What is Dwaeji Bulgogi?
Dwaeji bulgogi is a Korean dish made with marinated pork, usually thinly sliced and cooked over high heat. The word “dwaeji” means “pig” in Korean, and “bulgogi” refers to the method of grilling or broiling the meat. The meat is typically marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and other ingredients to give it a savory and slightly sweet flavor.
Dwaeji bulgogi is a popular Korean barbecue dish and is often served at Korean barbecue restaurants or as a main course at home. It can be grilled or broiled and is often served with a variety of side dishes and condiments, such as kimchi, pickled vegetables, and ssamjang (a spicy dipping sauce). Dwaeji bulgogi is a delicious and flavorful way to enjoy pork and is a popular choice for those looking for a satisfying and hearty meal.
How To Make Dwaeji Bulgogi
Ingredients
- 1 lb thinly sliced pork (such as pork shoulder or pork belly)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice wine
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced, for serving
- Sesame seeds, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pork, soy sauce, sugar, rice wine, sesame oil, honey, garlic, and black pepper. Stir until the pork is well coated with the marinade.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate the pork in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
- Heat a grill or large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated pork to the grill or pan and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the pork is cooked through and caramelized on the edges.
- Serve the dwaeji bulgogi hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. It’s typically served with a side of rice and other side dishes, such as kimchi or pickled vegetables.
The Perfect Pairing
Dwaeji bulgogi is a delicious Korean dish made with marinated pork. It pairs well with a wide range of side dishes and condiments. Whether you’re ordering dwaeji bulgogi at your favorite Korean Restaurant or serving it at home, there are plenty of meals and sides that are the perfect accompaniments.
One classic pairing for dwaeji bulgogi is a staple in most Korean meals, banchan. Banchan are little side portions that are served with almost every meal. They’re usually pickled vegetables, such as kimchi and pickled radish, as well as steamed or sautéed vegetables, such as spinach or bean sprouts. Other popular banchan options include marinated tofu, fried eggs, and fish cakes.
Another popular pairing for dwaeji bulgogi is ssamjang, a spicy and savory dipping sauce made with fermented soybean paste and gochujang (red pepper paste). Ssamjang is the perfect balance of spicy and savory, and is a great choice for those looking to add a little extra flavor to their dwaeji bulgogi.
No matter what side dishes or condiments you choose to serve with dwaeji bulgogi, the key is to find a combination that complements the flavors of the pork. If you can pull that off, you’re off to an amazing start at finding the perfect balanced meal to share.
