Bulgogi= Korean Fire Meat

If you're like me, when you think of Korean food you think of spicy. Kim Chi must be the national dish. It's spicy and garlicky. When I used to teach elementary school, we had a large population of Korean children, and they all came to school everyday, reeking of kim chi. That is powerful stuff.

Recently a friend of mine went to a Korean restaurant, and returned raving about bulgogi. I did not know what it was, but he carried on so about how delicious it was, I had to go out and try it. It turns out that it is one of the most popular food items in Korea.

Bulgogi literally means "fire meat" in Korean. This refers to the cooking method, over an open fire, not to the heat from the spices. Traditionally,the beef is grilled on a skewer over an open fire. Thin sliced sirloin or another prime cut of beef is marinated to enhance the flavor and tenderness. Sometimes cellophane noodles are added. Below is just one of many marinades you can try at home. Better yet, try a Korean barbeque restaurant for some new and interesting flavors. The spices are often served on the side, so you can add your own heat. Be sure to check with your server to make sure the dish is not too spicy. Bulgogi is often served with a Korean cucumber salad to cool you down. I think you'll really enjoy this typically Korean meal.


Ingredients
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon white sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon monosodium glutamate (MSG) (optional)
1 pound beef top sirloin, thinly sliced
1 carrot, julienned
1 green onion, chopped
1/2 yellow onion, chopped




Directions
1. In a large resealable plastic bag, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, sesame seeds, garlic, sugar, salt, black pepper, and MSG. Place beef, carrots, and onions in the bag; seal, and shake to coat the vegetables and beef with the sauce. Refrigerate for at least 2 1/2 hours. I prefer to marinate mine overnight.
2. Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat. Remove meat and vegetables from marinade, and place on a large sheet of aluminum foil; seal. Discard marinade.
3. Place on grill, and cook for 5 minutes, or to desired doneness.



Nutritional Information

Amount Per Serving Calories: 243 | Total Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 61mg