Spicy and Sweet Duck Bulgogi
The Perfect Duck Bulgogi with Homegrown Lettuce and Other Greens (feat. Daiso’s ‘Meat Friend’ Salad Mix)
We harvested fresh lettuce and red mustard greens from our balcony garden, which we started planting for the first time this spring! Since it was our first time, we weren’t sure what to plant, so we bought the ‘Meat Friend’ salad mix set from Daiso. After sowing the seeds, watering them, and placing them in a sunny spot by the window, they grew wonderfully on their own! It took a little over a month from sowing in early May to harvesting. If you’re interested, it’s not too late to start planting your own; it’s quite rewarding! And of course, salad greens need meat! After contemplating between beef or pork belly, we decided to make spicy duck bulgogi, which is rich in unsaturated fatty acids and great for boosting energy. Now, shall we get cooking? ^^
Main Ingredients- 300g Duck meat
- 1 stalk Green onion
- 1/2 Onion
- 2 handfuls Cabbage
- 1/4 Carrot
Basic Seasoning- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp Sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp Sesame seeds
Duck Marinade- 1 Tbsp Cheongju (rice wine)
- 1 Tbsp Minced garlic
- A pinch of Black pepper
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp Sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp Sesame seeds
Duck Marinade- 1 Tbsp Cheongju (rice wine)
- 1 Tbsp Minced garlic
- A pinch of Black pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s marinate the duck meat. Place 300g of duck meat in a bowl. Add 1 Tbsp of Cheongju (rice wine), 1 Tbsp of minced garlic, and a pinch of black pepper. Gently mix and knead with your hands for about 10 minutes. This step is crucial for removing any gamey odor from the duck and making it more tender.
Step 2
Next, we’ll prepare the delicious spicy sauce. In a small bowl, combine 2 Tbsp of Gochujang (red chili paste), 1 Tbsp of Gochugaru (red chili flakes), and 2 Tbsp of Mirin (rice wine). Stir well until there are no lumps. Mirin adds a wonderful depth of flavor and helps tenderize the meat.
Step 3
Now, let’s prepare the vegetables. Slice 1 green onion diagonally into thick pieces. The fragrant aroma of the green onions will harmonize beautifully with the duck, enhancing its overall flavor.
Step 4
Slice 1/2 onion into thick strips. The sweetness of the onion balances the spiciness of the bulgogi, creating a harmonious taste.
Step 5
About 2 handfuls of cabbage, when stir-fried with bulgogi, becomes wonderfully soft and sweet, making the dish exceptionally delicious! Cut the cabbage into bite-sized pieces, about 2-3 cm in size. If you don’t have cabbage, you can omit it, but it adds a fantastic texture and sweetness.
Step 6
Slice 1/4 carrot into strips, similar in size to the other vegetables or slightly thinner. Carrots add a lovely color to the dish and contribute a subtle crunch. With the vegetables prepped, we’re ready for the next step!
Step 7
It’s time to start stir-frying! Heat a pan over medium heat and add a little cooking oil. Add the prepared green onions and onions and stir-fry until fragrant. Once the aroma of the vegetables starts to release, proceed to the next step.
Step 8
Add the marinated duck meat to the pan. Break it apart with chopsticks and stir-fry until it turns grayish. Once the duck is mostly cooked, push it to one side of the pan.
Step 9
In the empty space on the side of the pan, add 1 Tbsp of sugar and 1 Tbsp of soy sauce. As the sugar melts, it will caramelize, adding a delicious smoky flavor and a beautiful sheen. Once the sugar has melted, mix it with the duck and stir-fry everything together.
Step 10
Now, add the prepared carrots and cabbage to the pan. Stir-fry them with the duck until they are slightly softened.
Step 11
Add all the prepared spicy sauce to the pan. Mix well with all the ingredients, ensuring the sauce coats everything evenly. Continue to stir-fry over medium heat, being careful not to burn the sauce.
Step 12
Finally, stir in 1 Tbsp of sesame oil and 1 Tbsp of sesame seeds. Give it a final mix, and your delicious Duck Bulgogi is ready! Enjoy it heartily with a warm bowl of rice or fresh homegrown lettuce wraps.
