Savory Stir-Fried Beef with Gochujang
Make a Flavorful ‘Yak Gochujang’ – Stir-Fried Beef with Gochujang
Even without many vegetables on hand, this stir-fried beef with gochujang is a hearty and delicious meal that can be quickly mixed with rice. It’s satisfying and packed with flavor.
Main Ingredients- 150g Ground Beef
- 1/2 Onion
- 2 Shiitake Mushrooms
Beef Marinade- 0.7 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Cooking Wine (Mirin, etc.)
- 0.3 Tbsp Unrefined Sugar
- 0.5 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 0.5 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- Pinch of Black Pepper
Seasoning- 4 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste)
- 1 Tbsp Plum Extract (Maesilcheong)
- 1.3 Tbsp Honey
- 2 Tbsp Pear Juice
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
- 0.7 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Cooking Wine (Mirin, etc.)
- 0.3 Tbsp Unrefined Sugar
- 0.5 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 0.5 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- Pinch of Black Pepper
Seasoning- 4 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste)
- 1 Tbsp Plum Extract (Maesilcheong)
- 1.3 Tbsp Honey
- 2 Tbsp Pear Juice
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Using finely ground beef, like that intended for baby food, can significantly simplify the cooking process. You can also use regular ground beef or grind your own beef. The freshness of the beef is key to the flavor, so choose a good quality cut.
Step 2
For the accompanying ingredients, prepare half an onion and two fresh shiitake mushrooms. The onion adds sweetness and depth of flavor, while the shiitake mushrooms contribute a chewy texture and rich aroma, enhancing the overall dish.
Step 3
Finely dice the prepared onion and shiitake mushrooms so they are pleasant to chew. Cutting them into uniform pieces is important for even cooking and for the seasoning to penetrate well when stir-frying with the beef.
Step 4
In a bowl, combine the 150g of ground beef with all the marinade ingredients: 0.7 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp cooking wine, 0.3 Tbsp unrefined sugar, 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic, 0.5 Tbsp sesame oil, and a pinch of black pepper. Gently mix them together by hand and let it marinate for about 15 minutes. This step tenderizes the beef and infuses it with flavor.
Step 5
Heat a lightly oiled pan over medium heat. First, add the diced onion and stir-fry until it becomes translucent. Once the onion releases its sweet aroma, it’s ready for the next ingredients.
Step 6
When the onion is translucent, add the prepared shiitake mushrooms and the marinated ground beef to the pan. Stir-fry them together. Use chopsticks or a spatula to break up the beef clumps as you stir-fry to achieve a fluffy texture.
Step 7
Ground beef intended for baby food tends to be very finely ground, making it prone to clumping when cooked. Using chopsticks to separate the clumps as you stir-fry will help achieve a light, fluffy texture more easily. Be mindful of the heat to prevent the beef from becoming tough as the moisture evaporates.
Step 8
Once the beef is almost cooked through, add all the seasoning ingredients: 4 Tbsp gochujang, 1 Tbsp plum extract, 1.3 Tbsp honey, and 2 Tbsp pear juice. Mix well. Continue to stir-fry over medium-low heat, ensuring the seasoning doesn’t burn, until it thickens to a rich sauce. The pear juice adds a subtle sweetness and moisture.
Step 9
Finally, stir in 1 Tbsp of sesame oil and 1 Tbsp of toasted sesame seeds for a glossy finish and nutty aroma. If the mixture seems too thick, you can add a little water, a tablespoon at a time, to reach your desired consistency. While pear juice adds sweetness and softness, it can be omitted or substituted with water if unavailable.
Step 10
And there you have it! A delicious and nutritious Stir-Fried Beef with Gochujang is ready. Served over warm rice, it makes for a wonderful and satisfying meal.
