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Stir-fry & noodle sauces· VG · DF

Korean BBQ Marinade

Soy, grated pear, garlic, ginger, sesame and a little gochujang: the bulgogi marinade that tenderises as it flavours.

makes 23 cubes, about 18p each

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BatchJoy
batchjoy.com/sauces/korean-bbq-marinade/
Illustration of a bowl of Korean BBQ Marinade
Time
10 min10 min prep
Makes
23 cubes
Cost per cubePer cube
18p
Calories per cubeCalories
37 kcal
A serving
3 cubes
Spice
2 of 5

You’ll need

Batch size
  • 2 (300g)ripe pears, grated
  • 150mlsoy sauce
  • 10 cloves (50g)garlic
  • 30gfresh ginger
  • 40glight brown sugar
  • 30mlsesame oil
  • 20ggochujang
  • 4 (60g)spring onions
  • 3gblack pepper

Allergens: Gluten, Sesame, Soya. Check the labels on stock cubes, sauces and pastes, as brands vary.

Use it for

Bulgogi beef: 400g thin steak or mince with 4 cubes · 4 cubes; Korean BBQ chicken thighs · 3 cubes; Marinated tofu · 2 cubes

Method

  1. Grate the pear finely.
  2. Blitz everything together until smooth.
  3. Taste: it should be salty-sweet with a gentle heat.
  4. Pour into 30ml trays.
  5. Freeze.
kcalproteincarbsfatfibresalt
Per cube370.8g5.6g1.4g0.6g1.04g
Per 3 cubes1112.4g16.8g4.2g1.8g3.12g

Cook’s notes

  • Thaw in the fridge overnight before using as a marinade.
  • The pear's enzymes tenderise meat; marinate for 1 to 4 hours, not longer.
  • Leave out the gochujang for a mild 1.

Use it for

  • Bulgogi beef: 400g thin steak or mince with 4 cubes · 4 cubes
  • Korean BBQ chicken thighs · 3 cubes
  • Marinated tofu · 2 cubes
Keeps 4 months frozen · cool within 2 hours · never refreeze thawed cubesPrinted from BatchJoy

Freeze, reheat and serve

Freeze
Cool it within two hours, freeze it in 30ml ice-cube trays, then bag and label the cubes. It keeps for 4 months.
Use from frozen
Thaw in the fridge overnight before using as a marinade. Never refreeze thawed cubes.
A portion
3 cubes is a serving: about 111 kcal.

Korean BBQ Marinade questions

Can I use apple instead of pear?

A grated apple works, giving a slightly sharper sweetness. Asian pears are the traditional choice if you can find them.

How do I use it with tofu or mushrooms?

Slice firm tofu or king oyster mushrooms, coat them in thawed marinade for at least 30 minutes, then fry or grill until caramelised at the edges.

Can I turn it into a sauce?

Simmer a few thawed cubes in a small pan for a few minutes until slightly thickened and glossy, then spoon over rice or noodles.

Freezer meals that go with it

More stir-fry & noodle sauces · All sauces

Updated . Nutrition, costs and yields are estimates.

Cooking Korean BBQ Marinade