Bulgogi (Korean Barbecued Beef)

Hyosun Ro|May 14, 2012 4:31 pm EST

5 (1 ratings)

Bulgogi is a marinated meat dish made with thin slices of beef, usually rib-eye. It is no doubt one of the most well-known Korean dishes to non-Koreans. The important thing is to find the right balance between saltiness and sweetness. Using generous amounts of garlic and sesame oil is important to create authentic bulgogi. The same marinade also can be used for chicken or pork. The best way to enjoy Korean barbecued meat is to wrap a bite-sized piece in a lettuce leaf with a dollop of ssamjang (spice paste) or doenjang (soybean paste).

Servings

5

Ingredients

6 tablespoon soy sauce
3 tablespoon water
2 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoon rice wine or mirin
2 tablespoon chopped garlic
2 tablespoon sesame oil
2 teaspoon sesame seeds
3 tablespoon grated asian pear (optional)
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 pound thinly sliced beef rib-eye or top sirloin*
3 scallions, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 small white or yellow onion, sliced thinly
10 mushroom caps, sliced (optional)
sesame oil, for the grill or skillet

Directions

Mix together all of the marinade ingredients in a large bowl and set aside.
If using packaged pre-sliced meat, separate the slices. Add the meat and vegetables to the marinade and toss gently to combine everything well. Marinate for about 1 hour, then drain.
If grilling the meat and vegetables, build a charcoal fire under a grill and let the flames die out. (For gas, preheat the grill over high heat.) Lightly oil the grill and cook the meat and vegetables together until the meat is slightly caramelized, about 3-4 minutes total. Cook in batches, if necessary, to avoid crowding the grill.
If pan-frying the meat and vegetables, heat a skillet over high heat until hot and coat lightly with sesame oil. Again, cook the meat and vegetables in batches, about 3-4 minutes total. Transfer each batch to a plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm.