Juicy Bulgogi Inari Sushi: A Bento Box Delight
Juicy Bulgogi Inari Sushi: A Bento Box Delight
Our Special Beef Bulgogi Inari Sushi Bento Box
Choosing bento box menus can be quite a challenge every time! You need something easy, convenient, visually appealing, and most importantly, delicious. This recipe for ‘Delicious Beef Bulgogi Inari Sushi’ is a bento menu that’s quick, simple, and beautifully made with plenty of care. ^_^**
Main Ingredients- 600g Beef for Bulgogi (recommend using fresh, high-quality Korean beef)
- Aburaage (Fried Tofu Pockets for sushi), 1 pack
- Fresh Parsley, a small bunch (for garnish)
- Warm Cooked Rice, about 3-4 servings
Bulgogi Marinade Ingredients- 70ml Soy Sauce (regular, not soup soy sauce)
- 4 Tbsp Sugar (white or brown)
- 1/2 Onion (medium-sized)
- 1/2 Apple (sweet variety recommended)
- 2 Tbsp Korean Plum Extract (Maesil-cheong, approx. 25ml)
- 2 Tbsp Cooking Sake (Mirin, approx. 25ml)
- 2 Tbsp Minced Garlic (finely minced)
- 70ml Soy Sauce (regular, not soup soy sauce)
- 4 Tbsp Sugar (white or brown)
- 1/2 Onion (medium-sized)
- 1/2 Apple (sweet variety recommended)
- 2 Tbsp Korean Plum Extract (Maesil-cheong, approx. 25ml)
- 2 Tbsp Cooking Sake (Mirin, approx. 25ml)
- 2 Tbsp Minced Garlic (finely minced)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, gently press the beef for bulgogi with paper towels to remove any excess blood. Removing the blood well helps eliminate any gamey smell and results in a cleaner taste.
Step 2
After patting the beef dry, add the 4 tablespoons of sugar first and mix well to coat the meat. Sugar molecules are large, so adding them first allows them to penetrate the surface and ensures the sweetness is evenly distributed rather than just coating the outside.
Step 3
Wash, peel, and then blend half an onion and half an apple in a blender until smooth. The pureed onion and apple act as natural tenderizers, breaking down the protein bonds in the meat to make it more tender and effectively removing any unwanted odors. The natural sugars from the apple also add a healthier, subtle sweetness.
Step 4
Add the 2 tablespoons of finely minced garlic to the beef and mix it in. Garlic adds a wonderful aroma and further helps to neutralize any off-flavors.
Step 5
Pour in 70ml of soy sauce. This will form the base flavor of your bulgogi.
Step 6
Add 2 tablespoons (25ml) of Korean plum extract (Maesil-cheong) and 2 tablespoons (25ml) of cooking sake (Mirin). The acidity and flavor from the plum extract and mirin not only help tenderize the meat further but also add complexity, enhancing the overall richness of the bulgogi.
Step 7
Now, let the meat marinate. The tenderizing effect of fruits is most active between 40°C and 60°C, but it also works well at lower temperatures. During hot summer months, to prevent spoilage, it’s essential to marinate the beef in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. In cooler weather, about 20-30 minutes at room temperature will suffice to tenderize the meat. For an even deeper flavor, you can marinate it overnight in the fridge.
Step 8
Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add the marinated bulgogi. Stir-fry quickly to seal in the juices. Continue to cook until the sauce has reduced and thickened slightly, creating a delicious bulgogi.
Step 9
Prepare the components for the inari sushi. Get your pre-made aburaage (fried tofu pockets for sushi) ready. Ensure your rice is cooked and warm. Once the bulgogi is cooked and slightly cooled, use kitchen scissors to cut it into bite-sized pieces, suitable for topping the inari sushi.
Step 10
You don’t need to season the rice separately for the inari sushi. The pre-made aburaage usually comes with a seasoning liquid, providing enough flavor. Additionally, the bulgogi itself is well-seasoned. Adding extra seasoning to the rice might make the overall taste too strong. The natural sweetness of the rice is often sufficient.
Step 11
Gently open the prepared aburaage pockets and fill them with a portion of the warm rice. Top generously with the cut bulgogi. You can adjust the ratio of rice to bulgogi according to your preference.
Step 12
Finally, finely chop the fresh parsley and sprinkle it over the bulgogi topping. The fresh, herbaceous notes of parsley surprisingly complement the sweet and savory bulgogi, enhancing the overall flavor profile. It also adds a beautiful touch of color!
Step 13
For an extra touch, you can drizzle a little mayonnaise over the bulgogi inari sushi. Serve with your favorite side dishes like kimchi or pickles for a satisfying and delicious bento box meal! It’s perfect for special occasions or a delightful picnic lunch.
