Baek Jong-won’s Tender Beef Bulgogi Golden Recipe
Master the Ultimate Flavor: Baek Jong-won’s Beef Bulgogi at Home
Beef Bulgogi is a beloved Korean classic, and we’ve recreated it to perfection using Chef Baek Jong-won’s renowned recipe! Get ready for incredibly tender meat with a rich, savory-sweet glaze that will have everyone asking for seconds. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or elevating any ordinary meal.
Beef Bulgogi Ingredients- Beef (for Bulgogi) 500g
- 1 stalk Green Onion (sliced diagonally)
- 1 package Enoki Mushrooms
- 1 Red Chili Pepper
- 2.5 Tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Corn Syrup (or Oligosaccharide)
- 1 Onion (3/4 sliced thinly, 1/4 to be pureed)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 6 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- Pinch of Black Pepper
- 3 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- Pinch of Sesame Seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the onion. Slice 3/4 of the onion thinly into strips. Cut the remaining 1/4 into smaller pieces that will be easy to puree in a blender or with a grater.
Step 2
Place the cut 1/4 piece of onion into a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. If it’s too thick, you can add a tiny splash of water to help it blend.
Step 3
In a bowl, combine the 500g of beef for bulgogi. First, add 2.5 tablespoons of brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of corn syrup. Gently massage the sugar and syrup into the beef with your hands, ensuring it’s evenly coated. This step tenderizes the meat and adds a delicious sweetness.
Step 4
To the sugar-marinated beef, add 2 tablespoons of the pureed onion (Note: ‘2t’ in the original input has been interpreted as ‘2T’ for tablespoon, a common measurement for marinades). Mix everything thoroughly again. The onion’s natural sweetness and flavor will infuse into the meat, enhancing its taste.
Step 5
Let the marinated beef rest for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. While it rests, you can prepare the other ingredients to save time.
Step 6
Slice the green onion diagonally into approximately 1cm thick pieces. For the enoki mushrooms, trim off the base and rinse them thoroughly under running water. Then, separate them into smaller clusters.
Step 7
After the 10-minute marination, add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, a pinch of black pepper, 6 tablespoons of soy sauce, and 3 tablespoons of sesame oil to the beef. Mix everything well until the ingredients are evenly distributed. The soy sauce adds umami, and the sesame oil brings a wonderful nutty aroma.
Step 8
This seasoned bulgogi can be cooked immediately. However, for an even more exquisite taste and tender texture, refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes or even overnight to allow the flavors to deepen. If you’re short on time, cooking it right away will still yield delicious results!
Step 9
Finally, add the thinly sliced onion, chopped green onion, and prepared enoki mushrooms to the marinated beef. Gently toss everything together. Be careful not to overmix or mash the ingredients; a light toss is sufficient to combine everything without bruising the vegetables.
Step 10
Tip: If you wish to use strongly flavored mushrooms like shiitake, it’s recommended to add them during the stir-frying process towards the end, rather than marinating them with the beef. This allows their aroma to be more prominent and delicious! Feel free to adjust based on your preference.
Step 11
Heat a wide pan or pot over medium heat. Add the marinated beef mixture and stir-fry, ensuring it doesn’t burn. The juices from the meat and the marinade will combine, releasing a wonderful aroma.
Step 12
Cook until you achieve your desired sauce consistency. If you prefer more sauce, don’t overcook. If you like it less saucy, cook a bit longer to evaporate some liquid. Continue stir-frying until the beef is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Step 13
Once cooked to perfection, transfer the delicious Beef Bulgogi to a serving plate. Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds for an extra touch of nutty flavor and an appealing presentation. Enjoy this delightful dish with a side of warm rice!
