Savory Soy-Glazed Pork Bulgogi: A Nostalgic Home-Style Recipe
How to Make Delicious Soy-Glazed Pork Bulgogi Just Like at Your Favorite Restaurant
Craving that irresistible sweet and savory flavor from your favorite ‘bulgogi’ restaurant? This simple recipe lets you recreate that beloved taste of soy-glazed pork bulgogi right in your own kitchen. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a satisfying home-cooked meal.
Main Ingredients
- 500g thinly sliced pork shoulder (or similar cut)
- 30g green onion, chopped into small pieces
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
If your thinly sliced pork shoulder pieces are large, cut them into bite-sized pieces. Gently press the pork with paper towels to remove excess blood and moisture. Removing blood helps ensure a cleaner, more pleasant flavor.
Step 2
Prepare the green onion by chopping it into small pieces (about 0.3cm thick). We’re focusing on the natural sweetness and aroma of green onions for this recipe, without adding other vegetables, to highlight their flavor.
Step 3
In a large bowl, combine the prepared pork and chopped green onions. Add the brown sugar (1.5 Tbsp) and minced garlic (1 Tbsp). Use your hands to gently mix and massage the seasonings into the pork, ensuring an even coating.
Step 4
Pour in the grated pear (85ml) and cooking wine (2.5 Tbsp). Add the grated ginger (2g or a pinch of powder). Mix everything gently until the sugar granules dissolve and the ingredients are well incorporated. The grated pear not only adds sweetness but also helps tenderize the meat.
Step 5
Once the initial marinade is mixed, add the soy sauce (2.5 Tbsp) and sesame oil (1.5 Tbsp) for a richer flavor profile. If you have dark soy sauce, adding 1 Tbsp will enhance the color and add a deeper savory note. Finish with a pinch of black pepper to further reduce any gamey flavors.
Step 6
Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. For the best flavor, let the pork marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat. If you’re short on time, you can proceed to cooking immediately.
Step 7
Heat a pan over medium heat. Add the marinated pork to the pan. Use chopsticks to gently separate the meat as it cooks, preventing it from clumping together. Stir-fry until the pork is evenly cooked through. Cooking over medium heat helps keep the meat tender and prevents burning.
Step 8
As the pork cooks and the sauce begins to reduce and slightly caramelize on the bottom of the pan, add the water (120ml). Increase the heat to medium-high and continue to stir-fry, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the meat. When you start to smell a toasty, slightly browned aroma, turn off the heat and your bulgogi is ready.
Step 9
Serve this delicious soy-glazed pork bulgogi over a bed of hot steamed rice for a perfect rice bowl. It’s also wonderful wrapped in fresh lettuce or perilla leaves with your favorite banchan (side dishes) for a delightful contrast in textures and flavors. Enjoy this simple yet incredibly satisfying meal!
