Korean beef, often referred to as Bulgogi, is a popular Korean dish featuring marinated beef that's grilled or stir-fried. It’s known for its savory-sweet flavor profile and tender texture. Here’s a recipe to make delicious Korean beef at home:
Ingredients:
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For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice wine or mirin
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
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For the Beef:
- 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
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For Garnish and Serving:
- Cooked white rice or steamed rice
- Kimchi (optional)
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Marinade:
- In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey or maple syrup, sesame oil, rice wine or mirin, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), sesame seeds, and chopped green onions.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
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Marinate the Beef:
- Place the thinly sliced beef in a large bowl or a resealable plastic bag.
- Pour the marinade over the beef, making sure all the pieces are well-coated.
- Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. For best results, marinate overnight.
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Cook the Beef:
Option 1: Grilling
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Brush the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the marinated beef slices for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and have a nice char.
Option 2: Stir-Frying
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil.
- Add the marinated beef in a single layer and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the beef is browned and cooked through. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
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Serve:
- Serve the Korean beef over cooked white rice or steamed rice.
- Garnish with sliced green onions, additional sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro or parsley if desired.
- Add a side of kimchi for a traditional touch.
Tips:
- Beef Slicing: For easier slicing, freeze the beef slightly before cutting. This will help you achieve thin, even slices.
- Marinating Time: Allowing the beef to marinate for longer (up to 24 hours) will result in more intense flavor.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Feel free to stir-fry some vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms, with the beef for a complete meal.
Enjoy your Korean beef!
