Elegant Korean Beef Tartare (Yukhoe) Recipe
Elegant Korean Beef Tartare (Yukhoe) Recipe
Masterchef’s Secret: Making Delicious and Fresh Korean Beef Tartare
This is a luxurious dish perfect for special occasions and impressing guests, or as a delightful appetizer for holiday gatherings with family and elders. Enjoy a sophisticated and flavorful experience.
Main Ingredients- 500g Fresh beef for Yukhoe (beef tartare)
- 1/2 Pear, peeled and julienned
- 1 Cucumber, seeded and julienned
- 3 cloves Garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 Fresh egg yolk
- 1 Cheongyang chili pepper, deseeded and finely chopped
Masterchef’s Secret Seasoning- 2 Tbsp Cheongju (rice wine, for removing gamey smell)
- 3 Tbsp Soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp Brown sugar (or 1 Tbsp Xylose sugar)
- 2 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 Tbsp Minced garlic
- 8 Tbsp Toasted sesame seeds (mix of 6 Tbsp white and 2 Tbsp black)
- 4 Tbsp Sesame oil
- 2 Tbsp Honey (or 1 Tbsp Honey)
- 3 Pinches Salt
- 4 Tbsp Finely chopped scallions
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 2 Tbsp Cheongju (rice wine, for removing gamey smell)
- 3 Tbsp Soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp Brown sugar (or 1 Tbsp Xylose sugar)
- 2 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 Tbsp Minced garlic
- 8 Tbsp Toasted sesame seeds (mix of 6 Tbsp white and 2 Tbsp black)
- 4 Tbsp Sesame oil
- 2 Tbsp Honey (or 1 Tbsp Honey)
- 3 Pinches Salt
- 4 Tbsp Finely chopped scallions
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, peel the pear and slice half of it into thin half-moon shapes. For the cucumber, remove the seeds and cut it into similar-sized julienne strips. Finely chop the Cheongyang chili pepper after removing its seeds.
Step 2
The key to delicious Yukhoe is freshness. Ensure you use the freshest beef specifically labeled for tartare. It’s best to purchase it directly from a butcher or use high-quality, fresh beef.
Step 3
Now, let’s prepare the Masterchef’s secret seasoning. In a large bowl, combine the liquid ingredients first: Cheongju, soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil. Whisk them together. Then, add the Gochujang, brown sugar, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined and smooth, ensuring no lumps remain. Finally, mix in the toasted sesame seeds and chopped scallions to complete the flavorful sauce. (Tip: Adjust the amount of sugar and honey to your preference. You can reduce the sweetness by using 1 Tbsp of Xylose sugar instead of brown sugar and 1 Tbsp of honey. Mixing white and black sesame seeds adds a beautiful visual appeal.)
Step 4
Place the fresh beef into a bowl and add about two-thirds of the prepared seasoning. Gently mix the beef with the seasoning using your hands, ensuring it’s coated evenly without overworking the meat. Be careful not to knead it too vigorously, as this can make the meat tough. (Tip: Adding black sesame seeds will give the Yukhoe a richer, more appealing color.)
Step 5
Once the beef is evenly coated with the seasoning, add the finely chopped Cheongyang chili pepper and gently mix one more time. The chili pepper adds a pleasant spicy kick that balances the overall flavor. Set the seasoned Yukhoe aside, ready for plating.
Step 6
Arrange the julienned pear and cucumber attractively around the edge of a serving plate, creating a visually appealing border. Then, pile the seasoned beef tartare in the center of the plate.
Step 7
Here comes the highlight! Make a small well in the center of the Yukhoe using a spoon or your finger. Carefully place the fresh egg yolk into the well, ensuring it doesn’t break. Finally, delicately insert the sliced garlic around the yolk as a garnish, like petals of a flower, to complete this stunning dish.
Step 8
Now it’s time to enjoy your delicious Yukhoe! Break the egg yolk and mix it thoroughly with the beef tartare. Serve with the accompanying crisp pear and cucumber for a delightful combination of fresh flavors and textures. This dish is sure to be a star at any special occasion.
