Air Fryer Bulgogi: A Quick, Crispy Korean Bbq Delight

Bulgogi, or Korean marinated beef slices, is a popular dish commonly served in many Korean households. The dish, which loosely translates to fire meat, is typically made by thinly slicing meat and cooking it over high heat. Bulgogi can be made in an air fryer, with many recipes available online. The air fryer is said to cook the beef to perfection without heating up the entire kitchen.

Bulgogi in an air fryer: recipe and ingredients

Bulgogi, or Korean marinated beef slices, is a popular dish in Korean restaurants. It can be cooked in an air fryer and served with steamed rice, riced cauliflower, or a mixed salad.

To make bulgogi in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:

• Thinly sliced beef
• Carrots
• Green onions
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Sesame oil
• Sesame seeds
• Garlic
• Ground pepper
• Coconut oil spray
• Steamed rice, riced cauliflower, or salad (optional)

First, create the marinade by placing the sliced beef, carrots, and green onions into a plastic zip-top bag. Then, add the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, sesame seeds, garlic, and ground pepper. Squish the bag well to ensure that the meat and sauce are well incorporated. Allow the beef to marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.

Next, place the meat and veggies into the air fryer basket, leaving behind as much of the marinade as possible. Set the air fryer to 400°F for 12 minutes, shaking halfway through. Alternatively, you can air fry at 380°F for 8-10 minutes, stirring once in the middle, until the meat is cooked through.

Finally, serve the bulgogi with steamed rice, riced cauliflower, or over a mixed salad. You can also sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions on top for added flavor and texture.

How to prepare the meat for the air fryer

Bulgogi, loosely translated as "fire meat", is a classic Korean dish that is typically made with thin slices of tender beef. To prepare the meat for cooking in an air fryer, start by slicing your chosen cut of beef—such as ribeye, sirloin, or chuck steak—as thinly as possible. Next, create a marinade by combining ingredients like soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, sesame seeds, garlic, and ground pepper in a plastic zip-top bag. You can also add grated pear and onion to your marinade, which will help to tenderize the meat. However, if you use a tender cut of beef and slice it thinly, you may be able to omit these ingredients.

Place the sliced beef into the bag with the marinade, ensuring that the meat is well-coated. Allow the beef to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for the best results. It is important not to exceed this marination time, as leaving the meat in the marinade for too long can make it mushy. If you want to prepare your meat ahead of time and marinate it for longer than 24 hours, it is recommended to freeze the meat and marinade after 24 hours to prevent it from becoming mushy.

Once the meat has finished marinating, remove it from the bag and place it into the air fryer basket, leaving behind as much of the marinade as possible. It is now ready to be cooked in the air fryer!

Marinade and seasoning tips

Bulgogi, or Korean marinated beef slices, is a juicy, tender, and flavourful dish that can be cooked in an air fryer. The dish is usually served with rice but can also be paired with salads or used in sandwiches.

When it comes to the marinade, a simple combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, sesame seeds, garlic, and ground pepper can be used. You can also add vegetables such as carrots, green onions, and zucchini to the mix. For a more authentic Korean flavour, use ribeye beef cut into 1/8-inch-thick slices. If you want to add a unique twist to your dish, you can also include ingredients like mirin, oyster sauce, honey, and cooking wine.

For those who prefer their bulgogi with a bit of a kick, add some red pepper or minced pepper. To make the dish even more savoury and sweet, you can add coconut oil spray, which will also give it a crispy finish. If you're using an air fryer basket, be sure to leave behind as much of the marinade as possible.

If you're cooking frozen bulgogi, spread out the seasoned meat on a layer of foil in the air fryer. This will help to retain the seasoning and gravy, giving you a unique delicacy with a golden grilled top.

For those who like to prepare ahead, you can season the bulgogi, freeze it, and then defrost it when you're ready to cook. This technique works well with recipes that use a lot of vegetables, as they can make the dish too moist to cook properly otherwise.

What to serve with bulgogi

Bulgogi, a popular Korean dish, is commonly served with a variety of side dishes known as banchan. These side dishes complement and enhance the overall taste experience of the thinly sliced, marinated beef. Here are some ideas for what to serve with bulgogi:

Rice

Rice, especially steamed rice, is a staple in Korean cuisine and serves as a neutral base that complements the rich, savory flavors of the beef. The fluffy and slightly sticky texture of the rice helps to balance the bold taste of the marinated beef. If you want to keep the carb count down, you could serve the bulgogi over a bed of cauliflower rice or riced cauliflower. Brown rice is also a nutritious and wholesome option, pairing well with bulgogi due to its nutty flavor and chewy texture.

Kimchi

Kimchi is a traditional Korean fermented side dish made from vegetables such as cabbage, radish, or cucumber, and seasoned with various spices. It has a tangy, spicy, and slightly sour taste that adds a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of bulgogi. If you don't have time to make your own kimchi, you can buy it from a Korean or Asian market.

Seaweed

Seaweed, specifically roasted or salted seaweed, is a classic side dish to serve with bulgogi. Seaweed salad, made with various types of seaweed, sesame oil, and seasonings, adds a unique texture and earthy taste to your meal. The subtle flavors of the seaweed help to balance the bold taste of the marinated beef in bulgogi.

Pickled Radish

Pickled radish is a light and refreshing side dish that pairs well with bulgogi. Its tangy, slightly sweet taste and crunchy texture add a delightful contrast to the savory beef.

Tofu

Fried tofu is a delicious and protein-rich side dish that complements bulgogi. The crispy exterior and soft interior of the tofu provide a pleasant contrast to the tender beef. You can serve it with a dipping sauce or season it with soy sauce and sesame oil for added flavor.

Vegetables

Bulgogi can be served with a variety of vegetables, such as stir-fried zucchini, grilled vegetables, or cucumber salad. The tender-crisp texture of the zucchini and the light seasoning of garlic and sesame oil complement the rich flavors of the beef. Korean potato salad and soybean sprout salad are also tasty options. If you want to keep things simple, you can serve bulgogi with steamed or raw vegetables like lettuce, which is often used to wrap slices of beef.

Air fryer temperature and cooking time

The air fryer temperature and cooking time for bulgogi depend on the type of meat used and its thickness.

For chicken bulgogi, it is recommended to cook the meat for 25 minutes in the air fryer, flipping it a couple of times to get a good caramelized crust. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165 degrees.

For beef bulgogi, it is recommended to set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for optimal cooking. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the beef slices and the desired level of doneness. For thinly sliced beef (1/4 inch or less), cook for 4-6 minutes or until cooked through. For thicker slices, preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes before adding the beef. Flip the beef slices halfway through the cooking time to prevent the meat from drying out on one side.

When cooking frozen beef bulgogi in the air fryer, increase the cooking time by 2-3 minutes. It is also recommended to thaw the meat before cooking, either by leaving it in the fridge for 12 hours or placing the closed box under running water for about 30 minutes.

Additionally, it is important to ensure adequate airflow around the meat to promote even cooking. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket, and shake or flip the meat halfway through the cooking process.

Frequently asked questions