Tender Beef Skewers (San-jeok): A Festive Korean Delicacy
Tender Beef Skewers (San-jeok): A Festive Korean Delicacy
The Quintessential Holiday Skewer: Delicious Beef San-jeok
A beloved classic for Korean holidays! These colorful and deliciously chewy beef skewers, known as San-jeok, are a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Enjoy the delightful combination of savory beef, crisp vegetables, and flavorful mushrooms. Make this special day even more memorable by presenting this lovingly crafted dish to your dear ones.
Main Ingredients- 200g Beef sirloin (for skewers)
- 1 King oyster mushroom
- 1/2 Carrot
- 1 Scallion (Korean leek)
- 2 Tbsp All-purpose flour
- 2 Eggs
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of sesame oil
- Pine nuts (optional, for garnish)
Beef Marinade- 1.5 Tbsp Low-sodium soy sauce
- 0.5 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Cooking wine (Mirin or similar)
- 1 clove Garlic, minced (approx. 1 tsp)
- 1 tsp Ginger juice
- 1 tsp Sesame oil
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1.5 Tbsp Low-sodium soy sauce
- 0.5 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Cooking wine (Mirin or similar)
- 1 clove Garlic, minced (approx. 1 tsp)
- 1 tsp Ginger juice
- 1 tsp Sesame oil
- Pinch of black pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, gently pat dry the beef sirloin with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Trim any tough sinew or excess fat from the beef. Then, cut the beef into thick strips, approximately 8cm long, suitable for skewering. Cutting them thick ensures they remain juicy and flavorful after cooking.
Step 2
In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with all the ingredients for the ‘Beef Marinade’. Gently mix and massage the marinade into the beef with your hands until evenly coated. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate and tenderize the meat.
Step 3
While the beef is marinating, prepare the vegetables for the skewers. Cut the carrot, king oyster mushroom, and scallion into pieces slightly shorter than the length of the beef (about 8cm). For the scallions, using the white parts cut into larger pieces will provide a pleasant texture when grilled.
Step 4
Lightly blanch the cut carrots in boiling water with a pinch of salt for 1-2 minutes. It’s important not to overcook them; they should remain slightly crisp. Rinse the blanched carrots in cold water and drain well.
Step 5
Similarly, lightly blanch the sliced king oyster mushrooms in boiling water. Squeeze out excess moisture, then place them in a bowl. Season with a pinch of salt and a drizzle of sesame oil. This step enhances the mushroom’s flavor and adds depth.
Step 6
Now, it’s time to assemble the skewers. Thread the ingredients onto the skewers in the following order: beef – scallion – carrot – mushroom – scallion – beef. Alternating the ingredients makes the skewers visually appealing and easier to eat. You can also add pine nuts between ingredients or as a final garnish.
Step 7
Spread the 2 tablespoons of flour onto a wide plate. Lightly coat each assembled skewer with a thin, even layer of flour, tapping off any excess. In a separate bowl, whisk the 2 eggs to break the yolks and remove any stringy bits (al-kkeun). Dip each floured skewer into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated.
Step 8
Heat a frying pan over medium-low heat and add a generous amount of cooking oil (like grapeseed oil). Carefully place the skewered and coated beef San-jeok into the hot pan. Cook until golden brown on all sides, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking and that the beef is cooked through. Be mindful of the heat to prevent burning. Your delicious Beef Skewers (San-jeok) are ready! Serve them beautifully arranged on a platter while warm.
