Many of you are Korean language and culture enthusiasts, immersing yourself in all things Korean. I would love to hear about your adventures in learning.

One of my favorite aspects of learning a new language and culture is discovering its cuisine. Food brings people together; often a meal can bridge different cultures and inspire unlikely connections. For example, I introduced a Saudi Arabian friend to one of the most recognized Korean dishes, bulgogi. She now makes a halal version for her family.

My pure enthusiasm toward Korean food is perhaps the chief motivating factor behind my eagerness to share authentic recipes with you. In a previous article, I provided a recipe for japchae, a popular Korean noodle dish. But, one of the most recognized Korean dishes is bulgogi (불고기), which means “fire meat”. This is a simple dish to create; the recipe is below.

 불고기 RECIPE:

불고기  is a sweet and savory grilled beef dish. Below, is a recipe for up to 5 lbs. of 불고기.

Ingredients:

• 5 lbs. of bulgogi beef (ask the butcher for thinly sliced beef rib-eye)
• 1 bunch of green onions (2 inch slices cut at an angle)
• Toasted sesame seeds (white)
• Sesame seed oil (1 -2 tsp.)
• Honey
• Marinade:

• • • Soy sauce (1 cup)
    • Dark brown sugar, packed (1 cup)
    • Black pepper (1 TBS.)
    • Minced ginger (1 TBS.)
    • Minced garlic (1 tsp.)

Directions:

In a medium sized bowl mix in the marinade ingredients. Do NOT add the beef until after you mix the marinade ingredients. Pour 1 c. of soy sauce and stir in 1 c. of dark brown sugar. Note: always use the same ratio for soy sauce and sugar. Then, add 1 TBS. of black pepper, 1 TBS. of minced ginger, and 1 TBS. of minced garlic. Mix all of the ingredients until the sugar is blended.

Place the beef into a larger bowl. Pour the marinade over the beef and using your gloved hand, massage and mix the marinade and beef together. Once the beef is well-coated, add the sesame seed oil (gradually add 1-2 tsp. of oil). Note: it is important to add the sesame seed oil after the marinade because it blocks the marinade from fully flavoring the beef. After you mix in the sesame seed oil, cover and refrigerate the beef for at least 2 hours (ideally, you should let it marinate overnight).

Once you’re ready to cook the beef, take the beef out and drizzle a little honey on. Mix and massage the beef with your gloved hands. Then, heat up a dry pan/wok. Once the pan is hot, add the beef. Note: you will not need to add any more oil, because the meat is already coated in sesame seed oil. Cook the beef on medium heat. Add the green onion slices while cooking. Once the 불고기
is done, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top. Optional: add grilled onions.

ENJOY!