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Bool Kogi (Korean Sesame Grilled Beef)

Bool kogi is eaten like moo shu or fajitas, using lettuce instead of a pancake or tortilla.


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Bool Kogi (Korean Sesame Grilled Beef)

Recipe Notes

  • Advance Prep: 1 to 2 hours for marinating the meat
  • Yield: Serves 6
  • Method: Direct grilling

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds beef tenderloin tips, or boneless sirloin
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 3 tablespoons sake, rice wine, or sherry
  • 2 tablespoons Asian (dark) sesame oil
  • 8 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 4 scallions, both white and green parts, trimmed and minced
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Garlic cloves (optional), brushed with sesame oil and skewered on large toothpicks
  • Asian Pear Dipping Sauce
  • 1 head romaine lettuce, separated into leaves, rinsed, and spun dry

Recipe Steps

Step 1: If using tenderloin tips, butterfly them to obtain broad flat pieces of meat; each should be about 4 inches long and wide and 1/4 inch thick. If using sirloin, cut it across the grain into 1/4-inch slices. Whichever cut you use, using the side of a cleaver or a rolling pin, pound the slices between two sheets of plastic wrap to flatten them to a thickness of 1/8 inch. Place the meat in a large nonreactive baking dish and set aside while you prepare the marinade.

Step 2: Combine the soy sauce, sugar, sake, sesame oil, garlic, scallions, sesame seeds, and pepper in a small bowl and whisk until the sugar dissolves. Pour the marinade over the meat in the baking dish and toss thoroughly to coat. Let marinate in the refrigerator, covered, for 1 to 2 hours.

Step 3: Set up the grill for direct grilling and preheat to high.

Step 4: When ready to cook, brush and oil the grill grate. Add the garlic kebabs (if using) to the hot grate and grill for 4 to 5 minutes. Then arrange the pieces of meat on the grate and grill, turning with tongs, until nicely browned on both sides, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Turn the garlic kebabs as the meat cooks. Transfer the meat to a platter when it is done and unwrap the garlic.

Step 5: Pour the Asian Pear Dipping Sauce into 6 small bowls, one for each diner. To eat, take a piece of meat and a grilled garlic clove (if using) and wrap them in a lettuce leaf. Dip the leaf in the dipping sauce and eat at once.

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