Korean Beef

Korean Beef Recipe - Delicious Chuck Boneless Beef with Soy Sauce and Sesame Seeds

Region / culture: Korea | Preparation time: 8 hours | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Korean Beef is a delicious and flavorful dish that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. This recipe combines tender beef cubes with a savory marinade that is bursting with traditional Korean flavors. Serve this dish over a bed of steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

History

Korean Beef, also known as Bulgogi, is a traditional Korean dish that dates back to the Goguryeo era. Originally, this dish was made with thinly sliced beef that was marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and sesame oil. Over time, the recipe has evolved to include a variety of ingredients and cooking methods, but the essence of the dish remains the same - tender, flavorful beef that is bursting with Korean flavors.

Ingredients

0.25 cup of soy sauce
1.25 tsp of cayenne
1 tsp of garlic powder
1.5 tsp of vinegar
2 tbsp of sesame oil or other oil
1 dash of black pepper
1.5 tsp of sesame seeds
1 green onion, sliced
1 lb (454 g) of boneless beef cubes
2 cups of long-grain white rice

How to prepare

Mix all the ingredients in a container to marinate.
Cover the container and refrigerate it overnight (if time is short, marinate for at least 8 hours).
For barbecuing (best method), grill the marinated meat on high heat for one minute on each side.
For indoor cooking, heat a skillet (preferably iron) until very hot.
Add the meat to the hot skillet and cook it over high heat for 2 minutes on each side.
Quickly fry the onions and then add the marinade to the skillet.
Serve the cooked meat and onions over rice that has been cooked as usual, using two cups of uncooked rice.

Variations

Substitute beef with chicken or pork for a different flavor profile.
Add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers to the marinade for added texture and flavor.
Use different types of vinegar, such as rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar, for a unique twist on the marinade.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For best results, marinate the beef overnight to allow the flavors to fully develop.

- When grilling the beef, make sure to cook it over high heat to achieve a nice char on the outside.

- If using a skillet to cook the beef indoors, make sure the skillet is very hot before adding the meat to ensure a nice sear.

- Be sure to slice the green onions thinly for a nice garnish and added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Korean Beef over steamed rice and garnish with sliced green onions for a traditional Korean meal. Pair with kimchi and pickled vegetables for a complete and authentic dining experience.

Cooking Techniques

Marinate the beef overnight for maximum flavor.

- Grill the beef over high heat for a nice charred exterior.

- Use a hot skillet to quickly cook the beef indoors.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option.

- Substitute sesame oil with vegetable oil if desired.

- Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a healthier alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

Marinate the beef the night before to save time on the day of cooking.

- Cook the rice ahead of time and reheat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Korean Beef in a traditional Korean stone bowl for an authentic presentation. - Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Korean Beef with a side of kimchi and pickled vegetables for a complete Korean meal.

- Serve with a side of steamed broccoli or bok choy for added nutrients.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Korean Beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

320

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 36g

- Dietary Fiber: 1g

- Sugars: 1g

Fats

- Total Fat: 12g

- Saturated Fat: 3g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 24g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 2%

- Vitamin C: 4%

- Calcium: 2%

- Iron: 15%

Alergens

Contains soy

Summary

Korean Beef is a balanced meal that provides a good source of protein and essential nutrients. It is relatively low in carbohydrates and fats, making it a healthy option for those looking to enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Summary

Korean Beef is a delicious and flavorful dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. With a savory marinade and tender beef cubes, this dish is a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Serve over steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal that is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Korean Beef. It was many years ago, when I was a young girl visiting my aunt in Seoul, South Korea. My aunt was a fantastic cook and she always had the most delicious meals waiting for us when we came to visit.

One day, as I watched my aunt prepare dinner, I couldn't help but be mesmerized by the way she effortlessly moved around the kitchen, chopping and stirring with such grace and skill. I asked her what she was making, and she smiled and told me it was a family recipe for Korean Beef, a dish that had been passed down through generations.

I watched intently as my aunt seasoned the beef with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. She then added in a generous amount of brown sugar, which would caramelize and create a sweet and savory glaze for the meat. As the beef cooked, the aroma filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

Once the beef was cooked to perfection, my aunt plated it up and served it alongside steamed rice and kimchi. As I took my first bite, I was blown away by the flavors that exploded in my mouth. The sweet and savory beef paired perfectly with the tangy and spicy kimchi, creating a harmony of tastes that I had never experienced before.

From that moment on, I was determined to learn how to make Korean Beef myself. I begged my aunt to teach me her recipe, and she graciously agreed. We spent the next few days in the kitchen together, with my aunt guiding me through each step of the process.

I learned that the key to making authentic Korean Beef was in the marinade. The combination of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil was essential for infusing the meat with rich flavor. The brown sugar added a hint of sweetness that balanced out the salty and savory elements of the dish.

As I practiced making Korean Beef over the years, I added my own twist to the recipe. I found that adding a bit of gochujang, a Korean chili paste, gave the dish an extra kick of heat and complexity. I also experimented with different cuts of beef, finding that thinly sliced ribeye worked best for absorbing the marinade and cooking quickly to tender perfection.

I shared my recipe with friends and family, who all raved about how delicious it was. I was proud to have mastered such a traditional and beloved dish, and I knew that my aunt would be proud of me for carrying on the family tradition.

Now, whenever I make Korean Beef, I think back to that first time I saw my aunt cooking in her kitchen in Seoul. I am grateful for her guidance and for passing down this recipe to me, allowing me to create meals that bring joy and comfort to those I love. Cooking Korean Beef has become more than just a recipe to me – it is a connection to my heritage and a reminder of the strong women who have shaped my love for food and cooking.