Bulgogi (불고기 - Grilled Marinated Beef)

Recipe & Instructions (US Units)

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs thinly sliced beef (ribeye, sirloin, or tenderloin recommended)
• Marinade:
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup grated Asian pear or apple (acts as tenderizer)
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey
  • 2 tbsp rice wine (mirin) or water
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp minced ginger
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• For Cooking:
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil (if pan-frying)
  • Optional: Sliced onions, mushrooms, or green onions to cook alongside
• For Serving:
  • Cooked rice
  • Lettuce leaves (like red or green leaf) for wrapping (ssam)
  • Ssamjang (spicy Korean dipping sauce)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Beef: If not pre-sliced, slightly freeze the beef for easier slicing into very thin (1/8 inch or less) pieces against the grain.
2. Make Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, grated pear/apple, brown sugar, rice wine, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and black pepper.
3. Marinate Beef: Add the sliced beef and sliced green onions to the marinade. Gently toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably 2-4 hours (up to overnight).
4. Cook Bulgogi:
   • Grilling: Preheat an outdoor grill, indoor grill pan, or broiler to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated beef in batches, turning once, until cooked through and slightly caramelized (only takes a few minutes due to thinness). Cook optional vegetables alongside.
   • Pan-Frying: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Cook beef in batches, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and caramelized. Add optional vegetables during the last few minutes.
5. Serve: Serve hot bulgogi immediately with cooked rice. Often served with lettuce leaves and ssamjang for diners to make wraps (ssam).

What Makes It Special:

Bulgogi, meaning "fire meat," is one of Korea's most popular dishes globally. Its appeal lies in the incredibly tender texture of the thinly sliced beef combined with the addictive sweet and savory marinade infused with garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. The slight caramelization from grilling or pan-frying adds another layer of flavor. It's versatile, enjoyed simply with rice or as part of a Korean BBQ feast.