Bulgogi is a popular Korean dish enjoyed by many people around the world. The word bulgogi is derived from two Korean words; bul means fire and gogi is the Korean term for meat. So a direct translation to bulgogi is fire meat. While Bulgogi sauce can be made hot and spicy, fire refers to the cooking method as it is usually cooked over an open flame. Bulgogi is usually made with sirloin and other types of Korean beef, but can sometimes be made with chicken (dak bulgogi) or pork (dwaeji bulgogi). The meat is then marinated in a bulgogi sauce that can differ by region.
In ancient times, bulgogi was a meal for the king, especially during the Joseon dynasty. The origins of bulgogi and bulgogi sauce are not entirely clear, but many believe that it began in 37 BC. c.-688 AD C. during the Gorguryeo era. Research shows that this dish used to be called maekjeok and Korean beef was grilled on a skewer. During the Joseon dynasty, bulgogi was known as neobiari, which translated means to spread lightly. So while there have been slight changes in names and cooking techniques throughout the century, bulgogi beef and bulgogi is a recipe as old as time.
Traditional bulgogi sauce is made with garlic, sugar, sesame oil, and soy sauce. Other bulgogi sauce recipes may use the ingredients of Asian pears, rice wine, honey, and soybean paste. What makes bulgogi sauce and the food itself so popular is that it is extremely versatile and can be prepared in many different ways. The purpose of the sauce is to be made as a marinade. This marinade adds extreme flavor and tenderness to Korean beef.
Some people add onions and green peppers to the dish. A traditional dish will come with thin lettuce or sesame leaves, which diners will use to wrap the cooked bulgogi. Others like to add bulgogi on top of the rice. In modern South Korea, there are dipping sauces that can be added to food. Peanut sauce is a popular choice among the younger generation. Dipping sauces can range from sweet to spicy. Some people compare bulgogi to the taste of teriyaki, however to me they are totally different, and the taste of bulgogi is just fantastic. Since it is a quick and easy meal, it can be eaten as a meal, appetizer, or snack. There are no set times for Koreans to enjoy a meal of bulgogi. In South Korea, you can find fast food bulgogi burgers, made with bulgogi sauce.
For its nutritional value, bulgogi sauce and the Korean meat it is made with are extremely healthy. As with all Asian food, bulgogi uses a lot of vegetables and meat. The flavoring of this dish is made with herbs, spices and oils. Optional add-ins, such as lettuce, dipping sauce, or rice, also have high nutritional value. The longest part of making the dish is the marinating time for the meat, but the preparation of the bulgogi sauce is only about 20 minutes. After the meat has finished marinating, simply cook over medium high heat and you’re good to go. You will have a delicious and extremely healthy meal in no time. For more information, visit the My Korean Food website
