Savory Soy Sauce Marinated Beef Bulgogi: Easy Homemade Sauce
Simple & Delicious Soy Sauce Bulgogi Marinade Recipe
Unlock the secret to incredibly delicious bulgogi with this easy-to-make soy sauce marinade! This recipe delivers a perfectly balanced sweet and savory flavor that tenderizes the beef beautifully. Impress your family and friends with restaurant-quality bulgogi made right in your own kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings!
Main Ingredients- 1kg thinly sliced beef for bulgogi (e.g., sirloin, ribeye, tenderloin)
- 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
- 1/3 carrot, thinly sliced or julienned
- 1 pack of enoki mushrooms or king oyster mushrooms, separated
- 1/2 green onion, chopped (for garnish)
Flavor-Boosting Marinade Ingredients- 7 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 green onion (white part, lightly charred for aroma)
- 6 Tbsp soy sauce (or regular soy sauce)
- 2 fresh kiwis, peeled and mashed or blended
- 1 apple, cored (skin on, blended)
- 1 Tbsp mirin (rice wine)
- 3 Tbsp oligodang (corn syrup) or honey
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced (or ginger powder)
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 7 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 green onion (white part, lightly charred for aroma)
- 6 Tbsp soy sauce (or regular soy sauce)
- 2 fresh kiwis, peeled and mashed or blended
- 1 apple, cored (skin on, blended)
- 1 Tbsp mirin (rice wine)
- 3 Tbsp oligodang (corn syrup) or honey
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced (or ginger powder)
- 1 tsp black pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Start by preparing your marinade ingredients. Peel and mince the garlic and ginger. Wash the kiwi and apple thoroughly; no need to peel the apple as its skin adds flavor and fiber. Prepare them for blending.
Step 2
To deepen the aromatic profile of the marinade, lightly char the white part of the green onion over an open flame (like a gas stove). This step adds a subtle smoky note and removes any harshness.
Step 3
In a blender, combine the charred green onion, minced garlic, the cored apple, the mashed kiwi, and 1 cup (200ml or about 7 oz) of water. A standard paper cup is often around this volume.
Step 4
Blend these ingredients until they form a smooth, fine paste. The kiwi and apple will not only contribute sweetness and fruitiness but also act as natural tenderizers for the beef.
Step 5
Pour the blended mixture into a mixing bowl. Now, it’s time to add the remaining seasonings. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of black pepper for a touch of warmth.
Step 6
Add 3 tablespoons of oligodang (or honey) for sweetness and a glossy finish, followed by 1 tablespoon of sugar to enhance the caramelization and overall sweetness.
Step 7
Pour in 6 tablespoons of soy sauce. This forms the savory backbone of the marinade, balancing the sweetness from the fruits and sweeteners.
Step 8
Finally, add 1 tablespoon of mirin (rice wine). Mirin helps to tenderize the meat further and adds a subtle depth of flavor while masking any unwanted gamey notes.
Step 9
Whisk or stir the marinade ingredients thoroughly until the sugar and oligodang are completely dissolved, creating a smooth, homogenous sauce. Your delicious bulgogi marinade is now ready!
Step 10
Place the thinly sliced beef into the bowl with the marinade. Pour the prepared sauce generously over the meat.
Step 11
Using clean hands, gently massage the marinade into the beef, ensuring every piece is well-coated. Be careful not to overwork the meat, which can make it tough. For best results, let the beef marinate for at least 30 minutes, or longer in the refrigerator.
Step 12
Once marinated, you can portion the bulgogi into desired serving sizes and store it in the freezer or refrigerator. This is convenient for future meals – just thaw and cook!
Step 13
When ready to cook, heat a skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef along with your preferred vegetables (like sliced onion, carrots, and mushrooms). Stir-fry quickly until the vegetables are tender-crisp and the beef is fully cooked through. Serve immediately with steamed rice for a delightful meal!
