Bulgogi

Bulgogi (in Korean), barbecued beef, is one of the most popular ways of cooking beef in Korea.

Overview

Bulgogi is made from thin slices of sirloin or other prime cut of beef. The meat is marinated with a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic and other ingredients such as scallions or mushrooms, especially white button mushrooms or shiitake. Sometimes, cellophane noodles are added in the dish which varies by region and specific recipe. It is marinated to enhance the flavor and its tenderness.

Bulgogi is traditionally grilled, but pan-cooking is common as well. A practice common at Korean barbecue, whole cloves of garlic, sliced onions, and chopped green peppers are often grilled or cooked at the same time. This dish is sometimes served with a side of lettuce or other leafy vegetable, which is used to wrap a slice of cooked meat, often along with a dab of ssamjang, or other side dishes, and then eaten as a whole.

Bulgogi literally means "fire meat" in Korean (this refers to the cooking technique--over an open flame--rather than the dish's spiciness) The term is also applied to variations such as dak bulgogi (made with chicken) or dweji bulgogi (made with pork), although the seasonings are different.

There is a bulgogi fast-food hamburger sold at many Korean fast food restaurants. The hamburger patty is marinated in bulgogi sauce and served with lettuce, tomato, onion, and sometimes cheese. It is similar with the teriyaki burger in flavour.

History

The origins of bulgogi are unclear. It was called "Neobiani(너비아니)" especially for the king during Joseon dynasty.

Popularity

Bulgogi is one of the most popular dishes for foreigners, along with kimchi. Some people do not like the spicy taste of kimchi. However, bulgogi is well-served with Western-style dishes and keep its flavors as Korean cuisine. Just over a quarter of the foreign respondents in 2007 chose bulgogi as their favorite Korean food.

Preparation

Beef is an important ingredient for bulgogi, along with soy sauce and sugar. Grated pear or kiwifruit are also often added to tenderize the meat. Aside from its main ingredients, spices are important in order to enjoy the dish's distinct flavor.

Typical ingredients may include thinly sliced beef top sirloin, minced garlic, thinly sliced scallions, soy sauce, white sugar, sesame oil, rice wine, sesame seeds, grated pear or kiwi, and freshly ground black pepper. If you added sweet fruit like apple or pineapple in bulgogi,which is more delicious.

All the ingredients are combined and refrigerated for one day before cooking. In order to cook the dish, a grill pan is preheated over high heat. Oil is brushed over the grill pan, and the beef is cooked, turning to brown evenly until done. The dish is commonly served with steamed rice.