Zucchini Beef Bulgogi: A Hearty Meal for the Whole Family
The Perfect Harmony of Tender Beef Bulgogi and Sweet Zucchini
Wondering what to cook today? Recharge your energy with this delicious Beef Bulgogi! Tender beef, sweet zucchini, and crisp vegetables come together to create a satisfying meal that everyone, young and old, will love. Make your family’s taste buds sing with this simple yet impressive Zucchini Beef Bulgogi recipe!
Main Ingredients- Beef for Bulgogi 773g (ribeye, sirloin, or your preferred cut)
- Zucchini 1/2 medium (about 200g)
- Carrot 1/4 medium (about 50g)
Bulgogi Marinade- Soy Sauce 8 Tbsp
- White Sugar or Brown Sugar 4 Tbsp (adjust sweetness to your preference)
- Mirin or Rice Wine 4 Tbsp
- Minced Garlic 2 Tbsp
- Minced Ginger 1/2 Tbsp (optional, or a pinch of ginger powder)
- Soy Sauce 8 Tbsp
- White Sugar or Brown Sugar 4 Tbsp (adjust sweetness to your preference)
- Mirin or Rice Wine 4 Tbsp
- Minced Garlic 2 Tbsp
- Minced Ginger 1/2 Tbsp (optional, or a pinch of ginger powder)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, gently pat dry the beef for bulgogi with paper towels to remove excess blood. In a bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients (Soy Sauce 8 Tbsp, Sugar 4 Tbsp, Mirin 4 Tbsp, Minced Garlic 2 Tbsp, Minced Ginger 1/2 Tbsp). Mix well by gently massaging the beef with the marinade. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes for a deeper flavor and tender texture. If you’re short on time, 10 minutes will also suffice.
Step 2
When you’re ready to cook the marinated beef, use the tip of a chopstick or spoon to press down on the meat. This helps the marinade penetrate the beef thoroughly and ensures the meat becomes exceptionally tender when cooked.
Step 3
Slice the zucchini into half-moon shapes or bite-sized pieces. Slice the carrot into similar sizes. Trim the stems off the Japanese chili peppers. Chop the green onion and onion into larger pieces. (You can add mushrooms or other vegetables if you like.)
Step 4
Heat cooking oil (1.5 Tbsp) in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and spread it out evenly in the pan. Stir-fry over high heat until the beef starts to brown. Once the beef is partially cooked, add the sliced zucchini, carrots, Japanese chili peppers, green onions, and onions. At this point, sprinkle 1/2 Tbsp of sugar and 2 Tbsp of soy sauce over the vegetables. This will enhance the natural sweetness of the vegetables and add more savory depth.
Step 5
Continue to stir-fry everything over high heat until all ingredients are well combined and cooked through. It’s important to cook until the sauce is slightly reduced and the beef and vegetables are tender. Just before turning off the heat, drizzle with sesame oil and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for an extra aromatic touch. (These last additions are optional but highly recommended for enhanced flavor!) Serve hot over freshly steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal. The kids will surely enjoy the soft zucchini!
