Description
A flavorful and authentic Korean Bulgogi Sauce perfect for marinating thinly sliced beef. This rich sauce combines soy sauce, sugars, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, mirin, rice vinegar, grated pear, and fragrant seasonings to create a sweet and savory marinade that tenderizes and enhances the beef’s taste. Ideal for grilling or frying Korean BBQ beef at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Bulgogi Sauce 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 mixing bowl. Stir well until the sugars dissolve completely to create a sweet and salty base for the sauce.
- Add Aromatics: Mix in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil into the sauce base. Stir thoroughly to integrate the bold aromatic flavors.
- Incorporate Liquids: Add mirin and rice vinegar to the mixture. These liquids add a subtle sweetness and acidity, balancing the overall flavor. Stir until all ingredients are well blended.
- Add Pear: Stir in the grated Asian pear. The pear adds natural sweetness and helps tenderize the meat, making it juicier and more flavorful.
- Season: Sprinkle in the ground black pepper, chopped green onions, and sesame seeds if using. Mix thoroughly to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Marinate & Cook: Use this sauce to marinate thinly sliced beef for at least 30 minutes before cooking. For best results, grill or fry the marinated beef until fully cooked and caramelized.
Notes
- Grated Asian pear is preferred for its texture and sweetness but substitutes like regular pear or apple can be used.
- Marinate the beef for at least 30 minutes, but up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
- The sauce can be doubled and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Sesame seeds are optional but add a nice nutty finish.
- If you prefer less sweetness, adjust the sugar quantities to taste.
- This sauce is best used with thinly sliced beef such as ribeye or sirloin for authentic bulgogi.
