I absolutely love Bulgogi, the delightful Korean BBQ Beef! It’s a dish that holds a special place in my heart, and I cherish making it with my husband. The joy of preparing and savoring this flavorful meal together creates wonderful moments that we both treasure.

What is Bulgogi?

Bulgogi or Korean BBQ Beef, is a tasty dish with thin slices of beef. I make it super yummy by marinating the beef in a mix of soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. After that, we cook it until it gets a nice, sweet, and savory flavor.

People usually cook it on a grill or stove. It’s a popular dish in Korea and tastes great with rice or wrapped in lettuce leaves. Imagine sweet, salty, and yummy flavors all in one bite – that’s Bulgogi!

How to cut Beef Short Ribs for Korean BBQ

Follow the Steps to get better Results:

1. Inspect and Rinse:
   • Examine the beef short ribs for bone fragments or excess fat. Rinse them under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
2. Orientation of Ribs:
   • Lay the beef short ribs on a clean cutting board with the bone side facing up.
3. Identify Bone Structure:
   • Recognize the horizontal bone structure running across each rib section, usually containing three to four bones.
4. Cut Between the Bones:
   • Use a sharp knife to carefully cut between the bones, separating the ribs into individual pieces. Aim for slices around 1/2 to 1 inch thick.
5. Trim Excess Fat (Optional):
   • Optionally, trim any excess fat from the edges of the ribs, adjusting based on personal preference.
6. Marinate or Season:
   • Place the cut ribs in a bowl or a resealable plastic bag. Apply your chosen Korean BBQ marinade or season with salt, pepper, and desired spices. Allow the ribs to marinate for at least 30 minutes.

How to store?

For leftovers, refrigerate Korean BBQ beef in an airtight container, separating it from vegetables. Consume within a few days for the best taste. Reheat gently, but freezing may affect texture, so use caution. Check for spoilage before enjoying.

How to Make Korean BBQ Beef

Bulgogi Ingredients:

Marinade:

• 1.5 pounds rib-eye beef, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons mirin
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 green onions, finely chopped

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)

Garnish (optional):

• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade:

• Whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, mirin, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame seeds, black pepper, and chopped green onions in a bowl.

2. Marinate the Beef:

• Place the thinly sliced rib eye beef in a large bowl or a zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the beef, ensuring it’s well coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.

3. Cook the Bulgogi:

• Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
• Add the marinated beef, sliced onion, julienned carrot, and bell pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and the vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally.

4. Garnish and Serve:

• Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
• Serve the Beef Bulgogi over steamed rice or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a traditional Korean BBQ experience.

Tips

1. Thinly Sliced Beef: Ensure the rib-eye beef is thinly sliced for optimal flavor absorption. Partially freezing the meat for about 30 minutes before slicing makes it easier to achieve thin slices.
2. Marinating Time: While a minimum marinating time of 30 minutes is suggested, letting the beef marinate for a longer duration, such as 2-4 hours or even overnight in the refrigerator, enhances the depth of flavor. Adjust marinating time based on your schedule for a more flavorful Bulgogi experience.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Beef Bulgogi!

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FAQ

Can I use a different cut of beef for Bulgogi?

While rib eye is a popular choice for its tenderness and marbling, you can use other cuts like sirloin or flank steak. Just ensure the beef is thinly sliced for the best results.

Is it necessary to use mirin in the marinade?

Mirin adds a subtle sweetness to the marinade. If unavailable, you can substitute it with a sweet rice wine or a mixture of rice vinegar and a small amount of sugar.

Can I prepare Beef Bulgogi in advance?

Absolutely! Marinating the beef in advance and storing it in the refrigerator allows the flavors to intensify. You can also slice the vegetables beforehand for a quicker cooking process.

What side dishes pair well with Beef Bulgogi?

Classic accompaniments include steamed rice, kimchi, and a variety of banchan (side dishes) like pickled vegetables or Korean spinach. Serve it with lettuce leaves for wrapping for a traditional experience.

Can I grill Beef Bulgogi instead of pan-cooking?

Yes, Bulgogi is fantastic on the grill! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the marinated beef and vegetables on skewers or in a grilling basket for that authentic Korean BBQ flavor. Adjust cooking times as needed.

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to reach out to me via email at Admin@wasiancookery.com. Additionally, I welcome your engagement on social media! Follow Me at @Wasiancookery  on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. I’d love to connect with you there!