Bulgogi is one of the best known of all Korean dishes. Originally cooked over a wood fire, bulgogi still tastes best with the smoky flavor of the grill. Use a fine grate over charcoal so the meat doesn’t fall through. When prepared in Korean homes or restaurants these days, the meat is often seared on a special curved broiler plate placed in the middle of the table. Each guest cooks his or her own to order.
Bulgogi is usually served with a variety of side dishes. A simple soy sauce-sesame oil dipping sauce is sometimes offered on the side.
Bulgogi
Course: MeatsCuisine: KoreaBeef bulgogi is one of the best known of all Korean dishes. Originally cooked over a wood fire, bulgogi still tastes best with the smoky flavor of the grill.
Ingredients
Beef tenderloin or sirloin, partially frozen and sliced thinly across the grain — 1 1/2 to 2 pounds
Scallions, minced — 2 or 3
Sugar — 2 tablespoons
Garlic, minced — 2 or 3 cloves
Sesame seeds (optional) — 1 tablespoon
Pepper — 1 teaspoon
Soy sauce — 1/2 cup
Sesame oil — 1 tablespoon
Red leaf lettuce, separated into whole leaves — 1 head
Hot cooked sticky rice — 4 cups
Directions
- Toss all the ingredients except for the lettuce and rice together in a large bowl and marinate for at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours.
- Heat a heavy skillet or hot plate without oil over medium-high heat. Drain any excess marinade from the beef. Add the beef to the hot skillet or hot plate in small batches and sear until just cooked through. Remove to a platter and repeat with the remaining meat.
- Serve bulgogi with the red leaf lettuce leaves and steamed sticky rice. Hold a leaf of lettuce in one palm, add a small portion of meat and top it with a bit of rice. Roll the lettuce leaf up and pop it in your mouth.
Bulgogi Notes and Variations
- Dak bulgogi (Korean barbecued chicken): Use chicken breast, butterflied and cut into chunks. Cut the amount of soy sauce in half and add 1 tablespoon of minced ginger
- Fish or seafood bulgogi: Use half the amount of soy sauce and add 2 or 3 tablespoons of gochujang paste. Cut the fish or seafood into large pieces or leave whole. Reduce marinating time to anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes.
- Add a bit of pureed kiwi, pear or apple to the marinade for a touch of fruity sweetness. Other possible marinade additions include 1 tablespoon rice wine or dry sherry or a touch of rice wine vinegar.
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