Jun 9, 2022

Pork Bulgogi

Tender pork bulgogi (Korean barbecued pork) grilled over an open flame with tasty results.

Marinated pork thinly sliced and grilled over an open flame then served with grilled vegetables and steamed rice makes a delicious dinner throughout the year. In the winter months this meal can be made on the stovetop, but it does lack that barbecued smoky flavour only an outdoor grill can provide.

I loved this recipe so much I bought a special grilling plate so none of the juices are lost during cooking. The result is a little saucier than when it's prepared in a grilling basket. Similarly, when made in a frying pan with the vegetables, the end result has more sauce to mix in with the rice.

When marinating the pork, add in the sesame oil after the pork has had a chance to absorb the marinade flavours. If added in with the marinade, the oil can block the absorption of the marinade. If possible, marinade the pork overnight, or for a minimum of 6 hours prior to grilling.

Ingredients

(Makes 6 servings)

marinade:

1/2 cup light soy sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup mirin
1 large Asian pear, peeled, cored and roughly chopped
1 small sweet onion, roughly chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2-inch piece ginger, peeled and minced
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

pork:

1, 1/2lb pork, thinly sliced (~1/8-inch thick)
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
avocado oil for brushing onto the grill plate (optional)

Directions

Freeze the pork for up to 2 hours to make thinly slicing the meat easier. Cut pork into 1/8-inch-thick slices and transfer to a bowl. Set aside.

Using a high-powered blender, add the marinade ingredients listed above and blend on high until smooth. Pour the marinade into the bowl with the pork and, with clean or gloved hands, massage the marinade into the pork. Add the sesame oil and mix with the meat and marinade. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 6 hours, or overnight.

Heat an outdoor grill to medium-high heat, or an indoor smokeless grill to medium-high heat. This dish can be made on a frying pan over medium-high heat. If using this method, cook any vegetables with the meat.

Preheat a grilling plate on the grill as the grill heats.

Just before adding the pork to the grilling plate, lightly brush the grilling plate with avocado oil.

Add the pork to the grilling plate along with any vegetables you wish to grill at the same time. Cook the meat for several minutes on each side (2 to 3 minutes per side) until browned and cooked through. Add the sesame seeds and toss just before removing the pork from the grill.

Serve with grilled vegetables, steamed rice, and your favourite side dishes.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: