Savory Korean Bulgogi: Grilled Beef Delight
Indulge in the rich flavors of this iconic Korean dish, Bulgogi, which showcases succulent, marinated beef that is grilled to perfection. This beloved BBQ staple offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory notes, thanks to a harmonious blend of soy sauce, honey, and fruity pear puree. With its tender texture and slightly charred edges, Bulgogi strikes the perfect balance between tradition and innovation. Feel free to enhance your dish with colorful vegetables like onions, mushrooms, bell peppers, and carrots, making it a vibrant addition to any meal. Whether you choose to grill it over charcoal, pan-fry it, or utilize a broiler, this recipe guarantees mouthwatering results. Serve it alongside steamed rice, wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves, or as part of a hearty bulgogi bowl to savor every bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
sirloin
1 lb (thinly sliced)
soy sauce
3 tablespoons (none)
light brown sugar
2 tablespoons (none)
honey
1 tablespoon (none)
rice wine
2 tablespoons (none)
sesame oil
1 tablespoon (none)
garlic
2 tablespoons (minced)
ground black pepper
1 teaspoon (none)
toasted sesame seeds
2 teaspoons (none)
green onion
1 tablespoon (chopped)
pears, puree
2 tablespoons ((use Asian pear if available; grated kiwi or onion puree as alternatives))
Instructions
1
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together soy sauce, light brown sugar, honey, rice wine, sesame oil, minced garlic, ground black pepper, toasted sesame seeds, chopped green onion, and pear puree until well combined, forming the marinade.
2
Place the thinly sliced sirloin into a large bowl or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over the meat. Ensure that each slice is generously coated by using your hands to massage the marinade into the beef. If desired, add sliced vegetables to the marinade for added flavor and color.
3
Cover the bowl or seal the bag and let the beef marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
4
When ready to cook, prepare your grill if using charcoal until the coals are glowing grey. For pan-frying, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
5
If grilling, place the marinated beef (and any optional vegetables) in a fine mesh grilling tray or basket to prevent them from falling through the grates. Grill for a few minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and slightly charred.
6
For pan-frying, ensure the skillet is hot enough that the beef sizzles upon contact. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent excess moisture from escaping. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side.
7
Remove the beef and vegetables from the heat and serve immediately. Enjoy your Bulgogi with steamed rice, in lettuce wraps, or as a bulgogi bowl topped with your choice of vegetables.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Korean Bulgogi?
Savory Korean Bulgogi is an iconic Korean BBQ dish consisting of succulent, thinly sliced beef marinated in a sweet and savory sauce and grilled to perfection.
What cut of beef is best for Bulgogi?
This recipe specifically calls for one pound of thinly sliced sirloin to ensure a tender and flavorful result.
What are the main flavors in Bulgogi?
Bulgogi features a harmonious blend of sweet and savory notes derived from soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, and fruity pear puree.
Why is pear puree used in the marinade?
Pear puree acts as a natural tenderizer for the beef and adds a subtle, fruity sweetness to the marinade.
Can I substitute the Asian pear in the marinade?
Yes, if Asian pear is unavailable, you can use grated kiwi or onion puree as effective alternatives.
How long should I marinate the beef?
The beef should be marinated in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.
What are the primary ingredients in the Bulgogi marinade?
The marinade includes soy sauce, light brown sugar, honey, rice wine, sesame oil, minced garlic, ground black pepper, toasted sesame seeds, chopped green onion, and pear puree.
Can I add vegetables to this Bulgogi recipe?
Absolutely. You can enhance the dish with colorful vegetables like onions, mushrooms, bell peppers, and carrots.
How should I prepare the beef for marinating?
Place the thinly sliced sirloin in a bowl or bag, pour the marinade over it, and use your hands to massage the sauce into each slice.
What are the different ways to cook Bulgogi?
Bulgogi can be grilled over charcoal, pan-fried in a skillet, or cooked under a broiler.
How do I grill Bulgogi without losing meat through the grates?
It is recommended to use a fine mesh grilling tray or basket to prevent the thin slices of beef and vegetables from falling through.
What is the secret to a good pan-fry for Bulgogi?
Ensure the skillet is hot enough so the beef sizzles on contact, and avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent excess moisture from escaping.
How long does it take to pan-fry the beef?
When pan-frying over medium-high heat, the beef typically takes about 2-3 minutes per side to brown and cook through.
What should I serve with Bulgogi?
Bulgogi is traditionally served with steamed rice, wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves, or as part of a hearty bulgogi bowl.
Is Bulgogi considered a quick dinner?
Yes, with a short marination time of 30 minutes and a cooking time of just a few minutes, it is an excellent option for a quick dinner.
What kind of oil is used in the marinade?
One tablespoon of sesame oil is used to provide a rich, nutty aroma and flavor.
Does this recipe use fresh garlic?
Yes, the recipe requires two tablespoons of minced garlic for a robust flavor.
What provides the charred edges on the beef?
The high heat from a grill or a hot skillet caramelizes the sugars in the marinade, creating delicious slightly charred edges.
Can I use rice vinegar instead of rice wine?
The recipe specifically calls for rice wine; rice vinegar is much more acidic and may change the intended flavor profile.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 primary ingredients required to make the beef and the marinade.
What kind of sugar is best for the marinade?
Light brown sugar is used to add a deep, molasses-like sweetness that complements the soy sauce.
Is sesame a prominent flavor in this dish?
Yes, both sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds are used to give the dish its signature toasted nutty flavor.
Can I use frozen beef for Bulgogi?
You can use beef that has been partially frozen as it is often easier to slice into the required thin strips.
What is a Bulgogi bowl?
A Bulgogi bowl is a serving style where the cooked beef and vegetables are placed over a bed of rice and topped with additional garnishes.
Are green onions used in the recipe?
Yes, one tablespoon of chopped green onion is mixed directly into the marinade.
What type of pepper is used?
One teaspoon of ground black pepper is added to the marinade for a mild heat.
Is this recipe suitable for BBQ?
Yes, Bulgogi is a staple of Korean BBQ and is perfect for charcoal grilling.
Should I cook the vegetables with the meat?
Yes, you can add sliced vegetables to the marinade and cook them alongside the beef for added color and flavor.
What texture should the beef have?
The beef should be tender and succulent with a slight char on the outside.
Is honey necessary for the recipe?
Honey is used alongside brown sugar to create a specific depth of sweetness and a glossy finish on the meat.