Bulgogi
Thinly sliced marinated beef, grilled or stir-fried. Often served with rice and lettuce wraps.
Nutrition Facts
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Bulgogi's origins can be traced back to a dish called 'Maekjeok' from the Goguryeo era (37 BCE – 668 CE), where skewered and marinated meats were grilled over fire. This evolved over time, with variations in preparation and ingredients, ultimately leading to the modern Bulgogi that is widely enjoyed today.
Bulgogi holds a prominent place in Korean cuisine and is often served during special occasions, family gatherings, and celebrations. It represents a sense of communal dining and sharing, and is considered a beloved national dish.
Social Gathering Dish
Bulgogi is frequently enjoyed in a communal setting, often prepared on a tabletop grill where everyone can participate in the cooking process. This fosters a sense of togetherness and shared experience.
Celebratory Meal
Bulgogi is often served during festive occasions such as Korean holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries, signifying a special and celebratory meal.
Global Popularity
Bulgogi's popularity has extended beyond Korea, becoming a well-known and beloved dish worldwide, representing Korean culinary culture.
Bulgogi offers a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and umami flavors. The marinade, typically containing soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and sesame oil, tenderizes the beef and infuses it with a rich and complex taste.
The key flavors come from the marinade, which usually includes soy sauce (providing saltiness and umami), sugar (for sweetness and caramelization during cooking), garlic (for pungent aroma and flavor), sesame oil (for nutty fragrance and richness), and often other ingredients like ginger, pear juice (for sweetness and tenderizing properties), and black pepper. The thin slicing of the beef allows for quick cooking and maximum absorption of the marinade, resulting in a tender and flavorful final product.
Beef Selection
Choose high-quality, thinly sliced beef such as ribeye, sirloin, or brisket for optimal tenderness and flavor. Freeze the beef slightly for easier slicing.
Marinade Balance
Adjust the sweetness and saltiness of the marinade to your preference. Using Asian pear or kiwi puree can further tenderize the meat and add a subtle sweetness.
Marinating Time
Marinate the beef for at least 30 minutes, or preferably several hours (up to overnight) in the refrigerator, to allow the flavors to penetrate and tenderize the meat.
Cooking Method
Cook Bulgogi quickly over high heat on a grill or in a hot skillet to achieve a slightly caramelized and flavorful crust. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.
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