Tender Marinated Beef Skewers (So-gogi Sanjeok)
A Fail-Proof Recipe for Delicious Beef Sanjeok, Perfect for Ancestral Rites and Holiday Feasts
Introducing So-gogi Sanjeok, an indispensable dish for ancestral memorial services and holiday tables. Marinated in a savory-sweet soy sauce mixture until tender, then simply grilled to perfection, this dish is surprisingly easy to make and results in an impressive presentation. Its universally loved flavor makes it a recommended dish to prepare with care for any festive occasion.
Main Ingredients- Beef (for Sanjeok) 500g
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the beef for sanjeok. Gently pat the surface of the beef with paper towels to remove excess blood. This step is crucial for a clean taste without any gamey odor.
Step 2
Dishes served during ancestral rites typically omit strong aromatics like garlic and green onions. Therefore, it’s important to highlight the natural flavors of the ingredients. This recipe uses basic components to create a wonderfully flavorful marinade.
Step 3
Wash and peel the pear. Grate it finely using a grater. Strain the grated pear through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to extract the juice. Pear juice helps tenderize the meat and adds a subtle sweetness.
Step 4
Extract juice from the onion similarly. Onion juice adds umami and aids in tenderizing the meat, making it exceptionally soft. Measure out 3 tablespoons of onion juice.
Step 5
Now, let’s make the delicious sanjeok marinade. In a bowl, combine 4 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of mirin, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of corn syrup (adjust sweetness to your preference; oligodang or rice syrup can be substituted), 1 tablespoon of plum extract, 2 tablespoons of sesame oil, the prepared 3 tablespoons of onion juice, and 1/2 cup of pear juice. Whisk everything together until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Step 6
Add the drained beef to the marinade and gently mix to coat evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least half a day, or preferably overnight, to let the flavors meld. This marinating period allows the beef to absorb the marinade deeply, enhancing its taste significantly.
Step 7
Heat a lightly oiled pan over medium heat. Place the marinated beef and any excess marinade into the pan. It’s best to cook over medium heat rather than high heat to prevent burning.
Step 8
As the beef begins to cook, manage the heat carefully to prevent the marinade from burning. Flip the pieces frequently and grill until they are nicely browned and caramelized on both sides. The sauce will reduce, giving the beef a glossy sheen and a wonderful aroma.
Step 9
Arrange the beautifully grilled beef sanjeok on a serving plate. For an extra touch, sprinkle with pine nuts or sesame seeds for garnish. Your delicious So-gogi Sanjeok is ready to be enjoyed!
