True Korean bulgogi is a street food of thinly sliced beef or pork that has been marinated in a savory, slightly sweet, umami-rich sauce and then grilled or cooked over high heat. The marinade is typically made with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger with a touch of sugar. Often Asian pear, apple, or pineapple is used for additional sweetness in the marinade and to tenderize the meat.

The versions of bulgogi we have made would be considered Americanized to the Korean population, as the dishes we make stray from what would be served on the streets of Korea. While we have made a number of variations of bulgogi in the past few years, none of the recipes have included any fruit in the marinade. Today’s recipe also differs in that chicken is the protein used rather than beef or pork.

Someday, I hope to have the opportunity to travel to Korea and try authentic Korean bulgogi, but until then, I am happy to keep enjoying the Americanized replicas we have indulged in over the past few years.

Chicken Bulgogi

Chicken Bulgogi (adapted from allrecipes.com)  Total Time Required: 30 minutes, Prep Time: 15 minutes, Cook Time: 15 minutes, Makes: 4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 5 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2-1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
• minced scallions and cooked rice, for serving

Directions:

Whisk the onion, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, sesame oil, sesame seeds, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper together in a large bowl until the marinade is smooth.

Whisk together the marinade ingredients.

Stir the chicken and the marinade together.

Add the chicken to the marinade.

Transfer the chicken and marinade to a large skillet and set it over medium-high heat.

Add the chicken and marinade to a large skillet.

Cook until the chicken is cooked through, about 15 minutes.

Cook until the chicken is cooked through.

Transfer the chicken to a serving bowl and garnish with minced scallions.

The chicken is ready!

Serve the chicken and sauce over cooked rice, if desired.

Serve over cooked rice and add a vegetable for a delicious meal!

Exploring other cultures through food is a delicious experience!  ~Linda

Chicken Bulgogi (adapted from allrecipes.com)  Total Time Required: 30 minutes, Prep Time: 15 minutes, Cook Time: 15 minutes, Makes: 4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 5 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2-1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
• minced scallions and cooked rice, for serving

Directions:

Whisk the onion, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, sesame oil, sesame seeds, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper together in a large bowl until the marinade is smooth.

Stir the chicken and marinade together. Transfer the chicken and marinade to a large skillet and set it over medium-high heat. Cook until the chicken is cooked through, about 15 minutes.

Transfer the chicken to a serving bowl and garnish with minced scallions. Serve the chicken and sauce over cooked rice, if desired.