If you’ve ever lived abroad, you might sometimes miss the classic jumulleok (Korean-style seasoned grilled beef) from Korea.
When you can’t think of a restaurant to satisfy that craving, why not make it at home with affordable and high-quality Costco steak?
This recipe isn’t just for Koreans living abroad—if you love Korean BBQ, you’ll definitely want to give it a try! It’s simple to make at home and brings out the rich, natural flavors of the beef.
This recipe is surprisingly simple, and the light seasoning enhances the natural flavor of the beef, making it incredibly delicious.
Now, it’s time to try making it yourself at home!
Beef Preparation
- Using a tender cut brings out the best flavor in jumulleok, but you can use any cut you prefer.
- Slice the beef against the grain to keep it tender.
- Trim off excess fat as needed.
- The key to jumulleok is light seasoning—it enhances the natural beef flavor while adding just the right amount of extra taste.
Green Onion Garnish (Pa Muchim)
- These days, you can find pre-sliced green onions at grocery stores or even use a special slicer.
- If cutting at home, slice one side of the green onion, lay it flat, and cut it into thin strips.
- Soak the thinly sliced green onions in cold water for 10–20 minutes to remove the sharp bite and make them crispier.
Ingredients
Beef – 250g
Seasoning
- Salt 1/2 tsp
- Sugar 1/2 tsp (Unrefined sugar or coconut sugar recommended for a healthier option)
- Black pepper 1/2 tsp
- Minced garlic 3–4 cloves
- Sesame oil 2 tsp
Green Onion Garnish
- Green onion – a small amount
- A pinch of salt, black pepper, and sesame oil (Sesame seeds optional)
Optional Sides
- Perilla leaves
- Mushrooms (Shiitake, king oyster, etc., as preferred)
All measurements are based on US/Canada measuring spoons and cups.
Instructions
Beef Preparation
- Beef – 250g (For the best texture, use a tender cut if possible.)
- Trim off excess fat as needed.
- Cut the beef into large, thick pieces—if the pieces are too small or too thin, they won’t have the best texture.
- Place the sliced beef in a bowl and add: Salt – 1/2 tsp, Sugar – 1/2 tsp, Black pepper – 1/2 tsp, Minced garlic – 1/2 tsp, Sesame oil – 2 tsp and rub the seasoning into the meat until well coated.
- Let it marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour for better flavor.
Green Onion Garnish
- Slice both the white and green parts of the green onion thinly.
- Soak in cold water for 10–20 minutes to remove sharpness and enhance crispiness.
- Drain well, then mix with a pinch of salt, ground black pepper, and sesame oil.
Vegetables to Grill with the Meat
- Onion – Slice half a medium onion into thick pieces (not too thin).
- Green onion – Cut a 10 cm (4-inch) piece into large chunks.
Grilling the Beef
- Preheat a pan on high heat.
- Quickly sear the beef on high heat to lock in the juices.
- Flip the meat occasionally and cook until just done.
- Add the sliced onions and green onions to the pan and stir-fry for about 1 minute with the beef.
Optional Add-Ons
- Perilla leaves – Slice into thin strips.
- Mushrooms – Slice shiitake, or king oyster mushrooms into bite-sized pieces.
- While the grilled beef is delicious on its own, pairing it with seasoned green onions, fresh mushrooms, and perilla leaves takes it to the next level!
Notes
- Be sure to cut the beef against the grain for a more tender bite!
- When grilling jumulleok, cook it quickly over high heat to keep the juices locked in.
