Bulgogi — literally 'fire meat' in Korean — is the marinated grilled beef that has become Korea's most internationally recognised dish. Thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, Asian pear (which tenderises the meat through natural enzymes), garlic, sesame oil, sugar, and spring onion, then cooked at high heat on a grill or griddle until the edges caramelise and char. It is one of the great marinades in any cuisine. Tallow's high smoke point handles the searing temperature that produces the characteristic caramelised crust.
The Pear Tenderiser
Asian pear (nashi) contains bromelin, the same family of proteolytic enzymes as pineapple, which breaks down meat proteins and tenderises the beef during marinating. The pear also adds natural sweetness that amplifies the caramelisation when the meat hits the hot pan. Grated Korean pear or Asian pear is traditional. Regular pear is a substitute. Pineapple juice works but adds more sweetness.
Serves 4 · Prep 10 min + marinate · Cook 8 min
Ingredients
- 600g ribeye or sirloin, sliced 3mm (ask butcher or freeze briefly and slice yourself)
- Marinade: 4 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp grated Asian pear, 4 garlic cloves minced, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tsp ginger grated, 2 spring onions sliced, black pepper
- 2 tbsp tallow for cooking
- To serve: steamed rice, sesame seeds, sliced spring onion, gochugaru
Method
- Mix all marinade ingredients. Add beef slices. Mix thoroughly.
- Marinate 2 hours minimum. Overnight in the fridge is better.
- Heat cast iron or heavy pan until very hot. Add tallow.
- Cook beef in batches — do not crowd the pan.
- 2 minutes per side on high heat until charred at edges.
- Rest 2 minutes. Serve with steamed rice, sesame seeds, and spring onion.
What is gochugaru?
Korean red pepper flakes — coarser and slightly sweeter than Western chilli flakes, with a distinctive fruity heat. Available at Korean and Asian grocery stores. Regular chilli flakes are a substitute.
Can I cook bulgogi on a BBQ?
Yes — traditional bulgogi is grilled over charcoal. The high heat and smoke add authenticity. A cast iron griddle pan over high gas heat is the best indoor substitute.
How thin should the meat be?
3-4mm — thin enough to cook through in 2 minutes without drying out. Partially freezing the beef (20 minutes in the freezer) makes slicing thin much easier.
Related guides: Vegetable Oil Substitute Guide · Cooking With Beef Tallow
📌 Follow on Pinterest: 30-Minute Seed Oil Free Dinners on Pinterest
📌 Follow on Pinterest: Asian Seed Oil Free Recipes on Pinterest
Follow Savannah: @theefoodiekitchen · Facebook · All Links
African, Hawaiian, Indian, Mediterranean, Asian, Exotic, Chicken, Rice, Cookies, Coffee, Spices, Plants, World Cuisine, 30-Minute Dinners and more.
View All 23 Books on Amazon →