Tender and Delicious Korean Beef Bulgogi: The Ultimate Home Recipe
Easy Homemade Bulgogi Marinade: The Secret to Perfectly Flavored Soy-Glazed Beef
Indulge in the irresistibly tender and flavorful stir-fried beef bulgogi, a beloved classic! Instead of buying pre-marinated meat, try making your own at home with fresh ingredients. This simple recipe will guide you step-by-step to create that perfect sweet and savory balance that everyone loves. Elevate your everyday meals or impress guests with this foolproof bulgogi, guaranteed to be a hit!
Main Ingredients- 700g Fresh Beef (for Bulgogi), thinly sliced
- 2/3 Large Green Onion (scallion)
- 1 pack Enoki Mushrooms
- 1/3 Carrot
- 2 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
Special Marinade Sauce- 75ml Soy Sauce (Korean ‘Jin’ type preferred)
- 4 Tbsp Mirin (Rice Wine)
- 6 Tbsp Sugar
- 3 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 150ml Pear Juice Drink (or blended fresh pear)
- 2/3 Onion
- 75ml Soy Sauce (Korean ‘Jin’ type preferred)
- 4 Tbsp Mirin (Rice Wine)
- 6 Tbsp Sugar
- 3 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 150ml Pear Juice Drink (or blended fresh pear)
- 2/3 Onion
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by patting the 700g of thinly sliced beef for bulgogi with paper towels to thoroughly remove any excess blood. This crucial step ensures a clean flavor without any gamey notes.
Step 2
Now, let’s prepare the special marinade that will give our bulgogi its signature taste. In a bowl, combine 75ml of soy sauce, 6 Tbsp sugar, 4 Tbsp mirin, and 3 Tbsp minced garlic. Whisk them together until well incorporated. Getting this balance right is key!
Step 3
For an extra layer of flavor and tenderness, we’ll add a secret ingredient! Place 2/3 of an onion and 150ml of pear juice drink into a blender. Blend until smooth. The natural sweetness and aroma from the pear will tenderize the meat beautifully.
Step 4
Add the blended onion and pear mixture to the soy sauce base you just prepared and mix well. Then, add the beef (with blood removed) to the marinade. Gently massage the marinade into the meat with your hands, ensuring every piece is coated.
Step 5
Cover the marinated beef tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. The longer it marinates, the deeper and more delicious the bulgogi will be. For an even richer taste, marinate for 2-3 hours or even overnight.
Step 6
While the beef is marinating, prepare the accompanying vegetables. Thinly slice 1 whole onion, 1/3 carrot, and 2/3 of a large green onion. Trim the root ends of the enoki mushrooms and separate the strands. Feel free to adjust the types and quantities of vegetables to your preference.
Step 7
It’s time to cook the marinated bulgogi! Heat a non-stick pan over high heat – no oil needed. Add the marinated beef directly to the hot pan. Break up the meat with a spatula as it cooks to prevent clumping and ensure even searing.
Step 8
Once the beef is about half-cooked (the color has changed), add the sliced onion and carrot to the pan. Continue to stir-fry until the beef is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Step 9
When the beef and vegetables are cooked through, add the prepared green onion and enoki mushrooms. Stir gently for just about 30 seconds to a minute, allowing them to wilt slightly without becoming mushy. You want to maintain a pleasant texture.
Step 10
Just before removing from heat, drizzle in 1 Tbsp of toasted sesame seeds for nutty flavor and 2 Tbsp of sesame oil for added aroma and shine. This final touch makes the bulgogi truly irresistible.
Step 11
Voila! Your delicious homemade bulgogi, a true crowd-pleaser and perfect companion for a bowl of rice, is ready to be enjoyed. Serve hot and savor every bite!
