Beef Bulgogi

Summary:

Bulgogi is a traditional Korean dish made with thinly sliced marinated beef grilled or stir-fried to perfection. This halal version skips mirin and alcohol, using simple substitutes to maintain authentic taste while keeping it fully permissible.

Ingredients (2–3 servings)

Main:

• 400g halal beef (ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak), thinly sliced against the grain

• 1 small onion, thinly sliced

• 1 carrot, julienned (optional)

• 2 green onions, chopped

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional garnish)

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for finishing)

• Oil for cooking

Marinade:

• 3 tablespoons halal soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon sugar or honey

• 1 tablespoon grated pear or apple (natural tenderizer & sweetness)

• 2 teaspoons sesame oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

• 1 tablespoon onion, grated or finely minced

• A dash of black pepper

• 1–2 tablespoons water (if needed to thin the marinade)

Instructions

1. Slice the beef
   Freeze the beef slightly (15–20 minutes) for easier slicing. Slice as thinly as possible against the grain.

2. Make the marinade
   In a bowl, mix soy sauce, sugar (or honey), grated pear or apple, garlic, ginger, grated onion, sesame oil, and black pepper.

3. Marinate the beef
   Combine the beef with the marinade. Mix well and let it rest for at least 30 minutes, or preferably 1–2 hours in the fridge.

4. Cook the bulgogi
   Heat a lightly oiled pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef (in batches if necessary) along with onion and carrot slices. Cook for 3–5 minutes until the beef is browned and cooked through.

5. Finish and serve
   Stir in chopped green onions and drizzle with sesame oil. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice, lettuce wraps, or kimchi.

Notes

• No mirin needed: The grated pear/apple provides sweetness and tenderizes the meat just like mirin, without alcohol.

• Protein swap: You can use halal chicken, lamb, or even tofu for a variation.

• Grill option: Bulgogi is traditionally grilled, so you can also cook it on a grill pan or BBQ.