Super Simple Bulgogi (Korean Marinated Beef)
Quick & Easy Bulgogi Recipe by Chef Baek! Perfect for Busy Days
Enjoy delicious bulgogi without the need for pears or apples! This recipe is incredibly simple, requiring minimal ingredients and no marinating time. It’s perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, especially on busy days. Get ready to impress your taste buds with this flavorful dish!
Main Ingredients
- 500g thinly sliced beef for bulgogi
- 3/5 onion
- 2 shiitake mushrooms (or other mushrooms like oyster mushrooms)
- 1 green onion
- 1 red chili pepper (for color)
Simple Marinade
- 2.5 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup (or rice syrup)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 5 Tbsp soy sauce
- A dash of black pepper (3-4 shakes)
- 3 Tbsp sesame oil
- 2.5 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup (or rice syrup)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 5 Tbsp soy sauce
- A dash of black pepper (3-4 shakes)
- 3 Tbsp sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing 500g of thinly sliced beef, specifically cut for bulgogi. You can ask your butcher for this cut for convenience.
Step 2
Gently pat the surface of the beef with paper towels to absorb any excess blood. Removing the blood helps reduce any gamey odor and allows the marinade to penetrate better.
Step 3
Transfer all the blotted beef to a large mixing bowl.
Step 4
Add 2.5 Tbsp brown sugar, 1 Tbsp corn syrup, and 1 Tbsp minced garlic to the bowl. Mix everything together with a spoon, coating the beef. The key to this recipe is mixing the seasoning directly without a marinating period.
Step 5
While the beef is briefly mingling with the initial seasonings, prepare the vegetables. Slice the onion into approximately 0.5cm thick slices. Avoid slicing them too thinly, as they might break apart during cooking.
Step 6
Finely chop the red chili pepper after removing the seeds. Its vibrant color will add an appealing visual touch, like a garnish.
Step 7
Trim the stems from the shiitake mushrooms and slice the caps into bite-sized pieces, about 0.5cm thick. If you don’t have shiitake mushrooms, feel free to use other mushrooms like oyster or king oyster mushrooms. Any mushroom will add a delightful flavor.
Step 8
Slice the green onion, including both white and green parts, diagonally or into bite-sized pieces, about 0.7cm thick. If using frozen green onions, you can add them directly without thawing. The mild oniony flavor helps cut through the richness of the beef.
Step 9
Now, pour 5 Tbsp of soy sauce over the seasoned beef and mix well. The soy sauce is the foundation of the delicious bulgogi flavor.
Step 10
Add all the prepared vegetables (onion, mushrooms, green onion, red chili pepper) to the bowl and mix thoroughly with the beef.
Step 11
Season with a dash of black pepper, about 3-4 shakes. Pepper enhances the flavor and helps eliminate any meatiness.
Step 12
Finally, drizzle in 3 Tbsp of sesame oil and gently toss everything together until well combined. The nutty aroma of sesame oil elevates the overall taste of the bulgogi.
Step 13
Voila! Your super simple bulgogi seasoning is ready in less than 10 minutes. Now, let’s cook it to perfection.
Step 14
Heat a pan over medium heat and add the entire seasoned beef mixture. Stir gently with chopsticks or a fork to prevent the meat from clumping together.
Step 15
Once the beef starts releasing its juices and the vegetables begin to soften, turn up the heat to high. Stir-fry quickly to ensure the meat cooks through without becoming tough, keeping it tender and juicy.
Step 16
Your delicious bulgogi is ready! If you prefer a slightly saucier, more tender bulgogi, serve it as is. For a drier, more intensely flavored bulgogi, continue stir-frying over higher heat until most of the liquid has evaporated.
Step 17
The tender beef combined with the sweet and savory sauce is truly irresistible. It’s the perfect side dish for rice!
Step 18
Wrap a generous portion of this flavorful bulgogi in fresh lettuce leaves with some rice for an incredibly satisfying bite – a true taste of heaven! This recipe is so easy and quick, you can enjoy delicious bulgogi without any fuss, making it a go-to dish for any occasion. Give it a try!
