Delicious Stir-Fried Beef Bulgogi
The Ultimate Home-Style Beef Bulgogi Recipe: Secret to a Perfect Savory-Sweet Marinade
This recipe features tender cuts of beef marinated and stir-fried in a delectable savory-sweet soy sauce-based marinade. It’s a perfect main dish for families, especially for children who may not enjoy spicy food, and promises to captivate everyone’s taste buds with its rich flavor. While many pre-marinated bulgogi kits are available, this recipe demonstrates how to achieve that deep, satisfying flavor right in your own kitchen without difficulty. The secret lies in effectively removing any gamey odor from the beef and tenderizing it in a short amount of time. Feel free to enhance the dish by adding various vegetables like mushrooms and carrots, or even chewy rice cakes for a touch of royal tteokbokki. We’ll guide you step-by-step on how to make delicious soy-sauce based bulgogi. Packed with iron, red meat like beef is also an excellent source of protein for growing children. Create a nutritious and delightful meal with this flavorful Hanu (Korean beef) bulgogi recipe, and take the stress out of meal planning!
Main Ingredients
- Beef (for Bulgogi) 600g
- 1 large Scallion
- 1/2 Onion
- A pinch of Sesame Seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, it’s crucial to remove the blood from the beef. If not properly drained, the meat can develop an unpleasant odor. Use paper towels to gently press and absorb all the blood.
Step 2
Next, prepare the vegetables. Slice half an onion into thin strips. Cut the large scallion either diagonally or into large pieces, according to your preference. You can also add other vegetables like mushrooms or carrots for a richer bulgogi experience.
Step 3
Before adding the main marinade, gently mix the beef with 1 tablespoon of sugar and 100ml (about half a standard cup) of pear juice drink. Adding sugar first, due to its larger granules, allows it to penetrate the meat better for a subtle, delicious sweetness. The pear juice also acts as a tenderizer, ensuring a more succulent bulgogi. If pear juice is unavailable, simply add an extra tablespoon of sugar.
Step 4
Now, let’s prepare and add the main marinade ingredients. Combine 5 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of corn syrup, 2 tablespoons of minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of sesame oil, 1/2 teaspoon of ginger powder, and a dash of black pepper. Note: If you plan to add plenty of extra ingredients like mushrooms or rice cakes, I recommend using 6 tablespoons of soy sauce. For this recipe with just simple vegetables, 5 tablespoons is sufficient. Adjust the amount of soy sauce based on the quantity of additional ingredients you use.
Step 5
Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the beef is evenly coated with the marinade. For best results, let it marinate in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. However, if you’re short on time, you can proceed to cook it immediately.
Step 6
The key to delicious stir-frying is to heat your pan sufficiently before adding the beef. Instead of constantly stirring from the beginning, sear the meat over medium-high heat until it sizzles and gets slightly caramelized. This step adds a deeper, more complex flavor. Continue to stir-fry over medium-high heat.
Step 7
Once the beef is almost cooked through and the sauce has reduced to a nice glaze, add the prepared vegetables. Stir-fry quickly over high heat, ensuring the vegetables remain crisp-tender.
Step 8
When the vegetables are coated with the delicious soy sauce marinade, your savory bulgogi is ready! You can enjoy it with a completely reduced sauce, or leave a little sauce remaining to mix with rice for a delightful meal. Red meat like beef is rich in iron, making it an excellent, nutritious choice for growing children. Make this delicious Hanu bulgogi and make mealtime worry-free and enjoyable for your whole family!
