Description
This Bulgogi Sauce is a classic Korean BBQ marinade that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Made with soy sauce, a mix of sugars, aromatic garlic and ginger, sesame oil, mirin, rice vinegar, and grated Asian pear, this sauce tenderizes and flavors thinly sliced beef for an irresistible grilling or frying experience. Ideal for creating authentic Korean BBQ at home in just 10 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons white sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons mirin (or sweet rice wine)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 pear (Asian pear preferred), grated
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Mix Soy Sauce & Sugars: Combine the soy sauce, white sugar, and brown sugar in a medium bowl. Stir well until all the sugar dissolves completely, creating a smooth base for the marinade.
- Add Aromatics: Incorporate the minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil into the soy sauce mixture. Stir thoroughly to blend these aromatic flavors evenly.
- Incorporate Liquids: Pour in the mirin and rice vinegar. Mix carefully to ensure the liquids are fully integrated, balancing sweetness and acidity.
- Add Pear: Stir in the grated Asian pear, which adds natural sweetness and helps tenderize the meat for a perfect texture.
- Season: Add the ground black pepper, finely chopped green onions, and sesame seeds if using. Mix all ingredients until well combined.
- Marinate & Cook: Use this sauce to marinate thinly sliced beef for at least 30 minutes, preferably longer for deeper flavor. After marinating, cook the beef by grilling or frying until charred and tender. Enjoy your authentic Korean BBQ experience!
Notes
- For best results, use an Asian pear for authentic flavor and tenderizing effect.
- Marinate the beef for at least 30 minutes, but up to 4 hours for more intense flavor.
- Can be used with other meats like pork or chicken as well.
- If you prefer less sweetness, adjust the amount of sugar accordingly.
- Sesame seeds are optional but add a nice nutty crunch when sprinkled on top before serving.
