Delicious Bulgogi Recipe: Even Beginner Cooks Can Succeed!
The quintessential Korean home-style dish, Bulgogi! Enjoy this representative Korean cuisine, loved by all ages, easily and deliciously at home.
Feeling like your cooking skills are still a bit lacking? Don’t worry! Today, I’ll share a Bulgogi recipe that anyone can easily follow and is guaranteed to be delicious. The tender beef combined with the sweet and savory sauce makes it an irresistible rice companion. It’s perfect for hosting guests on special occasions or for enjoying a hearty meal at home anytime. Give it a try right away!
Generous Bulgogi (Serves 1kg)- 1kg Beef Bulgogi (thinly sliced)
- 2 Green Onions (Scallions)
- 2 Onions
- 4 cloves Garlic
- 1/2 Carrot
- 5 Shiitake Mushrooms
- 5 Tbsp Mirin (Rice Wine)
- 10 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 4 Tbsp Rice Syrup (or Corn Syrup/Sugar)
- 3 Tbsp Sesame Seeds
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Before you begin cooking, thoroughly wash all the vegetables you’ll be using. Make sure to rinse them well to remove any dirt or debris.
Step 2
Before you start preparing the vegetables and meat, get a large bowl ready to mix all the ingredients. This will save you the hassle of transferring ingredients later.
Step 3
If you’re using a block of meat, cut it into approximately 3 equal pieces as shown in the picture. (By the way, you can also use pork instead of beef and still enjoy the delicious flavors of Bulgogi.)
Step 4
Place the prepared meat into the large bowl you set aside earlier.
Step 5
Wash the carrot, and without peeling, slice it diagonally about 0.5cm thick. Then, cut it into fine julienne strips.
Step 6
Add the julienned carrot to the bowl with the meat. The vibrant colors will make the Bulgogi look even more appetizing.
Step 7
Cut the onion in half, place it flat side down, and then slice it into strips about 0.5cm thick. Add the sliced onions to the bowl.
Step 8
Trim the stems off the shiitake mushrooms and slice them into appropriate sizes before adding them to the bowl. The earthy aroma of the mushrooms will enhance the flavor of the Bulgogi.
Step 9
It’s recommended to cut the green onions into fairly large pieces, about 5-6cm long. They add a nice texture when eaten whole and impart a wonderful aroma during cooking.
Step 10
Cut the white parts of the green onions into 2-3cm pieces and then quarter them lengthwise. Cut the green parts into 3-4cm lengths and then slice them lengthwise. Cutting them this way makes them look nice and easy to eat after cooking.
Step 11
Add the prepared green onions to the bowl along with the other vegetables.
Step 12
Finely mince the 4 cloves of garlic and add them to the bowl. Now that the vegetable preparation is complete, let’s move on to the relatively easy seasoning step.
Step 13
Measure and add 10 tablespoons of soy sauce. This is the base seasoning that will give the Bulgogi its overall flavor.
Step 14
Add 3 tablespoons of sesame seeds for a nutty flavor and aroma. Using whole sesame seeds is even better.
Step 15
Add 1 teaspoon of black pepper to eliminate any gamey odors and enhance the flavor. Be careful not to add too much, as it can become too spicy.
Step 16
Add 5 tablespoons of Mirin (rice wine). Mirin helps remove any unpleasant smell from the meat, tenderizes it, and gives it a glossy finish.
Step 17
Finally, add 4 tablespoons of rice syrup for sweetness and shine. If you don’t have rice syrup, you can substitute it with corn syrup or sugar. However, adjust the amount if using sugar.
Step 18
Now all the ingredients and seasoning are ready. Gently mix everything together with a spatula or your hands, being careful not to tear the meat. It’s important to ensure the seasoning coats all the ingredients evenly.
Step 19
Heat a pan and add the marinated Bulgogi in portions you plan to eat. If you overcrowd the pan, the meat won’t cook properly, so it’s best to cook in batches.
Step 20
First, stir-fry over high heat to quickly sear the outside of the meat. Once the meat is partially cooked and starts changing color, reduce the heat to medium. This ensures the inside cooks thoroughly while staying moist.
Step 21
As you stir-fry over medium heat, you’ll notice delicious juices naturally released from the vegetables. These juices will meld with the Bulgogi sauce, creating a richer flavor.
Step 22
Continue to stir-fry over medium heat until the meat is fully cooked, along with the juices from the vegetables. Pay attention to the heat to prevent the sauce from reducing too much.
Step 23
Serve the deliciously cooked Bulgogi over warm rice, or plate it attractively on a serving dish for a wonderful Bulgogi meal!
Step 24
For an even more enjoyable experience, try wrapping the Bulgogi in fresh lettuce or perilla leaves. The combination of crisp vegetables and savory Bulgogi is exquisite. Enjoy your meal!
