fried for 2-3 minutes, taking care not to overcook it; ideally, it should remain slightly rare.
When is the marinade added to the skillet?
The prepared soy sauce marinade is poured over the beef and vegetable mixture after they have been stir-fried together for a few minutes.
How are the noodles integrated into the final dish?
The cooked noodles are placed on a large platter or in individual bowls as a base, then topped with the beef and vegetable mixture and tossed gently.
Is this dish considered spicy?
The spiciness can be adjusted to your preference by varying the amount of dried hot red chili peppers (1-3 small peppers).
What are the main tags associated with this recipe?
Key tags for this recipe include Korean, beef, noodles, udon, stir-fry, and comfort food.
Why is it important to slice the beef against the grain?
Slicing against the grain breaks up the muscle fibers, which results in more tender slices of beef flank steak.
Can the beef be added to the pan while cold?
It is best to allow the sliced beef to come to room temperature after slicing and before cooking to ensure even searing.
How many ingredients are in the Savory Korean Beef Udon Bowl?
This recipe requires 11 distinct ingredients.
Is there a specific way to dissolve the sugar for the marinade?
Combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar in a small bowl and stir until the sugar is fully dissolved before setting it aside.
What should be done with excess liquid from the mushrooms?
After sautéing the mushrooms, you should remove them from the skillet and drain any excess liquid before proceeding.
What is the final step before serving?
The final step is to garnish the bowl with additional sliced scallions if desired and serve immediately.
What makes this dish umami-rich?
The combination of soy sauce, beef, and shiitake mushrooms provides a deep, umami-rich flavor profile.
What is the texture of the udon noodles in this dish?
The udon noodles are described as thick and serve as a hearty, comforting foundation for the beef and vegetables.
Does this recipe include any other vegetables besides mushrooms and carrots?
In addition to shiitake mushrooms and grated carrots, the recipe uses garlic and scallions for aromatics and flavor.
Is the sugar in the marinade mandatory?
The sugar is a key part of the traditional Korean flavor profile, balancing the saltiness of the soy sauce and helping with caramelization.
How long does the entire dish take to cook once ingredients are prepared?
The stir-fry process is quick, taking roughly 10-12 minutes of active cooking time once the noodles are boiled and ingredients are prepped.
What is the best way to describe the flavor of this Korean Beef Bowl?
It is a savory, umami-rich, and slightly sweet dish with aromatic notes of garlic and sesame, offering a satisfying balance of textures.