Sweet & Savory Korean Bulgogi
The Ultimate Bulgogi Recipe: As Sweet and Delicious as Baek Jong-won’s Famous Dish!
This recipe brings the beloved Korean Bulgogi right to your kitchen! Perfect for a delightful meal with family and friends, this dish boasts a perfect balance of sweetness and savory flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether for a special occasion or a simple weeknight dinner, this bulgogi is sure to be a hit. We bought some bulgogi at Costco with friends, and it inspired this amazing recipe!
✨ The Golden Ratio Bulgogi Marinade ✨
- 1.5kg (approx. 3.3 lbs) Fresh Beef Bulgogi
- 2 medium Onions
- 1/2 Korean Pear
- 1 and 1/4 cups Soy Sauce
- 2/3 cup Sugar
- 1/2 cup Corn Syrup or Rice Syrup
- 1/2 cup Plum Extract or Syrup
- 1/3 cup Sesame Oil
- 1/2 cup Cheongju (Rice Wine) or Mirin
- A pinch of Black Pepper
- 1/2 cup Minced Garlic (generous amount)
🥦 Fresh Vegetables to Enhance the Dish 🥦
- Savoy Cabbage
- 1 medium Onion
- Green Onions (Scallions)
- Carrot
- Mushrooms (your favorite kind)
- Water or Broth
- Savoy Cabbage
- 1 medium Onion
- Green Onions (Scallions)
- Carrot
- Mushrooms (your favorite kind)
- Water or Broth
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s start by making the delicious bulgogi marinade! First, prepare the aromatics: peel and roughly chop 2 onions and 1/2 Korean pear. Place them in a blender and purée until smooth. In a large bowl, combine 1 and 1/4 cups soy sauce, 2/3 cup sugar, 1/2 cup corn syrup, 1/2 cup plum extract, 1/3 cup sesame oil, 1/2 cup rice wine, a pinch of black pepper, and 1/2 cup minced garlic. Whisk everything together until well combined. Now, add the 1.5kg of beef bulgogi to the bowl. Gently massage the marinade into the meat with your hands, ensuring every piece is coated. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 2
If you have a large batch of bulgogi, it’s a great idea to portion it for future meals. Divide the marinated bulgogi into serving sizes and place them in airtight containers or freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Store these portions in the freezer. This way, you can easily enjoy homemade bulgogi anytime you crave it, saving you time and reducing food waste.
Step 3
Now, it’s time to cook! Prepare your vegetables: core and chop the savoy cabbage into bite-sized pieces. Slice 1 medium onion into thick strips. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated bulgogi and stir-fry until it’s almost cooked through. Next, add the chopped cabbage and sliced onion to the pan. Continue to stir-fry until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Finally, add the thinly julienned carrots and diagonally sliced green onions. Cook for another minute or two until everything is well combined and heated through. Your deliciously sweet and savory bulgogi is ready to be served! Enjoy it with a side of hot steamed rice.
