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Korean Beef Skewers

Serves 4 to 6 Entree meat

Korean Beef Skewers

Korean Beef Skewers, a beloved staple of home-cooked meals, finds its place on the table with simplicity and warmth. While the dish is commonly enjoyed at family gatherings, it is equally cherished during everyday meals, where the focus is on savoring the straightforward yet rich flavors that define Korean home cooking. This version captures the essence of preparing a meal with instinct and tradition, with salt measured by feel and the richness of beef celebrated.

Each skewer offers a satisfying bite, with tender beef cubes infused with the subtle warmth of cumin and the sweetness of onions. The generous use of fat ensures a melt-in-the-mouth texture, while hand-judged seasoning provides a perfect balance of salt and pepper. Serve these skewers hot, as they are meant to be shared around the table, embodying the communal spirit of Korean dining.

Ingredients

  • 800 gbeef cubes
  • 1onion
  • 2 tbspoil
  • 1 tspcumin
  • as neededskewers
  • to tastefine sea salt and black pepper

Method

  1. Cut the 800 g beef cubes into uniform pieces, about 2 inches each, to ensure even cooking. Place them in a large bowl and season generously with fine sea salt, black pepper, and 1 tsp cumin. Toss the beef cubes to ensure each piece is well-coated with the spices, which will help enhance the flavor during cooking.
  2. Peel and finely chop the onion. Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and fragrant, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This step builds a flavorful base for the beef.
  3. Increase the heat to high and add the seasoned beef cubes to the skillet in a single layer, ensuring they do not overcrowd the pan. Brown the beef on all sides, turning occasionally, until each piece develops a deep, rich color. This caramelization is crucial for flavor, so take your time to achieve an even browning.
  4. Once the beef is browned, you can choose to braise or grill the skewers. For braising, add a small amount of water or beef stock to the skillet, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently until the beef is tender and the liquid has reduced, about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. For grilling, thread the beef cubes onto skewers and grill over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until the beef is tender and cooked to your liking.
  5. Taste a piece of beef to check for seasoning. If needed, adjust the salt to taste, keeping in mind that the beef should be flavorful and well-seasoned. Serve the Korean Beef Skewers hot, alongside rice, bread, or a fresh salad, encouraging everyone at the table to share and enjoy the meal together.
Cover of Authentic Korean Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Korean Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Korean Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Korean volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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