Description
This Bulgogi Sauce is a vibrant and flavorful Korean BBQ beef marinade, blending sweet, savory, and tangy elements. Featuring soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, and the natural tenderizing power of grated Asian pear or apple, this sauce enhances the texture and enriches the flavor of thinly sliced beef. Perfect for grilling or pan-frying, it also pairs wonderfully with chicken, tofu, or vegetables for a versatile Korean-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade Ingredients
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 Asian pear or red apple (peeled and grated)
- ¼ cup onion (grated or finely minced)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or mirin
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)
- 1–2 green onions (finely chopped, optional)
Instructions
- Combine ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, grated Asian pear or red apple, grated onion, rice vinegar or mirin, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, and black pepper until fully combined and smooth.
- Add optional ingredients: Stir in the toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions if you choose to use them to add texture and extra flavor.
- Use or store sauce: Use the sauce immediately as a marinade by coating thinly sliced beef, such as ribeye or sirloin. Alternatively, store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Marinate meat: Allow the beef to marinate in the sauce for at least 30 minutes to help tenderize and flavor the meat. For best results, marinate for 4 to 8 hours before cooking.
- Cook the meat: After marinating, grill the beef over medium-high heat or pan-fry it until cooked through and flavorful, enjoying the rich Korean BBQ taste.
Notes
- The grated pear or apple tenderizes the meat naturally and adds a subtle sweetness to the marinade.
- For a spicier sauce, add a teaspoon of gochujang (Korean chili paste) or chili flakes to taste.
- This sauce is versatile and works beautifully with chicken, tofu, or vegetables as an alternative to beef.
