Beef bulgogi

The word bulgogi translates as ‘fire meat’ as strips of meat are cooked on a barbecue in this recipe. A hot griddle or frying pan can also be used.

Ingredients

For the beef

• 300–400g/10½–14oz rib-eye steak
• 2–3 spring onions, each chopped into 2–3 pieces
• 2 Little Gem lettuces, halved lengthways
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted

For the marinade

• ½ ripe Asian pear, cored and cut into chunks (see recipe tip)
• 4 tbsp light soy sauce
• 2 tbsp soft brown sugar
• 2 garlic cloves
• 25g/1oz fresh root ginger, peeled and chopped
• 2 spring onions, chopped
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• pinch salt and pepper

For the ssamjang (barbecue sauce)

• 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean fermented chilli paste)
• 1 tbsp miso paste
• ½ tbsp light soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp sesame oil

Method

1. Slice the steak as thinly as possible into long, wide pieces and then bash well with the side of a knife, cleaver or meat mallet to flatten.

2. To make the marinade, blitz all of the ingredients together in a food processor. Pour over the steak and massage into the meat. Cover with cling film or leave in a sealed food container in the fridge overnight.

3. Mix all of the ssamjang ingredients together in a ramekin or small bowl.

4. Preheat a griddle or frying pan over a high heat or prepare the coals for a barbecue. Once the pan or barbecue is smoking hot, place the marinated meat, piece by piece, on top of the hot grill or pan and sear until nicely charred. Turn once and sear the other side. Char the spring onion and lettuces on the grill too. Scatter over the sesame seeds and serve with the ssamjang on the side.

Beef bulgogi