Yukhoe: Korean Beef Tartare

Ingredients

• 300g (10.5 oz) beef tenderloin, thinly sliced 300g (10.5 oz) beef tenderloin, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) 1 teaspoon gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)
• 1 Asian pear, julienned 1 Asian pear, julienned
• 1 cucumber, julienned 1 cucumber, julienned
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 raw egg yolk 1 raw egg yolk
• Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
• Lettuce leaves, for serving Lettuce leaves, for serving
• Cooked rice, for serving Cooked rice, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 8g, 5g
• Protein: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and gochugaru. Mix well to create the marinade.
2. 2.
   Add the thinly sliced beef to the marinade and toss to coat. Allow the beef to marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
3. 3.
   After marinating, remove the beef from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature.
4. 4.
   Arrange the marinated beef on a serving plate.
5. 5.
   Garnish the beef with julienned Asian pear, cucumber, and green onions.
6. 6.
   Create a small well in the center of the beef and place the raw egg yolk in it.
7. 7.
   Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the dish for added flavor and visual appeal.
8. 8.
   Serve the Yukhoe with lettuce leaves and cooked rice on the side, allowing guests to create their own wraps or bowls.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef tenderloin — Make sure to use high-quality, fresh beef tenderloin for the best results. It should be thinly sliced against the grain to ensure tenderness.
• Asian pear — Choose a ripe Asian pear that is firm and slightly sweet. The julienned pear adds a refreshing crunch to the dish.
• Gochugaru — Adjust the amount of gochugaru according to your spice preference. Add more for a spicier kick or reduce it for a milder flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, lightly toast the sesame seeds before garnishing the dish.
• If you prefer a milder taste, you can blanch the beef slices in boiling water for a few seconds before marinating.
• Customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of gochugaru in the marinade.
• Serve the Yukhoe with a side of kimchi for a traditional Korean accompaniment.
• Experiment with different toppings such as crushed peanuts or sesame oil drizzle for added texture and flavor.

Serving advice

To enjoy Yukhoe, take a lettuce leaf and place a small amount of beef, along with the desired accompaniments, on top. Wrap it up and take a bite to experience the explosion of flavors and textures. Alternatively, you can mix everything together in a bowl with rice for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the marinated beef slices neatly on a plate, creating an attractive display. Garnish with vibrant julienned Asian pear, cucumber, and green onions. Place the raw egg yolk in the center, and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the dish for an added visual appeal.