Korean Bulgogi Recipe: Secret to Perfectly Marinated Beef
Korean Bulgogi Recipe
Korean Bulgogi Recipe: Actor Ryu Soo-young’s Secret to Perfectly Marinated Beef
Korean bulgogi is one of the most beloved dishes that perfectly represents the essence of Korean cuisine. Today, we’re sharing actor Ryu Soo-young’s special bulgogi recipe from the popular Korean cooking show “Please Take Care of My Refrigerator.” What makes this recipe unique is the use of pear juice instead of plain water, which adds a subtle sweetness that elevates the entire dish. This generous marinade allows you to cook the beef immediately without lengthy marination time, making it perfect for quick meal preparation.
1. Understanding Korean Bulgogi
1-1.
What Makes This Recipe Special Chef Ryu Soo-young’s bulgogi recipe stands out because it uses commercially
available pear juice instead of traditional grated pear.
This creates a more consistent sweetness throughout the marinade and ensures every piece of meat absorbs
the perfect balance of flavors.
The generous amount of marinade means you don’t need to wait hours for the meat to marinate properly.
1-2.
Why Americans Love This Dish Bulgogi has become increasingly popular in American households because
it offers the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that appeal to Western palates.
The tender, thinly sliced beef paired with aromatic vegetables creates a satisfying meal that’s both exotic and familiar.
2. Essential Ingredients and Measurements
2-1. Main Ingredients
- 2.2 lbs (1.5 kg) thinly sliced beef for bulgogi (ribeye or sirloin works best)
- 1 large yellow onion
- 7 oz (200g) mushrooms (shiitake or button mushrooms)
- 1 large carrot (about 1.4 oz/40g)
- 1 green onion (scallion)
2-2. Marinade Components
- 2/3 cup (150ml) soy sauce (use low-sodium if preferred)
- 1.4 cups (340ml) pear juice (100% pure pear juice recommended)
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons corn syrup or honey
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar or cooking wine
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 4 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Fresh ground black pepper to taste
3. Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
3-1.
Preparing the Perfect Marinade In a large mixing bowl, combine the pear juice, soy sauce, sugar,
corn syrup, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper.
Whisk thoroughly until the sugar completely dissolves. The marinade should have a beautiful amber color and
smell incredibly aromatic.
3-2.
Preparing the Beef Pat the bulgogi beef dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
If your beef isn’t pre-sliced, cut it against the grain into thin strips, about 1/8 inch thick. This ensures maximum
tenderness when cooked.
3-3.
Marinating Process Add the prepared beef to the marinade, making sure every piece is well-coated.
Using clean hands or tongs, gently separate any clumped pieces so the marinade can penetrate evenly.
This step is crucial for achieving consistent flavor throughout.
4. Vegetable Preparation and Cooking
4-1.
Cutting the Vegetables Slice the onion into thin half-moons, cut the carrot into thin matchsticks, and slice
the green onion diagonally.
Clean and slice the mushrooms into bite-sized pieces.
These vegetables will add texture and absorb the delicious bulgogi flavors during cooking.
4-2.
Cooking Technique Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat with a light coating of oil.
Start by cooking the onions until they become translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add the marinated beef along
with all the marinade sauce.
Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the beef is fully cooked and the sauce has reduced slightly.
5. Final Touches and Serving Suggestions
5-1.
Garnishing and Presentation Fresh julienned green onions make an excellent garnish that adds both color and
a mild onion flavor. You can also add sesame seeds for extra nutty flavor and visual appeal.
5-2.
Serving Recommendations Serve your bulgogi over steamed white rice or with lettuce leaves for wrapping.
Korean side dishes like kimchi, pickled radish, or bean sprouts complement the rich flavors perfectly.
For American households, this pairs wonderfully with simple steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
This bulgogi recipe brings authentic Korean flavors to your kitchen without requiring specialty ingredients
that might be hard to find.
The key to success lies in the quality of your beef and the balance of the marinade.
Remember, the pear juice is what sets this recipe apart, creating that signature Korean bulgogi taste
that’s both complex and comforting.
Give this recipe a try for your next family dinner, and experience why bulgogi has become such
a beloved dish worldwide.
I’m planning to share lots of popular Korean recipes for my foreign friends soon! 🍲
Not just that — if you’re into K-pop, K-culture, or other fun topics,
I’ll be posting those as well, right here on this blog. 🎶🇰🇷
If there’s anything about Korea you’re curious about,
feel free to leave a comment or contact me through the blog.
I’ll pick the best topics and post them here for everyone to enjoy! 💌
Oh, and I’m back on Instagram too!
Nothing’s uploaded yet, but stay tuned — fun things are coming. ✨
And now… shall we?
Yes, yes — grab a cold beer and let’s toast! 🍻
Wishing you a beautiful and joyful day today. 💫
