Bulgogi is a traditional Korean dish that is loved by many for its rich flavor and soft texture. It is especially easy to prepare at home, so it is often served as a menu for family meals or entertaining guests. In this article, we will introduce a simple recipe for bulgogi that can be easily prepared at home.
K-food Bulgogi
Bulgogi means 'grilled meat', and traces of dishes similar to bulgogi can be found in various records from the Goryeo Dynasty to the Joseon Dynasty in Korean history. At that time, royalty and nobles enjoyed slicing beef thinly, seasoning it, and grilling it over charcoal. It is said that this tradition developed into modern bulgogi.
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| Bulgogi |
Introduction to Bulgogi Ingredients
Here are the ingredients needed to make Bulgogi :
Main Ingredients
- 500g beef sirloin or tenderloin
- 1 onion
- 1 bunch green onion
- Mushrooms (optional)
Seasoning Ingredients
- 5 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp minced ginger
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- A pinch of pepper
- 3 tbsp pear juice or apple juice (for tenderizing meat)
- 2 tbsp cooking wine
The Secret of Seasoning
The key to the taste of Bulgogi lies in the seasoning. Soy sauce adds a deep savory flavor, and sugar adds richness with its sweetness. Garlic and ginger enhance the aroma, and sesame oil adds a savory flavor. Adding pear juice or apple juice here will make the meat even more tender. Adjust the ratio of each ingredient to find your own golden recipe.
Meat Preparation Method
1. Meat Selection : Select sirloin or tenderloin.
2. Thickness : Slice the meat into thin slices about 0.5cm thick.
3. Remove Blood : Lightly press the blood from the meat with a paper towel to remove it.
4. Tenderize : Use pear juice or apple juice to tenderize the meat.
Cooking Instructions Step-by-Step
1. Prepare Ingredients :
- Slice 500g of beef thinly.
- Slice the onion thinly and chop the green onion diagonally.
- Slice the mushrooms into bite-size pieces.
2. Make Seasoning :
- In a large bowl, mix 5 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp minced garlic, 1 tsp minced ginger, 1 tbsp sesame oil, a little pepper, 3 tbsp pear juice, and 2 tbsp mirin.
3. Marinating the meat :
- Mix the seasoned meat well and marinate for at least 30 minutes. You can marinate it in the refrigerator for about a day to create a deeper flavor.
4. Cooking :
- Stir-fry the marinated meat and vegetables in a pan heated over medium heat. Stir-fry frequently so that the seasoning is well absorbed as the meat cooks. Stir-fry for about 5 to 7 minutes and it's done.
Various Bulgogi Variations Recipes
- Vegetable Bulgogi : Make healthy bulgogi by using various vegetables such as mushrooms, carrots, onions, and pumpkin instead of meat.
- Seafood Bulgogi : Enjoy a different flavor of bulgogi by using shrimp or squid.
- Spicy Bulgogi : Make spicy bulgogi by adding gochujang and red pepper powder.
Recommended side dishes to serve with bulgogi
- Lettuce wrap : Wrap bulgogi in lettuce and eat it with ssamjang to enjoy a crunchy texture and harmonious flavor.
- Kimchi : The spiciness of fermented kimchi goes well with bulgogi.
- Bean sprout salad : Crispy bean sprout salad creates a nice contrast with the soft texture of bulgogi.
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| Bulgogi recipe Tip |
Tips for storing and reusing bulgogi
Storage :
- Leftover bulgogi can be kept fresh for 2-3 days if stored in an airtight container and refrigerated.
- For long-term storage, divide into small portions and store in the freezer. When freezing, place in a zipper bag or airtight container and remove as much air as possible.
How to use :
- Rice bowl : Leftover bulgogi can be used as a rice bowl on top of hot rice.
- Gimbab : Make kimbap with bulgogi as a filling for a simple meal. - **Bibimbap**: Mix together various vegetables to make nutritious bibimbap. Personally, I think it's the best and most delicious.
- Sandwich : Put bulgogi, vegetables, and cheese between bread to make a delicious sandwich.
Drinks that go well with bulgogi
It's said that meat and alcohol go best together. However, it's not necessarily the right answer because it varies from person to person. Find something that suits your taste.
- Traditional tea : Warm pu-erh tea or omija tea with bulgogi will refresh your mouth.
- Makgeolli : The savory taste of bulgogi and the soft carbonation of makgeolli create a harmony, further enhancing the Korean atmosphere.
- Red wine : Choose red wine that goes well with the sweet and salty taste of bulgogi to complete a luxurious meal.
Bulgogi cooking tips
- Make the seasoning in advance and let it age : If you let the seasoning age for about a day, it will have a deeper flavor.
- Marinating time : At least 30 minutes, and for the best taste, refrigerate for more than 12 hours. Marinating meat is more delicious than just cooking it.
- Use medium heat rather than high heat : If you cook meat over high heat, the seasoning can easily burn. You should cook it slowly over medium heat to bring out the flavor.
- Do not add oil : Since bulgogi has enough oil on its own, cooking it without additional oil gives it a cleaner taste.
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Conclusion
Bulgogi is delicious.
And the advantage is that it can be easily made at home. It is a dish with a delicious and deep flavor. If you get the golden ratio of seasoning and use the ingredients appropriately, you can make even more delicious bulgogi.
Try it. It's not as difficult to cook as you think.
How about this for dinner with your family tonight?