How to Make Ddukbaegi Bulgogi (Korean Hot Pot Bulgogi)

Ddukbaegi Bulgogi is a delicious, savory Korean dish made with thinly sliced beef, vegetables, and a flavorful broth, all cooked and served in a traditional Korean earthenware pot called a ddukbaegi. The hot pot enhances the depth of flavors, keeps the dish hot throughout the meal, and creates a cozy, comforting dining experience. Here's how to make Ddukbaegi Bulgogi, complete with some pro tips to ensure the best results.

Ingredients (for 2 servings)

• 200 grams (7 oz) of beef (thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin)
• 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 small carrot, julienned
• 1/2 zucchini, thinly sliced
• 3-4 shiitake mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 1 green onion, chopped
• 2-3 glass noodles (dangmyeon), soaked in water for 10 minutes
• 2 cups of beef broth or water
• 1 egg (optional)

For the Marinade:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon mirin (optional)
• 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1/2 tablespoon minced ginger (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

7 Steps to Make Ddukbaegi Bulgogi

1. Marinate the Beef

In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, black pepper, and optional ginger and mirin. Mix well and let the beef marinate for at least 30 minutes. The marinade adds depth of flavor and tenderizes the meat.

Tip: Marinate the beef overnight in the fridge for an even more flavorful and tender result.

2. Prepare the Vegetables

While the beef marinates, slice the onion, carrot, zucchini, and shiitake mushrooms. Also, soak the glass noodles (dangmyeon) in water for about 10 minutes until they become soft.

Tip: Use a variety of vegetables like spinach, enoki mushrooms, or even napa cabbage to enhance the texture and flavor of the dish.

3. Heat the Ddukbaegi

Place your ddukbaegi (Korean earthenware pot) on medium heat. Once it's warm, add a small amount of sesame oil to the bottom to prevent sticking. This also adds a nutty aroma to the dish.

Tip: If you don’t have a ddukbaegi, you can use a regular pot, but the ddukbaegi helps retain heat longer, making the dish extra comforting.

4. Cook the Marinated Beef

Add the marinated beef to the heated ddukbaegi. Stir-fry the beef for 2-3 minutes until it's browned on the surface but not fully cooked through. This will enhance the flavor of the broth as it cooks later.

5. Add Vegetables and Broth

Once the beef is browned, add the sliced vegetables (onions, carrots, zucchini, mushrooms) and pour in 2 cups of beef broth or water. Add the soaked glass noodles at this stage as well. Bring everything to a boil.

Tip: Using beef broth instead of water adds a richer flavor to the soup. You can make a simple broth using beef bones, but store-bought broth works too.

6. Simmer the Soup

Reduce the heat to medium and let the soup simmer for 8-10 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the beef is fully cooked. If the broth reduces too much, add a little more water or broth as needed.

7. Add Green Onions and Egg (Optional)

In the last minute of cooking, stir in the chopped green onions for freshness. You can also crack an egg directly into the ddukbaegi and let it poach in the broth for an extra layer of richness.

Tip: For a creamy texture, lightly stir the egg into the broth. If you prefer a runny yolk, avoid stirring and let it cook on the surface.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Ddukbaegi Bulgogi:

1. Choose the right cut of beef: Thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin is ideal for bulgogi. Make sure the beef is well-marbled for tenderness and flavor.
2. Adjust the sweetness: Bulgogi can be adjusted to taste—if you prefer a sweeter flavor, add more sugar or a spoonful of honey.
3. Control the broth consistency: If you like your Ddukbaegi Bulgogi more soupy, add extra broth. For a thicker, stew-like consistency, reduce the broth and simmer longer.
4. Customize your vegetables: Feel free to add or swap vegetables based on your preference. Bell peppers, spinach, and tofu are great additions.

Enjoy your comforting and flavorful Ddukbaegi Bulgogi with steamed rice and traditional Korean side dishes (banchan)!
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