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Authentic Korean BBQ Grilling Guide for Home

Korean BBQ

A classic Korean BBQ dish, also known as Bulgogi, featuring thinly sliced tender beef in a sweet and savoury marinade. Perfectly grilled or pan-seared for a quick and flavourful main course.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Korean
Calories: 540

Ingredients
  

  • 700 g sirloin or ribeye steak very thinly sliced
  • 1 medium onion thinly sliced
  • 2 spring onions chopped, for garnish
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds for garnish
For the Marinade
  • 120 ml soy sauce low sodium is a good choice
  • 1 small Asian pear or Bosc pear, peeled, cored, and roughly chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp mirin or rice wine
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a blender, combine the chopped pear, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, brown sugar, sesame oil, mirin, and black pepper. Blend until the pear is completely puréed and the mixture is smooth.
  2. Slice the Beef: If you haven't already, slice your partially frozen beef as thinly as possible against the grain. This is a crucial step for achieving tender Bulgogi.
  3. Marinate the Beef: Place the sliced beef and sliced onions in a large bowl or a reusable silicone bag. Pour the marinade over the top and use your hands to gently massage it into the meat, ensuring every piece is well-coated.
  4. Let it Rest: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight for the best flavour and texture. The longer it marinates, the more tender the beef will become.
  5. Prepare for Cooking: When you're ready to cook, remove the beef from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. This helps it cook more evenly.
  6. Cook the Beef: Heat a large cast-iron skillet, grill pan, or BBQ over a high heat. You want it to be very hot. Add a tiny splash of neutral oil. What works best for me is cooking the beef in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which would steam the meat instead of searing it.
  7. Get a Good Sear: Place a single layer of beef in the hot pan. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until it's beautifully caramelised and cooked through. The thin slices cook very quickly!
  8. Serve Immediately: As each batch is cooked, transfer it to a serving platter. Garnish the finished dish with chopped spring onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot with your favourite sides.

Notes

For the most tender beef and deepest flavour, marinate overnight. Serve immediately with steamed rice and your favourite Korean side dishes (banchan).