Baek Jong-won’s Tender Beef Bulgogi
Baek Jong-won’s Tender Beef Bulgogi
Restaurant-Quality Beef Bulgogi at Home! Baek Jong-won’s Recipe
Make tender and delicious beef bulgogi at home that the whole family will love. Using Baek Jong-won’s secret tips, you can achieve a deep flavor with simple ingredients, perfect for special occasions or everyday meals. The sweet and savory marinade soaks into the meat and vegetables, making it an irresistible rice-lover’s dish!
Beef Bulgogi Main Ingredients- Beef (for Bulgogi) 500g: Thoroughly pat dry to remove blood, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
- Shiitake Mushrooms 3-4: Add an aromatic touch. Slice them to showcase their shape.
- Onion 3/4: Cut into thick slices to bring out its sweetness.
- Carrot (small amount): Thinly sliced for colorful presentation and texture.
- Green Onion 1/2 stalk: Adds a refreshing flavor and aroma. Slice diagonally.
- Red Chili Pepper (optional): Slice thinly if you desire a hint of spice and vibrant color.
Baek Jong-won’s Special Bulgogi Marinade- Soy Sauce 6 Tbsp: The core ingredient for the fundamental savory flavor of bulgogi.
- Brown Sugar 2.5 Tbsp: Adds a subtle sweetness and a glossy finish.
- Corn Syrup 1 Tbsp: Enhances the tender texture and adds extra gloss.
- Minced Garlic 1 Tbsp: An essential aromatic for rich flavor.
- Grated Onion 2 Tbsp: Grating onion into the marinade makes the beef exceptionally tender and boosts sweetness!
- Black Pepper (pinch): Removes any gamey odor from the meat and adds umami.
- Sesame Oil 2 Tbsp: The secret ingredient for a nutty aroma finish.
- Sesame Seeds (pinch): Sprinkle on top for added nuttiness and texture.
- Soy Sauce 6 Tbsp: The core ingredient for the fundamental savory flavor of bulgogi.
- Brown Sugar 2.5 Tbsp: Adds a subtle sweetness and a glossy finish.
- Corn Syrup 1 Tbsp: Enhances the tender texture and adds extra gloss.
- Minced Garlic 1 Tbsp: An essential aromatic for rich flavor.
- Grated Onion 2 Tbsp: Grating onion into the marinade makes the beef exceptionally tender and boosts sweetness!
- Black Pepper (pinch): Removes any gamey odor from the meat and adds umami.
- Sesame Oil 2 Tbsp: The secret ingredient for a nutty aroma finish.
- Sesame Seeds (pinch): Sprinkle on top for added nuttiness and texture.
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, it’s crucial to thoroughly remove the blood from the beef using paper towels. This step is key to preventing any off-putting smell and achieving a clean taste. Once the blood is removed, slice the beef into bite-sized pieces suitable for bulgogi.
Step 2
Next, let’s prepare the vegetables. Slice the green onions diagonally and the carrots into thin strips. If you like, thinly sliced red chili peppers can add a beautiful color and a touch of spiciness. Finely mince the garlic.
Step 3
Remove the stems from the shiitake mushrooms and slice them thinly into pieces to maintain their appealing shape. The chewy texture and rich flavor of mushrooms pair wonderfully with bulgogi.
Step 4
Take 3/4 of the onion and cut it into thick slices. These sliced onions will be stir-fried with the meat to impart sweetness.
Step 5
For the remaining 1/4 onion, grate it finely using a blender. Adding grated onion to the marinade is a secret tip from Baek Jong-won that makes the meat incredibly tender and adds natural sweetness!
Step 6
Now, let’s start marinating. Place the blood-removed beef in a large bowl. Add 2.5 tablespoons of brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of corn syrup. Gently mix and massage the ingredients into the meat. Marinating with sugar and corn syrup first helps tenderize the meat and allows the marinade to penetrate better. Let it sit for about 10 minutes.
Step 7
To the partially marinated beef, add 2 tablespoons of grated onion, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, 6 tablespoons of soy sauce, a pinch of black pepper, and 2 tablespoons of sesame oil. Mix everything together thoroughly by massaging the ingredients into the meat again. Ensure the marinade is evenly distributed, then let it marinate for another 10 minutes.
Step 8
Finally, add all the prepared vegetables – shiitake mushrooms, onions, carrots, green onions (and red chili peppers if using) – to the bowl. Gently mix to ensure the marinade coats everything evenly. The vegetables will release juices, making the bulgogi even more succulent.
Step 9
It’s time to cook! Heat a pan over medium heat and add the marinated beef. Stir-fry the bulgogi over medium heat. Cooking over medium heat rather than high heat prevents the meat from burning and ensures it cooks to a tender perfection.
Step 10
As the meat cooks, it might clump together, so use chopsticks or a spatula to gently separate the pieces while stir-frying. The vegetables will also cook down and release their sweetness. When the meat is almost fully cooked, sprinkle with sesame seeds for an extra nutty flavor and delightful texture.
Step 11
Your delicious Baek Jong-won style Beef Bulgogi is ready! Serve it over warm rice for an incredibly satisfying meal. It’s the perfect side dish that everyone, young and old, will absolutely adore.
