Easy Homemade Bulgogi (Beef Bulgogi)
Simple and Delicious Beef Bulgogi Recipe (Classic Bulgogi Marinade)
A must-have meat dish for any meal, Beef Bulgogi! This recipe makes it incredibly easy to whip up this savory delight anytime thanks to a simple and quick marinade. The perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors will make this a family favorite. Enjoy the tender beef complemented by the rich, flavorful sauce.
Main Ingredients- 300g Beef (thinly sliced for bulgogi)
- 2 handfuls Enoki mushrooms (approx. 100g)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Flavorful Bulgogi Marinade- 1/2 medium Onion
- 7 cloves Garlic
- 5 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 3 Tbsp Corn Syrup (for shine and sweetness)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/2 medium Onion
- 7 cloves Garlic
- 5 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 3 Tbsp Corn Syrup (for shine and sweetness)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the vegetables that will form the base of your bulgogi marinade. Wash the onion and garlic cloves thoroughly under running water. Peel the onion and trim the garlic stems. Chop them into roughly 2-3 cm pieces to make them easier to blend.
Step 2
Place the chopped onion and whole garlic cloves into a blender or food processor. Cutting the vegetables into manageable pieces will help them blend smoothly.
Step 3
Blend the onion and garlic until they form a fine, smooth puree. Continue blending until there are no large chunks left. This will create the rich flavor base for your bulgogi.
Step 4
Transfer the smooth onion and garlic puree to a mixing bowl. Add all the prepared marinade ingredients: 5 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp sugar, 3 Tbsp corn syrup, 1 Tbsp sesame oil, and 0.5 tsp black pepper.
Step 5
Using a spatula or spoon, stir all the marinade ingredients together until well combined and no lumps remain. Your delicious, perfectly balanced bulgogi marinade is now ready!
Step 6
Gently press the slices of beef with paper towels to absorb any excess blood. Removing the blood helps reduce any gamey smell and allows the marinade to penetrate the meat better, resulting in a more flavorful dish. Be careful not to press too hard.
Step 7
Carefully add the drained beef slices to the prepared bulgogi marinade.
Step 8
Gently separate each slice of beef and massage the marinade into the meat with your hands. Continue mixing for about 5 minutes to ensure every piece is evenly coated and the flavors have a chance to meld.
Step 9
You can cook the bulgogi immediately, but for a deeper flavor, it’s best to let it marinate longer. Transfer the marinated beef to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight). If you’re short on time, cooking it right away is also fine.
Step 10
Heat a pan over medium heat. Add the marinated beef and any remaining marinade to the pan. Use chopsticks or a spatula to gently separate the beef slices as they cook, ensuring they don’t clump together. Avoid overcooking to keep the beef tender.
Step 11
Once the beef is about halfway cooked and has started to change color, add the enoki mushrooms (2 handfuls), tearing them into bite-sized pieces. The mushrooms will absorb the flavors and add a lovely texture to the dish.
Step 12
Continue to stir-fry until the mushrooms are wilted and the beef is fully cooked. If there’s too much liquid, let it simmer and reduce slightly until the sauce is thick and coats the meat beautifully. You want a moist, flavorful sauce.
Step 13
Transfer the cooked bulgogi to a serving plate. Sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds for a final touch of nutty flavor and appealing presentation. Serve hot with a side of steamed rice for a delightful meal!
