Tender Korean Beef Bulgogi
The Ultimate Homemade Korean Beef Bulgogi Recipe
Create everyone’s favorite main dish: tender and flavorful Korean Beef Bulgogi right in your own kitchen. This recipe adds a touch of elegance to any meal, whether it’s a special occasion or an everyday dinner.
Main Ingredients- 600g fresh Korean beef for bulgogi (thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin)
- 1 large onion
- 1/2 stalk of scallion (green onion)
- 1 red chili pepper
- 100g cabbage
Flavorful Marinade- 6 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup or rice syrup
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 2.5 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- 3 Tbsp sesame oil
- 6 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup or rice syrup
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 2.5 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- 3 Tbsp sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, it’s crucial to remove the excess blood from the fresh Korean beef. Gently pat the surface of the beef with paper towels to absorb any liquid. Thoroughly draining the blood will ensure a clean taste without any gamey odors.
Step 2
Now, let’s marinate the beef after draining the blood. Add 2.5 Tbsp of brown sugar and 1 Tbsp of corn syrup. Gently massage the ingredients into the meat, being careful not to break down the muscle fibers. Let it sit for 10 minutes. This pre-marination step will help tenderize the beef and infuse it with a subtle sweetness, enhancing its overall flavor.
Step 3
Next, prepare the vegetables that will complement the bulgogi. Slice the large onion into thick strips. Cut the scallions diagonally into large pieces. Slice the vibrant red chili pepper diagonally, similar to the scallions, for a beautiful presentation. Also, chop the crunchy cabbage into bite-sized pieces.
Step 4
It’s time to add the delicious marinade to the beef! To the beef that has been pre-marinated for 10 minutes, add 6 Tbsp of soy sauce, the sliced onion, 1 Tbsp of minced garlic (add this if you have it, otherwise skip), a pinch of black pepper, and 3 Tbsp of sesame oil for that rich aroma. Mix everything thoroughly. For the best flavor, let the beef marinate for at least 3 hours in the refrigerator, or preferably overnight. This extended marination allows the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat, resulting in a much richer and more complex taste.
Step 5
Combine the well-marinated beef with the prepared vegetables. Gently mix them together. Be careful not to overmix or agitate the ingredients too much, as this will help maintain the shape of the beef and vegetables when cooked, making for a more appealing presentation.
Step 6
Now, let’s cook the delicious bulgogi! Heat a pan over medium heat. Add the marinated beef and vegetables. Stir-fry until the beef is cooked through and the vegetables are tender-crisp. The sweet and savory marinade will meld beautifully with the vegetables as the beef cooks, creating an irresistible flavor. Cooking over medium heat, rather than high heat, ensures the beef doesn’t burn and remains moist and tender inside. Your mouthwatering Korean Beef Bulgogi is ready! Serve it hot over steamed rice for a delightful meal.
