My Aunties Real Bulgogi Recipes

BULGOGI (KOREAN BBQ BEEF)

Steps:

• Blend the marinade ingredients in a mixer or food processor until smooth. Set aside.
• Place the thinly sliced meat in a mixing bowl and pour the marinade over it. Mix them well together while gently massaging the meat with your hands. (Wearing a food prep glove is very handy here!)Add the sesame oil and mix it into the meat. (I prefer adding the sesame oil separately as opposed to mixing it in the marinade sauce. I read somewhere that the oil can prevent the other sauce getting absorbed effectively into the meat.)Cover the bowl with cling wrap (or move the marinated meat into a glass container with a lid) and marinate the meat for at least 4 hours in the fridge. (If you have more time, you can also marinate it overnight to deepen the flavour even more).
• Preheat a skillet / bbq grill on medium high heat until well heated. Add the cooking oil and spread it well. Add the meat (and vegetables) and cook it on medium high to high heat for 3 to 5 mins (until the meat and vegetables cook to your desired doneness). Toss in the sesame seeds and stir them quickly.
• Serve the bulgogi with steamed rice and other Korean side dishes. (refer above for more tips)

BEEF BULGOGI

Steps:

• Freeze beef 20 minutes; transfer to a clean work surface. Slice diagonally (across the grain) into 1/8-inch-thick strips. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Place onions and peppers in a small bowl; toss with half the soy marinade. Toss steak in remaining marinade; let stand 15 minutes.
• Heat 2 teaspoons vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and peppers; cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Wipe skillet clean with a paper towel.
• Heat remaining 2 teaspoons vegetable oil over high heat. Cook half the meat, turning often, until browned, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Cook remaining meat. Return first batch and any accumulated juices to pan; add onion mixture. Cook, tossing, until heated through, about 1 minute. To serve, roll up beef mixture in lettuce leaves.

MY AUNTIE'S REAL BULGOGI

Steps:

• Place Asian pear, kiwi, and soy sauce in a blender; puree until smooth. Transfer puree to a large resealable plastic bag. Add beef slices; shake to coat thoroughly.
• Pour beef mixture into a large bowl; add brown sugar, peeled ginger root, ginger slices, garlic, chili oil, sesame oil, honey, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cover with plastic wrap and let marinate in the refrigerator, at least 3 hours.
• Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat and cover grate with aluminum foil.
• Remove beef from the bowl, discarding marinade, and cook, covered, on the preheated grill until browned, about 10 minutes. Turn beef slices and cook until second side is browned, about 5 minutes more.