Tender Korean Beef Bulgogi for the Whole Family
Holiday Essential! The Golden Ratio Bulgogi Recipe Everyone Loves
This ‘Beef Bulgogi’ is perfect for family gatherings! We’ve made a delicious batch that’s sure to be a hit. Its melt-in-your-mouth texture and savory flavor make it an ideal dish for special occasions or any day you want a special meal.
Main Ingredients- 1.2kg Bulgogi-cut beef (choose tender cuts)
- 2 medium onions
- 1 medium carrot
- 1 large green onion (for finishing)
- 2 king oyster mushrooms
Secret Marinade Ingredients- 8 Tbsp sugar (tenderizes meat and adds sweetness)
- 2 Tbsp minced garlic (essential for flavor!)
- 8 Tbsp soy sauce (the base of bulgogi flavor)
- 4 Tbsp perilla oil (adds a nutty, subtle aroma)
- 4 Tbsp chopped green onion (for added aroma in the marinade)
- Pinch of black pepper (removes any gamey odor)
- 8 Tbsp sugar (tenderizes meat and adds sweetness)
- 2 Tbsp minced garlic (essential for flavor!)
- 8 Tbsp soy sauce (the base of bulgogi flavor)
- 4 Tbsp perilla oil (adds a nutty, subtle aroma)
- 4 Tbsp chopped green onion (for added aroma in the marinade)
- Pinch of black pepper (removes any gamey odor)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare 1.2kg of beef cut for bulgogi. Gently pat the beef dry with paper towels to remove excess blood. This step is crucial for reducing any gamey odors and ensuring a cleaner taste.
Step 2
Sprinkle 8 tablespoons of sugar evenly over the beef. Sugar helps to tenderize the meat and allows the marinade to penetrate better. Let it marinate for 30 minutes.
Step 3
While the beef is marinating, let’s prepare the vegetables. Slice the onions thinly and the carrot into half-moon shapes. Slice the king oyster mushrooms into bite-sized pieces.
Step 4
After 30 minutes, it’s time to add the marinade ingredients to the beef. Start by adding 2 tablespoons of minced garlic. Its pungent aroma will significantly enhance the bulgogi’s fragrance.
Step 5
Next, add 8 tablespoons of soy sauce. This is the key ingredient for that savory and deeply umami flavor characteristic of bulgogi.
Step 6
Pour in 4 tablespoons of perilla oil for a nutty richness. Adding it at this stage, rather than at the very end, helps the oil blend better with the marinade.
Step 7
Add the 4 tablespoons of chopped green onion designated for the marinade. The mild, fresh scent of green onion creates a fantastic harmony with the bulgogi.
Step 8
Finally, add a pinch of black pepper. Gently mix everything together with your hands, ensuring the marinade coats the beef thoroughly. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for another 30 minutes. This extended marination time really deepens the flavor.
Step 9
Now it’s time to cook! Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add the marinated beef. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking together.
Step 10
Once the beef is partially cooked, add the prepared vegetables. Start with the 2 sliced onions. The moisture released from the onions will help keep the bulgogi tender.
Step 11
Add the 1 thinly sliced carrot and stir-fry together. The natural sweetness of the carrot adds another layer of flavor to the bulgogi.
Step 12
Toss in the 2 sliced king oyster mushrooms and continue to stir-fry until both the vegetables and the beef are fully cooked. The chewy texture of the mushrooms complements the tenderness of the beef wonderfully.
Step 13
When all ingredients are cooked, add the 1 large green onion, cut into pieces, and stir-fry for just one more minute. The fresh aroma of the green onion completes the bulgogi’s flavor profile.
Step 14
Transfer the deliciously cooked bulgogi to a serving plate. For an extra touch, you can garnish with some of the cooked mushrooms or a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Step 15
This Beef Bulgogi is an absolute delight for the whole family! Make your dinner tonight special with this delicious dish. Enjoy your meal! ^^
